Factors affecting university choice of high school students in Vietnam during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The most significant decision a high school student makes is which university to attend. This decision directly affects their lives in the coming years as well as their future. In particular, the Covid-19 pandemic, which broke out in 2019, has influenced and changed many aspects of life, including students' decisions. The goal of this study is to find out the “factors influencing high school students’ decisions to choose a university” in the Covid-19 pandemic. Purpose: The goal of this study is to find out and determine the “factors affecting university choice of high school students” in Vietnam and the impact of Covid-19 on the link between those factors and the decision to choose a university. From that, the study proposes some constructive solutions for universities, advice for students and directions for further research. Methodology: In this research, a quantitative method was adopted. A standard questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The research uses a non-probability sampling method. Information was collected by a survey including 597 valid samples from high school students in grades 10 to 12 at various high schools in Viet Nam. Results: The study found that various factors such as financial support, significant people, university’s academic reputation, facilities and resources, and efforts to communicate with students are the key elements influencing students’ university choices. And during the Covid-19 situation, higher education institutions should consider more about financial support and communication efforts to students in the marketing strategies. Implications of the study: This research provides implications for universities to acknowledge when developing and designing the admission process, as well as being theoretical implications for future research.