In Hungary, a countrywide survey of school and/or career choice intentions among seventh-grade primary school pupils was complemented by an examination of the motives playing a role in the choice. School achievement was the strongest factor that decides the tendency of the intention of choosing a secondary school. Regarding career choices, the choice of level of future career was also primarily determined by pupils' average school achievement. Since school achievement and family background were closely related, high prestige professional careers were chosen by children from professional families. Choice of school and choice of career were closely linked, interrelated processes. School and career choice reflected a general need of social mobility that the rising generation should attain a higher educational level and occupational status than their predecessors. Changes in the career motivations of primary school students compared to the early 1960s indicated the importance of (1) good working conditions, (2) social prestige attainable through a career, and (3) sociability. Position in the social hierarchy strongly determined career choice conceptions and their realization. The positive motives important from the viewpoint of career choice were also found to be important from the viewpoint of school achievement. (YLB)