--- title: Step 3) Preferences (read time 2 minutes) description: On this screen, we enter the students’ preferences. This has been made very simple as the students are already entered in the table and the subjects permitted are built into the dropdown list when you --- [Skip to content](https://support.vsware.ie/en/step-3-preferences#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![VS-Logo-1.jpg\]](https://support.vsware.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/VS-Logo-1.jpg?height=40&name=VS-Logo-1.jpg) - [Tickets](https://support.vsware.ie/tickets-view) - [Sign out](https://support.vsware.ie/_hcms/mem/logout) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Tickets](https://support.vsware.ie/tickets-view) - [Sign out](https://support.vsware.ie/_hcms/mem/logout) - English Show submenu for translations - Go to vsware.ie Go to vsware.ie Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.vsware.ie/en?hsLang=en) 2. [Subject Options](https://support.vsware.ie/en/subject-options?hsLang=en) 3. [Generating Subject Option Blocks](https://support.vsware.ie/en/subject-options?hsLang=en#generating-subject-option-blocks) # Step 3) Preferences (read time 2 minutes) > We’ve recently updated our top menu navigation (July/August 2024). We’re currently updating our user guides to reflect these changes, so thank you for your patience while we work on this. The new menu is user-friendly, so you shouldn’t experience significant disruption. If you need help locating specific items in the new menu however, watch our quick videos for admin users [here](https://vsware.wistia.com/medias/isekqugfvf?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-99XHAvtzxcJKFQ7QDLy15ONvtyAB-isBlO-MAWC8wsK9tfBYLCq7uCuHKjR59jTrivjQFg), and for teachers [here](https://vsware.wistia.com/medias/sgw6j8shlr?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-99XHAvtzxcJKFQ7QDLy15ONvtyAB-isBlO-MAWC8wsK9tfBYLCq7uCuHKjR59jTrivjQFg). On this screen, we enter the students’ preferences. This has been made very simple as the students are already entered in the table and the subjects permitted are built into the dropdown list when you click on any of the preferences columns in the table.  On the right hand side of this page you will see a statistical table that will automatically update as the preferences are added or modified. ![](https://support.vsware.ie/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio692855054609b6a9f8d981f14365ac4ePicture3.png) There is also a feature which will allow parents to enter subject preferences for their children. This is managed by the school. Under Actions, you will see ‘Publish to Parents.’ This will then show a popup screen which will allow you to create a timeframe for parents to enter preferences. ![](https://support.vsware.ie/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio6928550627672876da5a2ca46b2d0bd5Picture5.png) On this popup below, you can also write an explanatory message for parents to explain the preferences procedure. ![](https://support.vsware.ie/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio692855081db343ef641701bb4a65500ePicture6.png) In the screenshot below, we see that Una Byrne's father is logged in and he has entered 4 subject preferences for his daughter. The parent will see a customised message of instruction from the school. When the parent completes the preferences entry, they will receive an ‘Options entry complete’ confirmation message. ![](https://support.vsware.ie/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio69285509d6adc7963e7008b95d66b845Picture7.png) The preferences entered by the parent will then automatically display in the preferences table on the preference screen. ![](https://support.vsware.ie/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio69285512a505b8bf1379ab3c3a2b386cPicture8.png) The totals for the number of main preferences (and preferences including reserves) are computed allowing you to make an informed decision on the number of classes you need to provide. ![](https://support.vsware.ie/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio69285513ea7d6472da45b0202df74d4bPicture9.png) **The Clash Matrix** This matrix will provide some interesting statistics in relation to the expression of interest in individual subjects or in studying combinations of subjects. In the sample matrix shown below, we see for example that 9 students have indicated a preference for both French and Spanish. Business and Music are listed amongst the preferences of 9 different students. ![](https://support.vsware.ie/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio6928551539ac876ad97a9db71306cea7Picture10.png) The coloured cells which appear down the diagonal of the matrix show the total number of student indicating that subject in their preferences (not including reserve preference). - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://support.vsware.ie/en/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Login and clearing the cache FAQ (all users)](https://support.vsware.ie/en/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#login-and-clearing-the-cache-faq-all-users) - [Teacher FAQ](https://support.vsware.ie/en/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#teacher-faq) - [Timetable FAQ](https://support.vsware.ie/en/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#timetable-faq) - [Managing Students and general administration FAQ](https://support.vsware.ie/en/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en#managing-students-and-general-administration-faq) - 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