Chapter 2

Review of related literature and studies

This part of the research paper contains a compilation of evaluative related studies

regarding the factors that students consider in entering big universities. This part makes the study

more relevant where in these related studies are credible and accredited for the researchers. These

are the following studies that support the research’s validity.

A.Foreign Study

In a related study, students are focused of the value. Students were concerned to what they

are investing, because going to a university it also means they are investing their money, and also

their time and effort, students are be concerned if the university that they are going to enter will be

worth it. Other factor that students may consider in choosing a university is for them to able to

seek proper knowledge with regards to their courses, could give them clear instructions with

regards to their courses, has good quality and full trained staffs, would maximize their given

opportunities, as a proper coordination between students and institutions, has a good environment,

could meet and reach their expectations especially towards full compensation.

(Kandiko, C. B. & Mawer, M. (2013). Student Expectations and Perceptions of Higher E

ducation. London: King’s Learning Institute.)

The study “An Investigation of Factors Affecting High School Student’s Choice of

University in Thailand” by Kamol Kitsawad aims to explore the different factors that influence the

student’s choice of university. More than half of the students from different regions that

participated in this study are in favor of universities that are supported with public funds or
provides free education for students of a community with good quality education and facilities that

are sufficient.

Students also considered important circumstances like their family’s income in choosing a

university. Those who have low income, prefer public universities run by the government that

provide scholarships while students who have higher income choose universities that offers

opportunities that are international. The different services offered by the Institute were also

included as an essential factor that should be considered in choosing a university. The reputation

of the school enables students to further examine its strengths and weaknesses in terms of academic

purposes. Johnston (2010) stated that information from their parents helps their children decide

easier for a university that offers college. This study also specified the importance of

recommendations from their friends, family and relatives made it easier for the students to decide

on which university to go to than information given from advertisement and social media.

According to a study entitled “Factors influencing student choice to study at private higher

education institutions”, there stated on the study are that the main factors influencing the choice of

students were grouped in six domains, these are (1) student perceptions which is the most important

factor that is considered when choosing private higher educations institutions, (2) access and

opportunity, these are the access and opportunity that the institution may give to the students, (3)

learning environments a factor may affect the student’s credibility, (4) the quality or credibility of

the teacher, this greatly affects the student’s performance in their academics. (5) Course design,

students’ knowing their course designs can help them see where and how they can set their goals

before the end of their term and (6) the number of successful graduates, some students, also rely

on the success of the alumnus of the institution.

B. Local Study
 A related study in Tarlac, aims to know the factors that affect the career choices of high

school students. One of the factors that students consider is the scholarship and subsides that are

offered in the universities, students with low income pursue to study in a university that offer

scholarship, so they won’t worry the money while studying. Aside from economic factors, students

also consider the employability rates of their courses after finishing college. Children somehow

support their families after graduating. They also consider schools that are accessible to their

residency, it is an important factor in choosing a school for higher education to students so that

they be stressed out and worry and also to lessen their expenses. Another factor that affect their

decision making is the decision of their families and friends. Most Filipino families decide for their

children in which students are intended to obey their parents will to show respect and maintain

their families’ harmony.

Economic factor appears to be the most significant factor that students consider in choosing

schools in college in Bukidnon National High School. Another factor that students consider is the

decision of parents and peers, parents and peers tend to influence their decision more because they

don’t want to be left alone and want to show respect to their parents. Aside from economic and

family related factors, students also consider the value and what will they get from the university

they are entering. (Vallente, et al. (2016), Factors influencing student’s choice for a senior high

school academic track.)

The most considered factor of students in choosing a course in higher education is the job

availability, job availability is a significant factor for students because even they have the highest

paying course, it be worthless if they didn’t have a job. Factor related to peers and parents does

not much affect students’ decision, peers tend to influence students’ decision making but not at all

times. Parents tend to give a decision that will obey and won’t have enough reason to stand on
their own foot to pick a course that they want, but it vary on the family they have. Students prefer

the most popular and highest paying job, thus they don’t have any ability and skills for that course,

so they are inclined to do jobs that is not related to their interest. Aside from that, students’ fathers’

occupation is considered as a factor, because most likely, fathers’ are the bread winner of the

family in which they think first if their fathers’ income can sustain their needs and tuition in

entering the prestigious universities. Lastly, students also contemplate their interest and skills.

They base on their ability so that they won’t have a problem in their jobs in the future. (Pascual,

Nancy T., (2014), Factors affecting high school students’ career preference: a basis for career

planning program)

C. Foreign Literature

“As I approach the end of my third year of my undergraduate degree, I’ve been looking

back at my higher education and thinking about the future. Trying to sort through my options, I’ve

been petrified by the sheer number of choices that lay before me. I’ve had a lot of questions. “

(Camilla, 2016). In this article she stated that she had a difficult time in deciding about her college

choices in the future when she was in her third year of her degree. One question that has been

bothering her for a long time was that if university education really worth it despite all the trouble.

She felt an envy when some of her friends didn’t go to university, they wouldn’t feel the stress she

had been going through and just be successful in their own ways. In her personal point of view

regarding university education is that it is really worth it. Without this, you won’t be able to learn

and apply it in the real world. Her advice in making such these decisions is that firstly, you need

to have other options if you don’t pursue in entering university. Secondly, choose the university

that you really want to that you enjoy and will eventually can use when you work professionally

in the future. (Camila (2016), Make the right decision about university)
 There are 10 factors students consider in choosing a college. First factor is that the intensity

of spirit or the environment of the school in terms of enjoying activities. Second, the campus

location. Choose that you can handle being away or handle the stress from traffic and traveling far.

Third, the campus size, choose which you prefer if its either a small or large group of people.

Fourth, pick the type of living situation that would be the perfect type of environment you would

like. Fifth, the variety of campus clubs, organizations and greek life. In these you must consider if

you’d really like to influence your college experience in by joining organizations. Sixth, think

about the religious affiliations, consider the pros and cons of entering a school with a religious

affiliation. Seventh, food. Pick the food that would satisfy your own likings. Eighth, diversity on

campus. Ask yourself, if you’re comfortable in interaction with other people within the campus

that you’ve chosen. Ninth, Study abroad programs. Consider this as a great way for opportunities

to see the world. Tenth, financial aid options. There are many scholarships that each universities

offer, and these options would help you enter the school financially. (Hoyt (2018),

D. Local Literature

There are many factors that can affect the students’ choice in entering prestigious

universities, it includes the people who are related to the students. Students when going to college

just choose a course, without thinking if they have an interest or skill to a specific course. It is

important for the student to choose a course and a specific university for their future career

experiences. It is very important for the high school students to choose what course they prefer to.

Currently there are two tracks and five strands that k-12 curriculum offer to students for their future

career.
Synthesis

These related literature and studies considers the different factors for choosing or entering the

big universities. It includes the economic factor, job availability, decision of the parents, decision

of peers, skills and interest of the students and the credibility of the teacher in teaching good

education.

Economic Factor includes the financial statements of the students, this gives the capability of

the students to afford the university of their choice, and thus, under economic factor, also includes

the students’ capability to get a scholarship for their chosen university. Job availability, most

students consider the availability of jobs the university could offer after they graduate their chosen

course. Decision of the parents, some students who are undecided, go for the aide of their parents,

and they ask for their parents’ choices and decisions, others, just simply choose the university for

a harmonious relationship in the family. Decision of peers, this does not greatly affect the student’s

choice of university but it is a great basis, because due to students’ ability to be socializing humans,

their need for peers is a factor they considered when choosing a university. Interest, not all

universities offer the courses that the student wants to pursue and so, the student greatly considers

the university’s performance on the course they offer or the course the peaks the interest of the

student. Teacher’s Credibility, the teacher is an important factor in considering the university of

choice because some students, actually research on how the systems of the faculty work, for some

students don’t rely greatly on self-studying, some students require teacher or professor discussions

for them to understand and elaborately understand the course topics.