FACTORS INFLUENCING CANDIDATES' CHOICE OF UNIVERSITY AND UNIVERSITY COURSES

Report of a pilot survey of Chemistry I students at UWA 1995.

As part of an ongoing project investigating the major influences on year 12 students studying Science at university level, a pilot survey was completed by 525 Chemistry I students from UWA towards the end of first semester 1995. Analysis of the survey responses provided some interesting insights into the concerns and attitudes of The University of Western Australia's first year Science students. If you are participating in reviewing the structure of a unit, course or even your faculty some of these results might be of interest to you in promoting a positive image with the aim of attracting more students. Alternatively you can arrange to investigate the attitudes and opinions of students in your area by calling Peter Stuckey of the UWA Institutional Research Unit on 380 3190.

Responses were weighted and expressed as a percentage of the highest possible score for each item.

Q 1. How important to you were the following factors in your choice of university?

Courses offered by (84.7), and the reputation of (60.9) UWA are the most significant factors affecting students' choice of institution. Then follows the influence of location (42.2), social (37.5), parents (36.3), friends (34.8), teachers (29), media (18.3), student support services (13.5) and accommodation (12.2).

Q 2. How important to you were the following factors in your choice of university course?

Students' choices of study course are most influenced by the relationship to their career choices (77.9) and their interest and experience (75) in the area of study, and by job/career related factors (job prospects (71.5) and flexibility of career choice - both current (67.4) and future (67.1)). Then follows the influence of TEE (55.2), prerequisites (48.9), parents (28.7), length of course (21.9), teachers (21.8), friends (19.6) and media (14.5).

Q 3. In your opinion how important are the following attributes to a desirable career?

Interest (96.5) is the overriding factor governing students' career choices, with job prospects (85.2) and advancement opportunities (80.7) being almost as important. Work conditions (68.6) and income (70) are seen as important while family approval (43.4) and social standing (38.5) are low priority.