Factors Affecting University Choices Among

Grade 12-ABM Students of Binan and Santa Rosa

S.Y. 2018-2019

John Relly C. Adlawan

James Ryan M. Alzona

Rosemarie Balala

Christine Joy Q. Brillantes

Irene C. Cal

Isabelle A. Navea

March 2019
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND IT’S SETTING

This chapter discusses the structure of the study, the background of the study, and

the problems of the study

Introduction

The college enrollment decision has become increasingly complex for the past

decade for a lot of students because of our ever changing educational system and

complex college enrollment processes. A lot of incoming college students are very busy

applying to different colleges and state universities for A.Y. 2019-2020. Some of them

are decided on which schools they would like to study but most of them are still

undecided on which college or state universities they would want to study. According to

Boyer (1987), “in choosing a college, one of life’s major decisions is being made. A lot of

time, money, and effort will be involved. The shape and quality of the student’s life may

rest on the outcome” (p. 287). These students take into account a lot of factors in

choosing a college or state university like geography, quality of education, peer and

family influence, financial status and the available courses to take in their chosen college

schools. The researchers have formulated a research entitled “Factors that Affect

University Choices Among Grade 12-ABM Students of Senior High Schools in Santa

Rosa and Binan, Laguna, S.Y. 2018-2019.”

Researchers have conducted several researches about university choices like Tan

(2009) who conducted a research about college choices in the Philippines in the
University of Texas. She found out that the students take into account their academic

abilities in choosing a university. Another research conducted by Chatfield and Lee

(2014) in the UNLV suggested that the cost of tuition is the main factor that affects

students in choosing colleges. Aydin (2015) concluded that university choice process has

long term implications related to financial costs as well as psychological costs of a

student. These researches suggested different important factors that would be valuable to

student’s university choice.

Several researches that was conducted has one small gap that was identified by the

researchers. Most of the researches were conducted in the United States and other

Western countries like Australia (Liu,2005). The reality is that research on college choice

of students in the Philippines is limited. Having a vast amount of research in the

Philippines involving university choices would be beneficial to students, their parents and

especially to the universities.A better understanding of how high school seniors evaluated

the relative importance of major college choice factors would aid this colleges in

recruiting students from its high school base.

This research has several objectives that would be beneficial to the overall

framework of the study. First, it aims to know what factor/s would affect university

choices of Grade 12- ABM Students in Binan and Santa Rosa.It also aims to describe the

student’s perspective in choosing a university suited for them, to know how a student’s

career path in life would be and to know how these factors would affect a student’s

perspective, interests and motivational aspects in learning.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

According to the Self- Determination Theory that was formulated by Deci and Ryan

(2005), school learning has also been studied through the concepts of intrinsic and

extrinsic motivation. Researchers state that an intrinsically motivated student "is one

whose involvement and maintenance in the activity happens as a result of the task itself

because it is interesting and creates satisfaction; students with this type of motivation

work on activities because they consider them pleasant". The extrinsically motivated

student "is one who performs a task or activity because they are interested in social or

external rewards; a student with this type of motivation is more interested in the opinion

of the other person, external recognition, praise or just avoiding punishment".

Researchers' interest in the motivational aspects of learning is a recent development,

whereas older theories positioned motivation as an important precondition. However,

today's studies show a reciprocal relationship, i.e., "motivation can have an effect on

learning and performance at the same time that learning can affect motivation"

According to the Risk Theory that was conducted by Kahneman and Tversky (1992),

it is the study of the impact of possible outcomes on the process and consequences of

decisions. Students make course selection (CS) and university selection (US) decisions

with varied return expectations, but also with a perception of the risk that those

expectations will not be realized. Return and risk are interrelated decision variables, both

requiring consideration. All decisions result in consequences which occur in a future

which is normally uncertain, thereby making few decisions risk-free. Students making CS
and US decisions expect certain return elements to result, yet realize that risks exist that

their expectations from taking the course may not materialize.

Based on the Behavioral Model Theory of choosing a course or a university that was

conducted by Ajzen (1985), there are five stages in choosing a university, First, the Pre-

search behavior begins when a student first recognizes the possible need and desirability

of a college-level education. Parental influences may lead to such a realization on the part

of the student well before the high school years. Second, the search behavior stage is

characterized by extensive and active acquisition of information about possible college

alternatives. knowledgeable "others" are presumably consulted with great frequency and

in depth. Third, the application decision consists of those colleges to which a student

submits an application for admission. At this point, the pursuit of a college-level

education is serious and the number of college alternatives has been narrowed down to a

few. Fourth, the choice decision phase in which the student is presumed to possess

relatively complete information on all relevant college attributes, since the student is

informed of the availability of financial aid amounts and mix (the allocation of financial

aid between grants/scholarships, loans, and part-time jobs). Lastly, the matriculation

decision in which standard institutional practice in admissions is to require a deposit

along with the acceptance of admission. However, these deposits are normally not

substantial (a 5000-10,000 pesos range is common), so the cost of forfeiting such a

deposit to attend a much more preferred college alternative is not a major hurdle for

many students
Conceptual Framework

This framework describes the steps used in the formulation of the study:
 Figure 1: Paradigm of the Study

Paradigm

of the Study
 Figure 1 shows the systematic steps that the researchers used in order to achieve

and answer the problems stated above. In the first block, the problems of this study are

shown in order to answer how Grade 12- ABM Students pick their universities. In the

second block, the processes are shown that comprises of the desired design of the

research and also the statistical tools used. In the third block, the desired output is shown

through summarizing, concluding and recommending based on the problems stated by the

researchers above.

Statement of the Problem

 The researchers have formulated several questions regarding the chosen topic.

These are:

1. What factor/s would most likely affect university choice of a Grade 12-ABM

Student studying at some certain schools in Binan and Santa Rosa?

1.1. Student Characteristics
1.1.1 Academic Ability
1.1.2 Socioeconomic Status
1.1.3 Educational Aspirations/Expectations
1.2. Institutional Characteristics
1.2.1 Academic Quality
1.2.2 Programs of Study
1.2.3 Cost and Financial Aid
1.2.4 Location
1.2.5 Social Atmosphere
1.2.6 College Marketing
1.3. Significant Others
1.3.1 Parents and Family
1.3.2 Peers and Other Individuals

2. How would the following factors affect a Grade 12- ABM Student’s perspective in

choosing a university suited for them?

3. How would these university choices reflect a student’s career path in life?
4. How would these university choices affect student’s perspectives, interests and

motivational aspects in learning?

 Objectives of the Study

A research study designed to assess the factor/s affecting college choices of Grade

12-ABM Students of Santa Rosa and Binan had the following general and specific

objectives:

The general objective of this study is to identify the factor/s that could affect college

choices of Grade 12-ABM Students of Santa Rosa and Binan.

The specific objectives of this study are as follows: first, to assess how these

university choices would affect a career path of a student. Second, to assess how these

university choices would affect a student’s perspective, interests, and motivational

aspects in learning. Third, to know the possible effects of choosing a university every

student wants. Fourth, to help the Grade 12-ABM Students of certain schools in Binan

and Santa Rosa in choosing their college schools.

Assumptions of the Study

The researchers have formulated assumptions based on their study, these are:

1. Education is important in our life as a human being.

2. Taking up a strand in Senior High School is a stepping stone for students in going

to college.
3. Factors such as geography, peer and family influence, quality of education and

facilities can influence a student’s university choice in the future.

4. All participants will answer the questionnaire truthfully.

Scope and Delimitation

This study limits its coverage on the Grade 12 students who are in the strand of

Accounting, Business and Management (ABM) . Its main purpose is to determined the

common factors that affect their University choices in their upcoming College year.

Out of 244 Grade 12 ABM students of the following schools:

  Holy Rosary College
 Saint Michael’s College of Laguna
 University of Perpetual Help System Jonelta- Binan
 STI- Santa Rosa
 Labas Senior High School

144 students from Santa Rosa and 140 students from Binan were used as samples in

conducting the survey. Each respondents are given same questionnaires to answer and

this study focuses on the current Grade 12 students of the present year, 2018-2019.

Significance of the Study

The researchers believe that this research will give a number of purposes that will benefit

the following:

Students. Students are the most important reader of this research. Students would be more

aware of the factors that affect them in choosing a university for their future.
Administrators. This research will serve as a guide that will help them to know the factors

that affect students in choosing a university. Administrators can conduct career

orientations to help students in making their decision for choosing the right university.

Teachers. Teachers are one of the most important factors in developing a student’s mind.

This may help them to give an appropriate recommendation based on the student’s ability

that they observed.

Parents. This research will serve as a reading for parents that will inform them that they

are one of the factors that affect students in choosing a university. This research may

guide parents in giving assistance on their children.

Future researchers. Future researchers may use this research as a basis for conducting

their research.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined for the purposes of this study, these are:

1.) Senior High School- Grades 11 and 12, the last two years of the K-12 program

that DepEd has been implementing since 2012. (Formosa, 2016)

2.) Factors- things that could affect a situation or a decision.(Longman, 2008)
3.) Affect- change a situation. (Longman, 2008)
 4.) University- highest education a person could have. (Longman, 2008)
5.) Choice- option a person has in making a decision.(Longman,2008)
6.) Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM)- programs that concentrate

on the foundational concepts in corporate operations, financial management,

business management, as well as each and every factor that revolves around those

central fields. (Enderrun Colleges, 2017)

7.) K-12 Education- covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six

years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of

Senior High School [SHS]. (Gazette, 2016)

8.) Geography- location of a particular place or country.(Longman, 2008)
9.) Pressure- burden of distress or urgent business (Longman, 2008)
10.) Perspective- view of things in their true relationship or importance

(Longman, 2008)
11.) Interests- hobbies or things that they are fond of. (Longman, 2008)
12.) Learning- knowledge a person acquires. (Longman,2008)

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

State of the Art

A lot of studies have been made regarding university choices that dates back to

the 1970’s. Tinto’s (1973) study on the college proximity rates of college attendance was

the earliest study of college choice. The reviewed literature and studies were found to

have bearing on the present study. They serve as basis for the conceptualization of the

study’s research problem, research design and methodology.

Review of Related Literature

Academic Performance

According to a study that was made by Drewes et al. (2016) entitled “A Study for

Better College Choice and Institutional Performance,” he indicated that applicants with

lower grades make significantly different choices than those with exemplary grades as the

students in the former group would not apply to prestigious universities where there is a

little chance of admission. Furthermore, Ciriaci and Muscio (2011) also emphasized in

his study entitled “A Study of Factors associated with Student Choice in the University

Process Selection,” that with this last factor being the academic performance of a student,

it could greatly affect a student’s choice in a university. They also said that good

universities may act as a magnet for good brains.

Socio-Economic Status

In a study made by Gibbons and Vignoles (2009) entitled “Factors that Affect

Undergraduate Students’ Choice of a University: A Case of the University of Botho in

Botswana,”, they asserted that students from the lower socio-economic backgrounds have

a lower attendance rate of high quality research institutions largely because these

universities are usually further from home which increases costs. They also claim that

commuting or re-location costs are important choice factors with lower income students

and may deter some students from attending university at all. Drewes et al. (2016) also

indicated in his study entitled in the previous factor that students prefer universities closer

to home as the additional costs of living away make further afield institutions that is less

attractive.
Learning Environment and The Quality of Education

According to a study made by Agrey and Lampadan (2014) entitled “Determinant

Factors Contributing to a Student’s Choice in Selecting a University,” learning

environment and the quality of education as well as the potential of good job prospects

was the strongest factor for university selection among the respondents. This indicates

that students favor those institutions which provide for an updated learning environment,

quality of education and modern facilities as well as pleasing aesthetics of the campus.

Furthermore, the importance of quality, type and variety of academic programs and

education in general, as well as the presence of distinguished teaching staff were factors

raised in a study by Hsieh (2010) entitled “Institutional Factors Influencing Student’s

College Choice Decision in Malaysia,” as having a moderating effect on students’

decisions to choose a university to study.

Financial Status

Ismail (2009) studied on mediating effect of information on college choice

entitled "Factors Inflencing Student’s Choice of Public Universities in Western Kenya

region,” and he indicated that students are satisfied with college choice based on their

information satisfaction with respect to the financial factors (external influences) which

include financial aids and affordable fees. Based on the findings mentioned above, it is

hypothesized that availability of financial aid has a significant influenced on college

choice decision. A study conducted by Yusuf (2009) entitled “University Choice Process:

A Review on Models and Factors Affecting the Process,” indicated that financial

assistance offered by the university as one of the very important attributes expected from
a higher education institution of choice. Thus, financial aid would most likely be a factor

in choosing a university suited for them.

College Courses or Choice of Programs

According to a research made by Kastanos (2016) at the University of Toledo

entitled “A Study of the Key Factors Influencing the College Choice of International

Undergraduate Students at UToledo,” students greatly emphasize the choice of program

when choosing a university. Her findings also confirms that with the importance of the

choice of program in a student’s university decision, the reputation and the rankings of

the program were rated as the most significant than the overall university reputation or

standing. This study corroborated with Hobson’s (2014) investigation titled “An analysis

of Factors Affecting Choice of College at UNLV,” indicating that subject or course

rankings are more important to decision-making rather than institution or university

rankings. This means that they greatly value the positive program evaluation onto the

general image of the university.

Synthesis of the Reviewed Literature

With the above mentioned studies, researchers of the related literature and studies

have found out that there a lot of factors that is needed to be considered in order to

conclude a consensus factor that could affect university choice of Grade 12-ABM

students. These studies would be important in formulating a research design that would

answer the key problem in this study.

 Drewes et.al (2016), Ciriaci and Muscio (2011), Hsieh (2010), Kastanos (2016)

and Hobson (2014), have presented different arguments on how certain factors could

affect a student’s university choice. Drewes et. al (2016) emphasized the advantage of

having an exemplary academic performance than those who struggle with their

academics while Ciriaci and Muscio (2011) pointed out that universities may attract

students who are intelligent.

Gibbons and Vignoles (2009) stressed out that some students who comes from

the lower socioeconomic background doesn’t want to go to universities who are too far

away because of the rising costs and expenses that they have to incur while Drewes et.al

(2016) emphasized that students want to go to universities that are near from their homes

because renting a dorm would cause additional expenses and a burden to both the parents

and the students.

Agrey and Lampadan (2014) discussed the importance of having a good learning

environment, education and facilities because students heavily consider these factors in

their decision making while Hsieh (2010) pointed out the quality of courses and

education in general were the factors raised in his findings as well as the faculty members

of the university as having a lasting effect on their decisions.

Ismail (2009) described the importance of the financial factors especially the role

of financial aids in attracting students to come to their respective universities. His study

coincided with the study of Yusuf (2009) which he stressed the importance of financial

aids in the decision a student makes in choosing a certain university.

 Kastanos’ (2016) study at the University of Toledo and Hobson’s (2014)

investigation had similar results that the students greatly values the course program or the

course rankings rather than the image of the university as their decisive factor when

choosing a university.

Gap/s to be Bridged by the Present Study

The researchers’ review of related literature and studies has been made, and the

following gaps were determined:

1. ) There are limited amount of studies regarding university choices in our

country.

2. ) There were little or no studies regarding a student’s perespective in

choosing their universities because they tend to give short and dishonest answers.

3. ) There were little studies regarding university choices of Grade 12

students in our country because most of the tudies are conducted between freshman

colleg students.
 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study will use a descriptive-analytical method to describe how these factors

would affect how a Senior High School Student’s college decisions, his/her perspective

and career path in life. Burns (2008) stated that this research describes data and

characteristics about the population or phenomenon being studied on how it affects a

certain aspect of a thing or a person.

 This study will also use the descriptive-evaluative method to determine which

factors would generally affect the university choices of Grade-12 ABM Students of

Santa Rosa and Binan. Weiss (1998) described this as an assessment of certain variables

in order to come up with a universal outcome.

Sources of Data

This study has two sources of data, namely; primary and secondary sources. The

primary sources of data is the surveys that were answered by the respondents and were

analyzed by the researchers.

Respondents of the Study

The population of the study is composed of Grade 12-ABM students from five

schools in Santa Rosa and Binan namely; Holy Rosary College, STI Sata Rosa, Saint

Michael’s College of Laguna,University of Perpetual-Binan and Labas Senior High

School. The total number of samples of Grade 12-ABM students from these schools is

244.

Distribution of Population
Name of School Population Percentage

Holy Rosary College 25 4%

STI College-Santa Rosa 84 13%

Labas Senior High 39 6.24%

School

University of Perpetual 400 64%

Help Binan

Saint Michael’s Collge 77 12.32%

of Laguna
Total 625 100%

The sample size of the study was determined using the Slovin’s Formula:

N
n
1  Ne^ 2

n= 625/ [1+625(0.05)2]
n=625/2.5625

n= 244 (Number of Samples Needed)

Where:

n= sample size

N= population size

e= margin of error

The actual sample of the study will be chosen through the stratified random sampling

in which the sample size will be divided into two equal groups based on their respective

school location.

Instrumentation and Validation

This research used a survey-checklist to gather the needed data. The instrument is

divided into four parts. Part One deals on the student characteristics that includes

questions about academic ability, socio-economic status and educational aspirations/

aspirations. Part Two deals with institutional characteristics that includes academic

quality, programs of study, cost and financial aid, location, social atmosphere and future

job opportunities. Lastly, Part Three deals with significant others or people who can

affect a student’s university choice that includes parents and peers. Part four deals with
 The survey-checklist was validated through content and face validity by three experts

in the chosen field of study that is being conducted by the researchers; a Statistics

Teacher, an English Teacher and an ABM teacher for their comments and suggestions.

Evaluation and Scoring

To distinguish what factor/s would affect an ABM Grade 12 Student in his/her

university choice in chosen schools in Santa Rosa and Binan, a scale was made by the

researcher to range their responses. The scale used is shown below:

Assigned Points Numerical Ranges Categorical Response

4 3.26-4.00 Strongly Agree (SA)
3 2.60-3.25 Agree (A)
2 1.76 -2.50 Disagree (D)
1 1.00 - 1.75 Strongly Disagree (DA)

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will personally conduct the the survey-checklist to the chosen

respondents. First, the researchers will go to the schools that was chosen by the

researchers. Next, the researchers will ask for a master list of the names of the students

from the school administrators When the researchers have acquired the list, they would

proceed to the process of data gathering by first, introducing themselves to the students

and explaining the purpose of their study. Second, one of the researchers would explain
how the survey-checklist would be answered and guarantees that their answer are for

academic purposes only. After they would answer, the researcehrs will gather all the

survey-checklist. Finally, the researchers will tally, tabulate, rank, analyze and interpret.

Treatment of Data

The following techniques and tools are used to the gathered data:

1. ) Cross Tally will be used to determine the commonality between the answers of

the respondents.

2. ) Weighted Mean will be used to determine what factor greatly affects the

university choice of Grade 12- ABM Students in chosen schools in Santa Rosa

and Binan.

3. ) Percentage System will be used to rank the factors that were included in the

survey-checklist.