Subject options & Subject options & careers careers

55thth year – Senior year – Senior cyclecycleMatriculation subjects and Matriculation subjects and

course requirementscourse requirements

What to chooseWhat to choose

All subjects are equally valid (points)All subjects are equally valid (points) Some subjects are mandatory Some subjects are mandatory Some subjects are college required Some subjects are college required

(Matriculation)(Matriculation) Some subjects are course requirementsSome subjects are course requirements Some subjects are relevantSome subjects are relevant Some subjects are easy / interesting / Some subjects are easy / interesting /

suitedsuited

Subjects within SPSSubjects within SPS Irish (Spanish) Irish (Spanish) EnglishEnglish Maths Maths French French Chemistry / Business /ArtChemistry / Business /Art Biology / Music / EconomicsBiology / Music / Economics Physics / History / BiologyPhysics / History / Biology Geography / Classics / Design & Geography / Classics / Design &

Communication GraphicsCommunication Graphics

Additional subjectsAdditional subjectsApplied mathematicsApplied mathematicsHome economicsHome economicsGerman German

How Many? How Many?

Maximum is 9 subjectsMaximum is 9 subjects Minimum is 6 subjectsMinimum is 6 subjects Recommended is 7 / 8Recommended is 7 / 8

Matriculation Matriculation

All NUI’s (UCC, UCD, Maynooth, All NUI’s (UCC, UCD, Maynooth, Galway, RCSI, NCAD) require a third Galway, RCSI, NCAD) require a third language for entrylanguage for entry

Except for agriculture, engineering at UCD orExcept for agriculture, engineering at UCD or

engineering at Maynoothengineering at Maynooth

NCAD will accept Art instead of a third NCAD will accept Art instead of a third languagelanguage

Maths Maths

IS ESSENTIAL FOR;IS ESSENTIAL FOR; Entry for almost all collegesEntry for almost all collegesScience, engineering, business, medicine, Science, engineering, business, medicine,

paramedical, nursing and psychology and paramedical, nursing and psychology and for all courses in the Institute of for all courses in the Institute of TechnologyTechnology

Foundation levelFoundation level is accepted as general is accepted as general entry in many universities, but no points entry in many universities, but no points are awarded and it will not suffice for are awarded and it will not suffice for meeting course requirement.meeting course requirement.

EnglishEnglish

Is essential for;Is essential for;

Entry to almost all colleges. Higher Entry to almost all colleges. Higher English is required for journalism English is required for journalism (HB in DCU, HC in DIT), (HB in DCU, HC in DIT), communications and media arts in communications and media arts in DIT and MaynoothDIT and Maynooth

IrishIrish

Is essential for;Is essential for;

All NUI colleges – exemptions must be All NUI colleges – exemptions must be stated on CAO and colleges will then stated on CAO and colleges will then contact the student directlycontact the student directly

Primary teaching (HC), Degrees Primary teaching (HC), Degrees through Irish, through Irish,

Third languageThird language

Essential forEssential for

Entry to all NUI colleges and courses Entry to all NUI colleges and courses that require language as part of that require language as part of course.course.

IN TCD, UL, and DCU, it is essential to IN TCD, UL, and DCU, it is essential to have a language (Irish will suffice) have a language (Irish will suffice) other than English. other than English.

NCAD (art instead of third language), NCAD (art instead of third language), Nursing (any other subject instead)Nursing (any other subject instead)

Science subjects Science subjects Medicine x 2Medicine x 2(can include higher maths instead of physics)(can include higher maths instead of physics) Nursing / midwifery / OT / radiography x 1Nursing / midwifery / OT / radiography x 1 Science x 2 Science x 2 TCD TCD (can include higher / app maths / (can include higher / app maths /

geography)geography) Science x 1 Science x 1 UCDUCD Dentistry x 2 Dentistry x 2 (can include higher maths instead of (can include higher maths instead of

physics)physics) Pharmacy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy x 2 Physiotherapy x 2 (can include higher maths)(can include higher maths) Veterinary courses x Chemistry + other matric.Veterinary courses x Chemistry + other matric. Engineering (Engineering (UCDUCD) need chemistry / physics) need chemistry / physics Dietetics Dietetics (DIT) (DIT) need chemistry need chemistry

Usually implies HC3Usually implies HC3

Biology, physics, chemistryBiology, physics, chemistry

In summary!In summary!

Choose subjects you will need for Choose subjects you will need for your chosen university routeyour chosen university route

Choose subjects you are interested Choose subjects you are interested in and are willing to work atin and are willing to work at

Choose subjects that will gain you Choose subjects that will gain you sufficient points or the basic grades sufficient points or the basic grades required.required.

Making up your career Making up your career mind!mind!

What subjects do I enjoyWhat subjects do I enjoy What subjects am I good atWhat subjects am I good at Aptitude tests / interest inventoriesAptitude tests / interest inventories Work experienceWork experience Ruling out!!Ruling out!! ResearchResearch Work experience – especially for Work experience – especially for

UCAS applicantsUCAS applicants

How to narrow down How to narrow down

YES

MAYBE

NO

Dietetics

Psychology

Social work

Business

Engineering

Science

Medicine

Nursing

CAO processCAO process

Begin research nowBegin research now Convert points from all examsConvert points from all exams Goals – short and long termGoals – short and long term Art applicants need to work on Art applicants need to work on

portfolio – restricted courses #portfolio – restricted courses # Hpat students advised to take Hpat Hpat students advised to take Hpat

in 5in 5thth year and 6 year and 6thth year year

UCASUCAS

University and College Application SystemUniversity and College Application System First deadline is 15First deadline is 15thth October (6 October (6thth year)– for year)– for

Oxbridge and medicine, dentistry and Oxbridge and medicine, dentistry and veterinaryveterinary

Work experience is crucial for these Work experience is crucial for these coursescourses

1515thth January is deadline for all other courses January is deadline for all other courses

Recommend to apply early, from September Recommend to apply early, from September 1st!!1st!!

Predicted grades so work from now!Predicted grades so work from now!

Aptitude assessments for Aptitude assessments for UKUK BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

For entry to medicine and veterinary schools.For entry to medicine and veterinary schools. English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT)English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT)

For entry to English courses at the University of Oxford.For entry to English courses at the University of Oxford. Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

For entry into medicine.For entry into medicine. History Aptitude Test (HAT)History Aptitude Test (HAT)

For entry to modern history and a joint honours degrees involving modern history at For entry to modern history and a joint honours degrees involving modern history at the University of Oxford.the University of Oxford.

Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT)Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT)For entry to certain medical courses at the University of Ulster.For entry to certain medical courses at the University of Ulster.

The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT)The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT)For entry to law.For entry to law.

Modern and Medieval Languages Test (MML)Modern and Medieval Languages Test (MML)For entry to modern and medieval languages at the University of Cambridge.For entry to modern and medieval languages at the University of Cambridge.

Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP)Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP)For entry to mathematics at the University of Cambridge.For entry to mathematics at the University of Cambridge.

Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA Cambridgeor) Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA Cambridgeor) For entry to computer science, For entry to computer science, natural sciences, engineering and economics at the University of Cambridge.natural sciences, engineering and economics at the University of Cambridge.

Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA Oxford) Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA Oxford) formerly known as the PPE Admissions Testformerly known as the PPE Admissions Test

For entry to the philosophy, politics and economics, and the economics and For entry to the philosophy, politics and economics, and the economics and management courses at the University of Oxford.management courses at the University of Oxford.

UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)For entry to medical and dental schools For entry to medical and dental schools

2009 Points change 2009 Points change 20082008

Science: 440 (TCD), Science: 440 (TCD), 385 (UCD), 360 (DCU)385 (UCD), 360 (DCU)

Business: 475 (TCD), Business: 475 (TCD), 450 (UCD), 425 (DCU), 450 (UCD), 425 (DCU), 410 (DIT)410 (DIT)

Engineering: 410 – 365Engineering: 410 – 365 Arts: 440 – 555Arts: 440 – 555 Architecture: 505 UCDArchitecture: 505 UCD

Science: 415 (TCD), Science: 415 (TCD), 390 (UCD), 360 (DCU)390 (UCD), 360 (DCU)

Business: 470 (TCD), Business: 470 (TCD), 450 (UCD), 425 450 (UCD), 425 (DCU), 410 (DIT)(DCU), 410 (DIT)

Engineering: 445 – Engineering: 445 – 380380

Arts: 430 – 555Arts: 430 – 555 Architecture 525Architecture 525

Points Points HonoursHonoursA1A1 100100A2A2 9090B1 B1 8585B2B2 8080B3B3 7575C1C1 7070C2C2 6565C3C3 6060D1D1 5555D2D2 5050D3D3 4545

Ordinary Ordinary A1A1 6060A2A2 5050B1 B1 4545B2B2 4040B3B3 3535C1C1 3030C2C2 2525C3C3 2020D1D1 1515D2D2 1010D3D3 55

Points = grades Points = grades

555 = 2 x A1, 3 x A2, 1 x B1555 = 2 x A1, 3 x A2, 1 x B1

500 = 4 x B1, 2 x B2500 = 4 x B1, 2 x B2

475 = 2 x B1, 2 x B2, 1 x B3, 1 x C1475 = 2 x B1, 2 x B2, 1 x B3, 1 x C1

440 = 4 x C1, 2 x B2440 = 4 x C1, 2 x B2

400 = 3 x C1, 2 x C2, 1 x C3400 = 3 x C1, 2 x C2, 1 x C3

350 = 2 x C1, 2 x C3, 1 x ord B2, 1 x ord 350 = 2 x C1, 2 x C3, 1 x ord B2, 1 x ord A2, A2,

300 = 1 x ord A2, 2 x ord B2, 1 x ord C1, 300 = 1 x ord A2, 2 x ord B2, 1 x ord C1, 2 x C2, 2 x C2,

HPATHPAThealth professional health professional

aptitude testaptitude testwww. hpat-ireland.acer.edu.iewww. hpat-ireland.acer.edu.ie Can be taken more than once and best Can be taken more than once and best

score can be usedscore can be used 3 sections; 3 sections; Section 1Section 1 tests your tests your logical reasoning and problem solving skillslogical reasoning and problem solving skills. .

This section is designed to test how fast you can interpret This section is designed to test how fast you can interpret information and your ability to think in various ways.information and your ability to think in various ways.

Section 2 Section 2 tests your ability to tests your ability to understand peopleunderstand people. You will be . You will be given various passages or scenarios describing people and given various passages or scenarios describing people and interactions, this section is about empathyinteractions, this section is about empathy

Section 3 Section 3 tests your tests your non-verbal reasoningnon-verbal reasoning. This involves finding . This involves finding patterns and trends in a sequence or block of pictures. It tests patterns and trends in a sequence or block of pictures. It tests your ability to think non-verbally your ability to think non-verbally

Sample question section Sample question section 11

Botanists studied a rainforest in Nicaragua that had been Botanists studied a rainforest in Nicaragua that had been ravaged by Hurricane Joan in 1988. They found that in the ravaged by Hurricane Joan in 1988. They found that in the following ten years the number of tree species had following ten years the number of tree species had increased by at least 200%, and up to 300%, in eight increased by at least 200%, and up to 300%, in eight storm-affected plots. Other plots not affected by the storm-affected plots. Other plots not affected by the hurricane showed little if any such increase.hurricane showed little if any such increase.

1. From this information, it can be concluded that1. From this information, it can be concluded that AA hurricanes play an important role in ensuring the long- hurricanes play an important role in ensuring the long-

term survival of tropical rainforests.term survival of tropical rainforests.BB when the dominant trees in an area of tropical rainforest when the dominant trees in an area of tropical rainforest are destroyed, other species are given a chance to flourish.are destroyed, other species are given a chance to flourish.CC the overall life of a tropical rainforest is increased if the overall life of a tropical rainforest is increased if arge areas are occasionally levelled to the ground.arge areas are occasionally levelled to the ground.DD the productivity of a tropical rainforest will be the productivity of a tropical rainforest will be maximised if large areas are occasionally levelled to the maximised if large areas are occasionally levelled to the ground.ground.

  

Sample question section Sample question section 22

In the following passage, an adolescent boy talks about living In the following passage, an adolescent boy talks about living with a physical disability. As I have been physically disabled with a physical disability. As I have been physically disabled all my life, I have managedall my life, I have managedto cope with the purely practical problems arising with a to cope with the purely practical problems arising with a minimum of fuss. I felt no loss, because I had no feelings of minimum of fuss. I felt no loss, because I had no feelings of ‘normality’ to compare with. One of my physical problems is ‘normality’ to compare with. One of my physical problems is that I am short, about 127 centimetres tall. I was constantly that I am short, about 127 centimetres tall. I was constantly mistaken by strangers for a little kid. It’s a real pain for a 16-mistaken by strangers for a little kid. It’s a real pain for a 16-year-old boy to be handed a kid’s menu every time he enters a year-old boy to be handed a kid’s menu every time he enters a restaurant. It is even worse when mere coherent speech is restaurant. It is even worse when mere coherent speech is greeted with awe.greeted with awe.

3. For the writer, the main problem with his disability is3. For the writer, the main problem with his disability is AA the embarrassment of being so short. the embarrassment of being so short.

BB never knowing what it is to be ‘normal’. never knowing what it is to be ‘normal’.C C dealing with other people’s preconceptions.dealing with other people’s preconceptions.DD coping with the practical problems caused by his condition. coping with the practical problems caused by his condition.

  

Section 3 sample Section 3 sample questions questions

Arrange the five pictures so that Arrange the five pictures so that they form a logical sequence. Then they form a logical sequence. Then select the middle picture of the select the middle picture of the sequence and mark the sequence and mark the corresponding letter (A, B, C, D or corresponding letter (A, B, C, D or E) on the answer sheet. E) on the answer sheet.

 

Hpat FactsHpat Facts

Maximum score in Hpat is 300, this Maximum score in Hpat is 300, this year score ranged from 71 – 230year score ranged from 71 – 230

Maximum acceptable score in LC is Maximum acceptable score in LC is 480480

There are 480 places on offer from 5 There are 480 places on offer from 5 medical schools, student must score medical schools, student must score above the 80above the 80thth %ile to be in top 500. %ile to be in top 500.

One student who scored in the 84%ile One student who scored in the 84%ile (top 16%) did not receive a place(top 16%) did not receive a place

Test takes 2 hours 30 minutesTest takes 2 hours 30 minutes

Breakdown Breakdown

A student adds the 1A student adds the 1stst 550 points from 550 points from their leaving certificate pointstheir leaving certificate points

For every 5 points over this they add For every 5 points over this they add 1 point, e.g. if they score 570 points, 1 point, e.g. if they score 570 points, they get 550 + 4they get 550 + 4

They add this is the Hpat score, e.g. They add this is the Hpat score, e.g. 225 +550 + 4 = 779.225 +550 + 4 = 779.

Increase in male places from previous Increase in male places from previous years. years.

How to improve chancesHow to improve chances Practice, practice, practice – question type and timing.Practice, practice, practice – question type and timing. repeat test in 5repeat test in 5thth and 6 and 6thth year year Preparation courses – although Hpat and ACER do not endorse Preparation courses – although Hpat and ACER do not endorse

these courses in institute of educationthese courses in institute of education Also available in DCU over Christmas holidays 28 / 29 and 30 / 31 Also available in DCU over Christmas holidays 28 / 29 and 30 / 31

December (run by medentry)December (run by medentry)

Key skills for career; Key skills for career; be flexible be flexible have good thinking skills (critical and analytical) have good thinking skills (critical and analytical) be able to respond quickly to new situations and problems be able to respond quickly to new situations and problems have a well developed ability to understand and respond to have a well developed ability to understand and respond to

patients' needs and individual situations patients' needs and individual situations

Encourage wide and critical readingEncourage wide and critical reading

Register for test between 10Register for test between 10thth november and 20 november and 20thth Januatry Januatry Test takes place on the 27Test takes place on the 27thth Feburary Feburary

Alternative routes Alternative routes

Medicine / Physiotherapy – Science 325 – 425 Medicine / Physiotherapy – Science 325 – 425 points, then post graduate programmepoints, then post graduate programme

Law – variety of degrees for Blackhall place. Law – variety of degrees for Blackhall place. For kings Inn law is ideal – or 2 years diploma For kings Inn law is ideal – or 2 years diploma req. req. (arts, private colleges)(arts, private colleges)

Business / marketing – entry at level 6 /7 (330) Business / marketing – entry at level 6 /7 (330) in DIT and progress through to level 8 (410*)in DIT and progress through to level 8 (410*)

FETAC route – many linked programmes, FETAC route – many linked programmes, nursing, art, business, social science, sciencenursing, art, business, social science, science

Ideal scenario!Ideal scenario!

In August 2011 (!!!) students should In August 2011 (!!!) students should have many options – includinghave many options – including

Level 8 honours degreeLevel 8 honours degree Level 6 / 6 ordinary degreeLevel 6 / 6 ordinary degree Fetac (back up) courseFetac (back up) course UK offerUK offer