Factors Influencing University Selection Among 12th Grade Students in Vietnam

Abstract

The Vietnamese education system has undergone significant improvements to align with global development. General education, including primary through high school, is divided into three levels in Vietnam: five years of primary school, four years of lower secondary school, and three years of high school education. This structure differs considerably from countries such as the United States and those in Europe. In Vietnam, the majority of students aspire to attend university after completing their secondary education. Therefore, career guidance needs to be emphasized in the secondary education curriculum to help students identify career paths that match their abilities and interests. This study investigated, evaluated, and identified factors influencing students' decisions regarding school and career choices. Several factors affect their decision-making process: academic performance, employment opportunities and career paths, the diversity and attractiveness of desired fields of study, the reputation of universities, location, financial considerations, family influence, extracurricular activities and support, entrance exam scores, and societal influences. A survey of over 1000 12th-grade students in Da Nang reveals several factors influencing their decisions regarding university selection and choice of academic majors. Results from testing the theoretical model indicate its compatibility with the data, identifying 10 significant factors affecting students' university choices: F1_Academic performance, F2_Job placement and career path, F3_Diversity and attractiveness of desired major, F4_Reputation of the university, F5_Location, F6_Financial considerations, F7_Family ınfluence, F8_Extracurricular and supportive activities, F9_Entrance examination scores, F10_Social ınfluences. The study also assesses the level of impact of each factor on students' decisions. Based on these findings, appropriate solutions have been proposed to support students in their career orientation.