FACTORS AFFECTING THE COLLEGE COURSE PREFERRENCE

OF THE FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS OF ROOSEVELT COLLEGE

SAN MATEO FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2014-2015

Submitted by:
Fernando, Zyra Mae

Lanto, Tricia

Alcantara, Clarisse

Villarta, Chloe

De Ocampo, Richelle

Fumera, Gabriel

Garillo, Glenabbey

Serafica, Jerome

Iglesias, Loriel

Chapter I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Every year, graduating high school students are faced
with the problem of having to decide on future career paths.
The decision whether or not to continue with post secondary
education and the choice of an institution to attend are two
critical decisions that students make at this time in their
lives (Johnson & Chapman, 1979). Before, we are free to do
what job we want to do for living since life is simple. As
the world changes, life becomes together that in order to be
successful in life, we must consider what profit we gain
from a certain job.
Due to the number of courses today, a student graduating
from high school may find himself in a difficult situation.
Choosing a course is a very important aspect. There are also
a lot of factors that may affect a graduating high school
student in choosing a course. These factors may include job
opportunity,

preferred

course

of

the

parents,

peers

influence and personal choice of course.

The seniors are loaded with a pile of school works,
their theses, and some house chores but some still find time

to spend it with their friends or just dillydally despite

their busy schedule while some make use of these days to
study their next lessons. These things made them forget that
soon, they will be leaving this school and they need to pick
a course to find a university or college. They even missed
to search for courses and universities they might want to
apply to but instead they arrive for a course they do not
even like.
Aiming for dreams is easy but fulfilling them is not.
Students must take everything into consideration.
Background of the Study
Choosing your course is already the first step on your
journey

to

good

career.

Before

being

admitted

to

university, your course preference will always be asked.

The researchers believe one factor affecting the course
preference of the graduating students is the job opportunity
or economic demand. Students should consider economic demand
in choosing a career. Due to the number of courses today,
students should know if the course they want is needed by
the economy. This can be considered to raise the awareness
in

some

situations

like

in

lacking

of

workers

in

particular profession or course. If you consider this factor

students will have a higher percentage of having a great job

with a great salary.
The preferred course of the parents also affects the
child in choosing the course. Some parents want the best for
their

child

so

they

are

the

one

who

choose

the

course

instead of their child. Some of the reasons are like getting

a job in future with high salary and affordable course.
The other factor is the peers influence. Part of
growing up is having circle of friends. In college, students
do not want to be separated with their friends up to their
college life, so those who are with their friends decide
their course to be the same.
The last factor affecting the course preference is the
personal
school

choice

students

as

course.

follow

Most

their

of

passion

the
and

graduating
pick

high

course

relating to it. Their reason is for their future job which

they could surely enjoy.
The researchers believe that students who graduated from
college with the course suited for them would even have a
higher percentage of having a job. Therefore, this study
intends
course

to

determine

preference

the

among

factors
senior

affecting

high

school

the

college

students

of

Roosevelt College San Mateo for the school year 2014-2015.

These

factors

choosing

serve

college

as

the

course

preference
which

of

includes

students
the

in

economic

demand, preferred course of the parents, peers influence

and the personal choice of course. The researchers also aim
to know how to diminish these incidents. By conducting this
research, the researchers would be able to propose solutions
that would help the students today.
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Fourth Year Students

FACTORS

Peers Influence
Parents
Decision
Job Opportunity
Self Decision

Preferred
Course

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

Based on the conceptual framework above, the factors
affecting the college course preference of the fourth year
students are personal choice of course, preferred course of

the parents, peers influence, and job opportunity. These

factors can lead in deciding and choosing a college course.
Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the
college course preference of the fourth year high school
students of Roosevelt College San Mateo of academic school
year

2014-2015.

Specifically,

it

sought

to

answer

the

following:

1. What are the factors that affect the choice of course

1.1. Personal Choice;
1.2. Parents Decision;
1.3. Peers influence;
1.4 Job Opportunity?
2. What is the most preferred course of the Fourth year
students of Roosevelt College San Mateo?
3. There is no factor that affect the course preference of
the Fourth year students.
Assumption

Selecting a college course to study is a multistage decision

process affected by a variety of factors involving selfdecision, job opportunity, parents influence and peer
groups. This study assume to find which factor among these
four will greatly affect the college course preference of
the fourth year students of Roosevelt College San Mateo for
the school year 2014-2015.
Hypothesis 1.
Job opportunity of the students influence higher choice
of course in college.
Hypothesis 2.
Influence from parents will slightly affect the college
course of the students.
Hypothesis 3.
Peers influence does not directly affect the choice of
course of the students.

Significance of the Study

Education is the totality of learning acquired by
individual
another,

which
while

is

inherited

career

serve

form
as

its

one

generation

application.

to
The

collaboration of these two fields play a key in improving

individuals competence and professionalism and serve as
their personal achievement.
Therefore this study is deemed significant to the
following:
Students. In this account of the study, students are
placed to be more benefited and advantageous. They are the
center of the research because ultimately they develop the
awareness of themselves, strength and weaknesses for their
career development by continually summarizing and reflecting
upon what they are learning from home, school and community.
By conducting this research, the students will be able to
decide what course to take according to the factors that
affects them.
Parents. In this modern society, parents or guardians
play a big role in the life of their child especially if the
child is graduating. A parent will guide their child until
that child can stand and compete with other individuals in
the business. All parents only wish what is best for their
child. In this study, parents will look forward in giving
their child an assurance to acquire quality education that
would enable them to obtain better job, better income and
brighter future.

Teachers. Teachers make a wide contribution in the

knowledge and in molding every graduating student. If a
student

is

teachers

able

would

to
be

finish
one

of

studies
the

and

proudest

get

people

good

job,

for

that

student. All of the knowledge and advices that teachers

taught

the

students

were

worth

it.

In

this

study,

the

teachers will be given information about the preferences of

the students such that they can focus in the skills needed
by the students if ever the latter would pursue the career
they have chosen.
School administration. The result of this study will
help the school administration in putting up an effective,
integrated career information and guidance system that plays
a very helpful role in guiding students towards making the
best possible career decisions.

Scope and Delimitation

The study was delimited to the 143 recent fourth year
high school students of Roosevelt College San Mateo for the
school year 2014-2015. The questionnaire was distributed on
September and October 2014.

Participants were asked to reflect and recall situations

and decisions that occurred in the past. Students who were
absent from school on the day the survey was administered,
were not able to take the survey.
This study focused on their career preference of the
fourth year high school students of Roosevelt College San
Mateo.

It

looked

into

their

socio-demographic

characteristics in terms of sex, age, parents educational

attainment, parents occupation, size of income and sibling
position.
Definition of Terms
The following words are operationally defined to enhance
the understanding of the readers of this paper.
Career. A field for pursuit of consecutive progressive
achievement specially in public, professional, or business
life. In this study career is the application of education
whereby it is the totality of acquired knowledge.
Course. A specific study that a student will be pursuing
in the future for his or her desired profession.
Factors. The things a student should consider or not in
choosing a course for college.

Interest. To induce or persuade, the feeling of being

motivated and to engage oneself in the desired course.
Job opportunity. It refers to the majority of present
occupation which many companies are in need for a particular
job.
Preference. It is the other term for recommend, the
power or opportunity of choosing. In the study, the term
career preference refers to the basis of student in choosing
the course whether it comes from self decision, parents
influence, peers influence or job opportunity.

Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents a review of related studies and

literature

regarding

the

factors

affecting

the

course

preference of graduating high school students.

Related Literature
The

purpose

of

this

review

of

literature

is

to

establish the facts which are already known from previous

researches. The literatures that will be discussed will add
up to the knowledge of the researchers for the research
study.
Foreign Literature
OHare

(2012)

concluded

that

studying

for

new

qualification can often be one of the most effective ways of

boosting your career prospects, whether by enhancing or by
equipping you with professional qualifications that will
enable you to move into a new line of work. Some factors
should be considered before signing up to a course, ensuring
that you find the right one, theories and concepts, whereas
vocational courses teach the hands on skills relating to a
specific

profession

such

as

nursing.

One

of

the

things

student should consider is whether to choose an academic or

a vocational course. And often the best way to get a feel

for a course and the benefits it is likely to have is to

organize chats with former students.
This literature is related to our research study because
it discusses some hints that a student should understand and
know. This article helps students in deciding what course to
take, if the students will focus on vocational course or
academic

course.

vocational

courses

It

discusses

which

is

the

focused

difference
on

between

enhancing

skills

while in educational courses focus is on bachelor, masters

degrees, theories and concepts.
Smith (2010) suggested that some factors students can
consider in decision making. First factor is knowing you
natural talents. In this case we should choose a course that
fits your talents, a course that you can work on easily.
Next is work style, this means that you should examine
yourself

about

how

you

work

or

study.

He

said

that

in

choosing a career does not necessarily mean you have to reevaluate down the line based on your long-term objectives.
Smiths article is somehow related to this research
study

because

it

shows

how

students

should

examine

themselves. Students should more likely to prioritize their

self decision than others. He showed that students should

pick a course that they are good with or a course that they
can put their heart on. Self chosen course should prevail.
Ogowewo (2010), explained that the choice of career was
gender biased and the factors that influenced the students
choice of career were: interest, life ambition, challenging
nature

of

the

career,

prestige

attached

to

profession,

intellectual ability, high salary potential, and prospects

of job opportunity. He also said that school counselors
should employ their expertise to determine the aptitude and
interest of students in the career choice.
This article embodies that there are a lot of factors a
student can consider in choosing a course. It explains that
students

should

deeply

examine

themselves

about

their

interest, their ability and skills. And also the should have
a study on about the state of the economy. What courses are
in need, and if their course preferred has a great help in
future career path.
Davidson (2009, said that choosing a career is one of
the most influential decisions in life you make in your
life. Unlike a job that is used to solely pay bills, a
career is a pursuit that normally requires a lot of time and
emotional investment on top of the need to provide for
yourself and a possible family. Choosing a career can be

difficult and a number of different factors play into the

decision of what career to pursue.
The message of this article is related to our study
because it explains the decision in choosing a career path.
A

student

should

not

take

decision

making

easily.

They

should give time in deciding what course to take. Career is

what a student will have after graduating college. This is
about the profession a student can have in the near future.
Green (2010), reviewed that many factors influence your
choice of career, ranging from personality and individual
preferences

to

practical

concerns

such

as

salary,

job

outlook for the field, career stability and opportunities

for advancement. Other people choose their careers based on
a

desire

to

help

others,

solve

specific

problem,

or

continue a family legacy in a specific industry.

The literature of Green is somehow related to our study
because

it

discusses

that

education,

family

needs,

job

market, values, goals, and talents are the things a student

could accept in preferring their course. It enables students
to

understand

consideration
pursue.

that
before

many
coming

things
up

to

can
a

be

taken

specific

into

course

to

Slutsky (2010), discussed that choosing a career is a

decision

that

activity

and

deciding

on

their

affects
social

their

decision.

the

standard

life.

career,

Many
but

Researching

of

people

certain
careers,

life,
have
factors

the

daily

difficulty
influence

interest,

family

business, family profession and education of parents, and

high school, are the factors that mostly students take into
consideration based on her study.
Slutskys article is related to our study because it
discusses that not only personal qualities a student possess
are the only thing that needs to be considered but also the
state of living of the family, and family background. This
article wants students to understand that parents should
also be part of the decision making.
Melone (2014), claimed that choosing the right career
path is one of the most important things you can do for
yourself and your family. Whether you are choosing your
first career or embarking on a second or third, finding
something that you enjoy and excel at can do wonders to
improve your whole life. While no job is ever perfect, there
are some factors that you should consider to help ensure you
get

into

the

right

career

for

you.

Interest,

career

opportunities, and education and training, these are the

factors that Melone said to be the main considerations of

students in taking up a course.
Melone said that students should find out their career
to pursue soon. Students need to pursue a degree that will
take into account the months or years required to train. The
author also said that students should put their passion and
skills into a career, because students would likely to enjoy
their college life and succeed in their future profession.
Hanson (2011), coined that a career choice is a decision
that affects the rest of a students life. Career choices
are pivotal points in adolescents life. So no matter if
they are headed for work or for college, there are factors
that

affect

their

career

decisions.

Role

models,

peers,

grades, economics, location, and time orientation are some

of the factors a student should consider.
Based on what Hanson said, this article is related to
the current study because career choice is connected to the
college life of each student. After college, a student will
pursue what he/she studied by having a career or profession.
In career choice students will apply what they learned when
they are still studying.

Brown

(2009),

emphasized

that

finding

the

perfect

college for students is a time consuming task that requires

patience and research. As you search for the perfect school
to fulfill your academic dreams, take time to meet with
college

administrators

and

professors

at

each

of

your

prospective schools. Take the following factors into account

during your selection process.

The factors are cost, size,

location, housing, student life, admissions, and programs.

In this article it points out that students should not
only think about what course they should take but also bear
in mind in what school they should study. Determining what
course to studied and in what school to study is connected
to each other, that is why this article is related to each
other.
Schuldt (2011), cited that deciding where to apply can
be a daunting task considering that the U.S. boasts about
3,000 colleges. The key to narrowing down your options is to
pick an initial pool of 20 to 25 colleges that interest you
and

to

focus

your

research

efforts

on

these

schools.

Selecting a large pool of colleges upfront gives you the

flexibility to eliminate colleges that you decide do not
suit you, still leaving you with a range of colleges to
which

you

can

apply.

Try

not

to

be

too

rigid

in

your

preferences as they may change as you learn more about the

colleges during the search process in choosing a college or
university

students

enrollment,

campus

should

consider

setting,

geographic

academic

focus

location,
and

the

environment.
It is somehow related to our research study because the
main topic of this article is about how to find a school
that is suited to each student and for their desired course.
Students should also study and research about their desired
school because if a student have a good course but the
school he or she is enrolled with is not expert in the
course that they picked, their quality of their education is
not that high.
Petrilli (2014), shared that people who graduated from
college earn significantly more than those who do not. It
also indicates
benefit

from

that
college,

low-income
becoming

students
nearly

in

three

particular
times

more

likely to make it into the middle class than their peers who
earn some or no college credits. And its not just about
money: College graduates are also healthier, more involved
in their communities, and happier in their jobs.
Petrillis article is related to our study because it
shows the benefit of studying the course that the students

really love. And it also shows that students who graduated

have the opportunity to earn more, in this case students
should strive hard in studying so in the future their life
will be successful and great.
Jaschik (2013) hinted that maybe it is much more simple:
undergraduates are significantly more likely to major in a
field if they have an inspiring and caring faculty member in
their introduction to the field. And they are equally likely
to write off a field based on a single negative experience
with a professor. In choice of major is due to faculty
members, although the influence can go either way. Faculty
determine students' taste for academic fields by acting as
gatekeepers,

either

by

welcoming

them

into

an

area

of

knowledge, encouraging and inspiring them to explore it, or

by raising the costs of entry so high so as to effectively
prohibit

continuing

negatively

influence

in

it.

student

Faculty
taste

can

for

positively
field

--

or
some

compelling teachers can get students engaged in fields that

they previously disliked, while other, more uncharismatic
faculty

can

alienate

students

from

entire

bodies

of

knowledge, sometimes permanently.

In this article it explains that some students consider
their teachers or professors in their decision making. Their

teachers set as the role models for them, some students

choose

the

same

course

that

their

teacher

took.

It

is

related to our study because it is about the teachers who

became

major

factor

in

the

decision

pointed

out

that

making

of

the

students.
Elicon

(2009),

choosing

college

major is probably one of the hardest decisions they will

make in their life. It does not help that there are now a
lot of college courses and college programs among which
students have to choose. There are some major considerations
in choosing a college course; interest, aptitude, values,
money

matters,

time

and

practical

considerations,

commitment, times, choices and spiritual considerations.

This column is related to the current study because it
showed

that

students

well

being

is

considered

in

the

decision making, which is a factor for choosing the right

course. Students should know that they should learn how to
choose a right course that their parents can agree with
especially

when

it

comes

to

financial

support.

Students

should also consider the state of living of the family

because students should not choose a course that the parents
could not afford.

Hecrne

(2009),

affirmed

that

parents

are

deeply

involved and influential to their high-achieving childrens

college choices. The report also found out open houses,
dialogue with college friends, alumni and admitted-student
programs are extremely influential to students.
Other peoples influence to students can be considered
but

it

depends

on

the

student

if

they

should

take

the

opinion of their friends in choosing a course. It is related

to our study because the researchers want the students to
realize that not all the opinions of others should be taken
into consideration. Students should know how to weigh things
so that they can choose a right course for them.
Holland (2012), hinted that individuals are attracted
to

given

variables

career
that

by

their

constitute

personalities
their

and

numerous

backgrounds.

Career

counselors have traditionally focused on a career choice,

values,

interests,

experiences

are

abilities,

viable

factors

skills
that

are

and

work-life

discussed

and

clarified.
This column is somehow related to our study because it
talks about the abilities of each student, which is a major
factor in choosing a course. Students should know their
strengths and weaknesses so that they can evaluate what

course fits them. It is important that every students know

what they want and what can they do, so that it will not be
difficult for them choosing a course.
Wolf (2014), stated that there are many factors to
consider when evaluating prospective colleges. It is up to
you and your family to determine which criteria is most
relevant for you. Some criteria are make or break, one
thing that colleges on your list must have in order for you
to consider them; others would be desirable to have but they
are not mandatory.
This column is related to our study because it helps
the students to realize that many factors can be considered
but it is up to the student if they will consider it. The
most important thing in decision making is to choose a
course that the student really wants not because others want
it for them.
Reynolds
college,

they

(2009),
are

quoted

often

that

when

intimidated

by

students
the

begin

rarified

atmosphere of intellectual life, so their colleges walk them

through course enrollment and see to it that they enroll in
a variety of courses designed to give them a good start on
academic life. After the first semester, however, students
begin to make more informed and independent course choices,

which

may

be

based

on

requirements,

practicalities,

and

personal bent.
This script is related to our research study because it
indicated that college life may be fun but it is not only
about fun, it is also about studying if the course you took
is really suited to you.
Goffredson (2012), viewed that people become attracted
to certain occupations. Self-concept is the key factor to
career selection and people want jobs that are comfortable
with their self-image. The key determinants of self concept
are ones social class, level of intelligence and social
experiences.
This script is related to our study because it laid out
that

the

decision

of

the

student

should

really

be

considered. In choosing a course a student should examine

himself about how far can he go, and what are his talents
and skills that are appropriate for his desired course.

Local Literature
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Commissioner
Jenifer

Jardin-

looking to

Manalili(2011),believed

that

students

be hired immediately upon graduation should

steer

away

from

courses

like

nursing,

criminology,

and

education. Instead , they would do well to go into fields

like:

Optometry,

counseling,

nutrition

social

work,

and

dietetics,

guidance

medical

technology,

pharmacy,

library science, psychology and dentistry. Based on their

findings, there was an oversupply of licensed professionals
buying for jobs in the fields of nursing, education and
criminology.
This literature is related to this thesis because it
helps us choose the right course for us. It also tells us
the different courses that are needed nowadays. It states
that nursing, education and criminology has an oversupply of
licensed professionals.
Commission on Higher Education (2009), observed that as
many as 142,000 or 25% , of all graduates took up business
administration and related courses.Medical related courses
are the next most popular category, with about 110,000, or
20

percent.

technology

The
(IT),

other

popular

education

or

courses
teacher

are

information

training,

and

engineering.CHEd data over the past decade showed the same

popular courses among college graduates.On the other hand,
the least popular courses based on the number of graduates

include

agriculture-related

courses,

religion,

home

economics and general courses.

It is somehow related to this thesis because it tells
the top courses that are taken up by the graduates. It also
gives us an idea on what are the least popular courses. With
this, we can choose what course or jobs are really needed.
Santos (2009),found that the students consider more
carefully
financial

economic

factors

difficulties.

opportunities

to

in

times

These

supplement

their

of

factors
income,

distress

and

include

job

accommodation

costs and family home proximity.

This literature is somehow related to this research
because it focuses on one factor that can affect the choice
of course which is to consider economic factors. This factor
can help financial difficulties.
Fermoso (2010), noted that whenever the economy is on
downturn, as it has been worldwide in the past two years,
people begin to realized that some jobs are more desirable
than others because they are more suitable.
Recent university graduates who picked their degrees
based on projected income alone have found out that, at this

juncture, job security is an even more important criterion

in course selection.
This article wants to inform that many people choose
the wrong course for them. It also tells that job security
is one of the important criterions in choosing the right
course for us.
Limpahan (2014), emphasized that college is all about
preparing for the real world, and choosing the right college
course is the best preparation one can have. Why make a big
thing of a college course? Well, most students go to school
to secure a bright future for themselves and their families
at the same time, a college course can predetermine the
professional identity one may have for life.
The article written by Limpahan is related to this
thesis because it emphasizes how choosing a college course
is important. This is the best preparation for our future.
One can secure a bright future if they choose the right
course for them.
Verona (2009),claimed that picking a career is the most
important

decision

the

average

student

makes.

It

should

involve a

self-critical analysis: Where does my talent lie,

what is the reality of earning a living by using it. Prepare

yourself for a career that

is based on the realities

of

your talent and the job market.

Related

to

this

literature,

it

is

related

to

this

research because one of its factors in choosing the college

course is self-critical analysis. She considered this in
picking a career.
Pascual

(2014),

considered

that

the

involvement

of

family, school administrators and guidance counselor to help

students make good career choice in the future. Respect for
family is one of the most influential factors that impact
Filipino

students

realted

factors,

career

decision.

economic

factors

Aside
which

from

family

includes

the

employability and availability of job in the future is also

considered by students.
This column is related to this research because it
states the different factors to be considered in choosing a
course.

According

to

him,

family

is

one

of

the

most

influential factors that affect Filipino students course

decision.
Del

Norte

(2013)

asserted

that

choosing

course

carefully is an important aspect which will give conclusion

to

students

academic

endeavor.

The

researchers

have

decided to make a study about the factors that graduating

high school students consider in choosing a college course.
The researchers provides the information that will cover
various factors such as: having better job opportunities,
pursuing your passion, etc. This research will help students
and parents alike in choosing a course.
In accordance to this literature, it is related this
research because it covers the importance of choosing the
right course carefully. It also studies the factors that the
students consider in choosing a college course.
Hanna (2013)concluded that picking a college to attend
is

only

half

of

the

decision,

though.

The

other

half involves choosing an actual course to pursue. Seniors

trooping

to

various

their entrance exams.

university

campuses

for

taking

After all, that is a major step in

being able to attend the college of their choice.

Hanna talks about the courses which is connected to the
current study. According to her, another factor to consider
is the university campus. Choosing the college course to
attend is still the major step.
Esmerna (2011), coined that going
in

the

presence

of

books,

to college and being

homework,

and

traumatizing

teachers were the least of my worries. What haunted me most

was the disturbing reality that whatever course I took would
probably determine what the rest of my life would be like.
Choosing a college course is not exactly easy. Some are torn
between two loves and others.Your inner voice is not the
only one deciding for you. Your parents voices are now in
your head, offering subtle hints on what they want you to
become. That is when the train to my college future starts
to take a different route, from straight ahead to zigzagging
all the way.
This literature wants to express that every graduating
student should decide carefully in what course they want to
take because it will determine of what will they become for
the rest of their lives.
Cruz (2014), stated that the Academic Track, the Core
Subjects

take

care

of

the

CRS

and

the

Strand

Subjects

prepare students for the particular college course that they

plan to take. This is different from the other Tracks. In
the other Tracks (Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports,
Arts & Design), the Strand subjects are really terminal
subjects, in the sense that they are not preparations for
future studies but are meant to give students the tools to
immediately enter the workplace.

This literature pointed out that preparing for college

is not easy. Students should know all the things they have
to consider in order to have a successful college life and
to be productive for the future.
Crusis(2009), explored that choosing a college major
for some is easy; some people know exactly what they want to
be when they grow up.

For others, choosing a college major

is probably one of the hardest decisions they will make in

their life. The most basic consideration in the choice of a
college

major

or college

course is,

of

course,

what

you

want. The next things to consider are values and money

matters. Money because it will dictate what course you can
or cannot afford.
This literature wants to imply that there are lots of
things to consider when choosing a college course. There are
also different people that may find choosing course as easy
or difficult depending on their financial capability.
De Guzman (2009), assumed that picking a college to
attend

is

only

universities.

half

of

the

decision

when

going

to

The other half involves choosing an actual

course to pursue. One strategy is to find out what most

college courses people are into these days.

The message of this literature is that every student

should

decide

according

to

what

she

prioritizes

because

college is all about deciding. In order to move forward you

should learn how to choose the right way. Like in this
thesis, students should learn the factors affecting their
course to be satisfied about their future career.
Baldoz (2011), quoted that The moratorium, I believe,
is a decisive action on the part of the CHED to mitigate
potential oversupply of graduates in certain disciplines,
and in the process, to encourage incoming students to opt
for courses that offer the best chances of employment after
graduation,

The

country

should

effort

towards

market

intelligence, responsive training and education programs,

adequate investments on education and training, and better
quality learning inputs and outputs that will pave the way
towards better matching of the skills of Filipinos with
requirements in the job market.
Like the CHED secretary says, in order to have a good
economy and productive workers, every individual should be
careful at the very first stage of their career which is
choosing the course that will tell of who are they for their
lifetime. It is somehow related to our thesis because this

study aim to know the factors affecting the choice of course

of students to help them choose the right course for them.
DOLE

Secretary

Rosalinda

Dimapilis-Baldoz

(2011),pointed out that parents should take an active role

in their children's career choice. "Career guides are very
important to parents. Gone are the days when a parent's task
is

merely

disciplinary.

Now,

parents

should

have

developmental role as they actively engage themselves in the

career planning process of their children. They must be able
to convey to their children the significance of choosing the
right career," DOLE secretary said.
This literature wants to imply that parents have a big
role in deciding on what course their children should choose
because

they

are

the

one

that

will

give

the

financial

support. Not only the financial but also their opinion about
a certain course because they are the one who are more
knowledgeable in life.
Suah (2014) expressed that the career extravaganza, a
program which the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
conducted
provide

was

realized

graduating

high

with

school

vision

to

students

make

with

work

an

and

insight

about career paths in different industries, get information

about the labor market and opportunities, understand the

world of work and reduce the number of job mismatch. It was
also endeavored to reduce the number of job skills mismatch
by giving the students and parents with adequate information
that will guide them in choosing a course that could lead to
either gainful employment or successful business venture.
In some means, this is related to this study because
this

article

tells

about

program

which

help

every

graduating students in choosing their career paths.in this,

they will have an insight about what jobs will be in demand
for the future that is related to one factor in this study
which is the job opportunity.
Gamil (2011), coined that students looking to be hired
immediately upon graduation should steer away from courses
like nursing, criminology and education, according to the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Instead, they would do well to go into the following fields:
Optometry,

nutrition

and

dietetics,

guidance

counseling,

social work, medical technology, pharmacy, library science,

psychology and dentistry. Manzala said that to measure if
the labor supply was in proportion to the job market demand
in a particular profession, they took note of the number of

people

who

passed

the

board.

Manalili

explained

that

oversupplying occurs because the career choices of college

students are based on demands from the previous years.
The message of this literature is that every student
should determine what course he wants to take accurately
because it has a huge effect in economy and their income in
the

future.

This

is

related

in

this

study

because

job

opportunity, one factor that affects the choice of course of

the

students

greatly

affect

because

they

consider

the

assurance of work after graduating.

Bacani
(CHED)

is

(2014),
advising

The

Commission

incoming

college

on

Higher

students

Education
to

go

for

"priority courses" for them to get financial assistance and

to land in-demand jobs that could help spur economic growth.
According to the new list, the priority courses are those in
the fields of agriculture, engineering, science and math,
information technology, teacher education, health sciences,
arts

and

business

humanities,

social

administration,

communication.

Skills

and

and

behavioral

architecture,
jobs

that

match

sciences,

maritime
the

and

projected

employment requirements of key industries until 2020.

According to this literature, one should consider the

job opportunity in choosing a college course which is one of
the factors affecting the choice of course in our study. By
prioritizing what job are in demand, this could help a lot
to our economic growth.

Related Studies
The purpose of this review of related studies is to
provide an overview of previous research on knowledge about
the factors affecting the course preference of graduating
students.
Foreign Studies
Lee and Chatfield (2010), identified that the factors
that

influence

the

appropriate

factors

for

which

most

students affected with. The results are also beneficial to

colleges

in

the

development

of

appropriate

promotion

of

courses; to differentiate themselves in a meaningful way to

potential students over the world.
Relate to this

research study, the study of Lee and

Chatfield coined that identifying the factors that affect

the choice of course would be beneficial because student

will find easier the appropriate course for them.

Tan (2009) that the described the relative importance
of

major

conducted

college
her

in

course
the

choice

factors.

Philippines

so

it

It
can

was

also

help

many

Universities around the nation to determine what and how

many slots for the college course should be taken by means
of how in demand the courses are.
This study is related to this thesis because it tells
that one major factor of college course preference are the
jobs that are in demand. They need to know how many slots
are available depending on the students choice of course.
Edwards

and

Quinter

(2011)

stated

that

the

main

objective of this study was to find the factors influencing

career choice.
According

to

Mr.

Edwards

and

Quinter,

the

main

objective of this research is to find the different factors

that are affecting the course choice. If the students know
the different factors that affects their course choice it
will be a great help for them to know who should consider
the most.

SJ Lee (2011) asserted that the significant factors

used to choose colleges among in-state, out-of-state and

international students might not be the same. Tuition and
financial aid are different for each of these groups. Job
opportunities during and after graduation are not the same.
Also,

the

different
affect

reputation

recognition

internationally

job

opportunities

than
for

of

college

domestically.
students

in

might

This

be

could

their

own

countries.
In accordance to this research, it is assumed that the
significance of the various factors is not the same among
these three groups of students.
Garce

(2009)

found

out

that

by

increasing

career

development activities, which include setting career goals,

students had a higher self esteem. Another outcome of a
higher self-esteem, it can help us to choose more difficult
goals. Students must be given an opportunity to identify and
explore their desired careers. Ultimately, students will
further

their

education

and

have

better

chance

of

succeeding in the "do or die" world in which we live.

Garci wants to tell that if a student has higher selfesteem

they

can

aim

for

more

difficult

goals.

Students

should try and explore their preferred course for them to

succeed and turn their dreams into reality.

Roach, McGaughey and Downey (2013) the study asserted

that economic demand is more important to students than
interest in the field.
This study is related to this thesis because it tells
that a student considers economic demand more important than
interest in the field. The student will choose a course
where they can get a job easily.
Huanye (2013) said that a person who is forced to do a
job that he or she does not enjoy will quickly lose interest
in his or her work. The career that the student should
choose must be fulfilling. It must allow the student to
express their creativity and individuality.
Huanye affirmed that if a person is forced to do a job
he or she will not succeed. Students need to choose a course
they

truly

love.

This

is

in

some

ways

related

to

this

research.
Baines
commonalities

(2009)

discovered

between

students

that
from

there

different

are

many

continents

such as the importance of personal interests and parents.

Whilst

there

are

also

differences

it

would

seem

that

applying cultural stereotypes to international students.

This study is related to this thesis because it pointed

out that students have different personalities that they can

consider

in

choosing

course.

Students

should

consider

their love towards an object to be able to succeed in their

own careers.
Otpeng (2012) found out that career choice is a complex
decision

for

people

since

it

determines

the

kind

of

profession that they intend to pursue in life. For some

people an interest is of such importance in their life that
it is the main influence on their career choice.
This study showed that students who pursue the things
they love will succeed. It is hard to imagine spending time
on something you do not like.
Saadiasardar (2011) believed that many factors affect
career

choices

of

college

students.

Identifying

these

factors would give parents, educators, and industry an idea

as to where students place most of their trust in the career
selection pattern.
According

to

Saadiasardars

study,

it

shows

the

different factors that affect the course preference of a

student. This study gives a lot of help to the students who
or what to consider the most in choosing a course.
Alphamama (2014) concluded that some students do not

seriously

consider

many

alternative

choices

in

career

selection. Sources of influence, such as parents or mentors,

could be brought into a circle of counseling and discussion
to help student form a comprehensive career plan or outline.
Focusing on the Alphamamas ideas, it is related to
this research because it indicated that there are lots of
factors of influence in career selection. Some students do
not seriously consider these factors.
Sanchez (2013) observed that having a solid application
will lead you to the right path, enrolling into college with
the help and knowledge from high school is a great resource,
rather than depending on yourself to create a phenomenal
college application.
This study pointed out that students will never be
truly great at what they do if they do not have any passion
for their work. That is no way to live.
Shumba and Naong (2012) believed that several studies
show that new students all over the world are usually faced
with a dilemma in making career choice decision in their
lives.

Mothers

because

they

were

cited

provide

as

support

apprehension about careers.

partiscularly
that

eases

influential
childrens

According

to

this

study,

choosing

course

is

difficult decision to make. Parents are one of the factors

that greatly affect the student in choosing their course.
Kimura-Walsh,

Yamamura,

Griffin

and

Allen

(2009)

pointed to the importance of school resources for Latina

students in college preparation, but also indicated that
services available to these students differed based on their
class

ranking

and

perceived

eligibility

for

selective

colleges.
This study is related to this thesis because it tells
that school resources are important in college preparation.
They also see it as one of the factors in choosing course
preference.
Smith

(2009)

extolled

the

necessity

of

educating

parents of African American students on the ways in which to

get to college and successfully complete a degree, in order
to provide support to students.
The idea of Smith is related to the current study
because it explains that parents should finish college and
get a degree in order to provide support for their children
and give them a good education which leads to finding good
course preference in the future.

Nunez, Hoover, Picket, Stuart-Carruthers and Vasquez

(2013) have focused more on the transition and success of
Chicano/Latino students in college and high lightened the
strategies for supporting success once students matriculate.
This study is somehow related to this thesis because it
tells that they focused more on the success of students in
college, which means that if students found the right course
for

them,

theres

bigger

chance

that

they

will

get

successful.
Perna and Thomas (2009) also examined the impact of
tests on the levels of college enrollment for high school
students. They focused on state-mandated high school tests
and

found

schools

greater

with

lower

negative
socio

consequences
economic

for

status

students
and

at

academic

achievement.
This study is wants to tell that students at school
with lower socio economic status and academic achievement
has less chance in passing the test for college enrollment
which can also lead to less chance in pursuing the course
they prefer.
Anderson (2009) each study cited provided some insight
into the college choice process. The way in which students

choose college may be changing from traditional methods. For

example, a recent article in USA Today indicated that more
students are using facebook as a way of communicating with
university officials and taking care of business.
Related to this thesis, this study tells that one of
the reasons why students choose a college is because of
traditional method like social networking, where they can
interact with people in the universities and the students
there can promote the school.

Local Studies
Mihyeon (2010), stated that the study suggested that
parents, teachers and guidance counselors should recognize
their own critical roles in shaping high achieving students
career

development

and

provide

tailored

career

related

services to meet different needs of high achieving students.

The study of mihyeon states that parents,teachers and
guidance counselor should shape their students and be a role
model.

They

are

responsible

to

provide

career

services

related to the students course to achieve higher standards

of professions.
Perez (2010), studied that the factors that serve as

preferences of students in choosing a career in college

include childhood aspirations, family, peers, interest ,
values

and

in-demand

oppurtunity

to

jobs.

select

Career

desired

preferences
course.

It

are

is

free

also

decision-making in a confusing situation which occurs during

the senior year of high school level.
According to this study, it points out the different
factors

that

affect

the

course

of

the

students

like

childhood aspirations, family, peers, interest, values and

in-demand job. This factors also help the decision-making of
the students specially senior highschools.
Mattison (2009), found that career uncertainty may be
influenced more by outcome expectations rather than selfefficacy.

The

researcher

suggest

that

information

and

guidance received may be an influential factor in career

uncertainty.
The study of Mattison is all about career uncertainty
which occurs among students. Guidance from other person may
influence

or

affect

this

uncertainty.

It

can

help

them

decide and choose the right course for them.

Bongat

(2011).

Decision-making

is

distinctly

human

activity. The process of decision making is one of the most

complex mechanisms of human thinking, as various factors and

courses of action intervene in it, with different results.
Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute.
According to Bongat, high school is all about decision
making. It is the most complex mechanism of lunar thinking
that

makes

people

energized

and

productive

in

thinking

different results.
Del Norte (2013)

believed that people who graduated

college found more job opportunities available to them than

those who had a lower form of education. The researcher
believes that students who graduate college with the course
suited

for

them

will

even

have

higher

percentage

of

landing a job.
Del Norte believed that graduated people get more job
opportunities than those who did not finished their studies.
They can easily find a job that is suited for them and
related to their chosen course.
Chan (2013) indicated that the decision of a career is
firstly based on what educational qualification you have or
is

looking

forward

to

having.

It

is

based

on

your

personality and the path or field you have inclination in

that

will

decide

the

job

for

that

you

will

apply.

The

researcher considered that there will be certain factors

that will really be very important and you will have to give
them importance to select the career. Then again try to
select the path which best fulfills every need yet makes you
happy working on it.
Chan stated that career decisionmaking is basedon the
students skills. Students who choose career that is based
on their personalities will enjoy their work and succeed in
the future.
Romero

(2013)

stated

that

each

student

has

unique

personality with special drives and abilities. These drives

affect their motivation to exert energy to decide. Decisionmaking opens to the portal for student to assess his/her
liabilities and assets and how he or she would want to use
them. It is necessary to examine individual decisions in the
context of a set of need, preferences an individual has and
values they seek.
Romero stated that students have their own different
skills

and

personalities.

It

affects

the

students

in

choosing their college course.

Charmaine (2014) expressed that career planning may be
considered

as

one

of

the

most

important

paths

in

an

individuals life, which leads to making informed career

decisions or choices.
Charmaine asserted that in most cases where individuals
make wrong career choices or decisions, they end up being
unemployable or may find themselves moving from one career
to the next because they actually do not know themselves
quite well where they end up seeking for career assistance.
Mendras
decisions

(2014)
for

them

discussed
to

make

that
are

the

the

most

choice

difficult
of

college

institutions to attend, and also what course program to

take.

For

students

who

see

themselves

attending

in

university, the assessment process perhaps undertakes high

priority especially nowadays that the higher education has
transformed in many ways. Choosing a course carefully is an
important aspect which will give conclusion to a students
academic endeavor.
Mendras discussed that a students should choose their
course carefully and students should assess the school where
they will attent.
Alimorong, Tansiking, Lagasca, Lazo, Manansala, Madayag
(2014) found out that when students make decisions for their
career, job opportunities or high employability is important

because

it

impacts

satisfaction

and

the

level

personal

of

students

growth

or

personal

development

opportunities. Jobs with great salaries and revenue for its

products and services, the results showed that most students
thought that high employability or job opportunities is a
great

contributory

factor

why

they

chose

such

field

or

career.
This study states that the job opportunity is a major
factor that the fourth year students should rely in choosing
their course.
Gaston (2014) claimed that many students would classify
the field of study as interesting and not too difficult at
all but the course includes several intriguing subjects,
even the practicum is highly anticipated by the graduating
students

due

to

its

social

relevance.

The

researcher

considered it as a possible factor in choosing a course in

college.
Gaston

coined

that

the

field

of

study

is

very

interesting part for students. It is also a factor that

affects the decision-making of the fourth year students.
Atinaja (2013) said that many students find it difficult
in choosing what course to take in college. For seniors or

graduating high school students, the pressure goes higher as

the end of their term is coming because the time is running
and decreasing for deciding what course they will take.
Choosing a course is really a hard decision to make. Your
future depends on it and the decision you will make would
determine what life you will have in the future.
Atnaja wants to imply students should be really careful
in choosing a course because it is a hard decision to make.
Students decision will greatly affect their profession in
the future.
Acupan, Amuan, Galang, Manalo, Pinpin, Remoquillo (2012)
expressed that in choosing proper choice of course, students
will be able to develop and improve our God given talents
and apply our knowledge and intelligence to it, though it is
a free of cost opportunity to select and pick a course, this
is not an easy task for it requires a lot of analysis of the
course and decision-making.
This

study

is

related

to

the

current

study

because

students should rely and improve their God-given talents

that they will use to pick the right course for them.
Lacozta

(2014)

pointed

out

that

students

also

make

choices that determine their living expenses whether to live

on campus or at home. They make up whatever difference exist

between their familys resources and their total student
budget through a combination of work, student loans, and
commercial credit.
According to Lacozta, there is a huge different between
living in campus and living with parents at home. Whatever
the student preferred to choose,there are different impacts
in the student.
Hernandez, Reyes, De Roca (2012) explained that Filipino
students are becoming imaginative and creative in choosing a
course because of multifarious crisis such as socioeconomic
crisis, political crisis, and as well as financial crisis
which is greatly affected by global economic crisis.
The ideas of Hernandez, Reyes and De Roca asserted that
Filipino students are very imaginative in choosing a course.
Students have the abilities to make a difference and change
the economy.
Regina (2012) concluded that choosing a course is one of
the

biggest

choice

youll

make

regarding

with

your

education. Career starts in when you enter your own field.

Thus, choosing your course is already the first step on your
journey

to

good

career

so

everything

must

take

into

consideration.
According to Regina, the first step to a successful
career is deciding the right course that fits a student. It
has a big impact to the students chosen path in life.
Muhammad (2013) observed that many students are giving
interest in the course because of being recognized as one of
the top courses to be taken in the Philippines. One of the
factors in choosing the course is being chosen and going out
of the country to train and learn more about the industry
that you have chosen. The researcher cited that students
need to be more attentive and interested in the course they
will choose because it will help them to be prepared for
their job in the future.
Muhammad stated that most students in the Philippines
according to what career the country can give them and also
the demand work of the other country.
Lorenzo

(2012)

believed

that

the

most

basic

consideration in the choice of a college major or college

course is what you wantor your interest. You should choose
the course that you wanted to get into and resonates within
the very fiber of your being.

The study of Lorenzo emphasized that in picking the

course that you want, you should choose the one that
satisfies your interest and can develop your skills.

Chapter III
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
Methods of Research

The method that the researchers will be using is the

descriptive method. It is designed to provide the research
information about what is happening in the present.
The study is about the Factors Affecting the College
Course Preference of the Fourth Year Students of Roosevelt
College San Mateo, the researchers aim to find out the
factors that affects a student in decision making through
the use of a questionnaire. This study is focused on the
present that is why the researchers use the descriptive
method.
Locale of the Study
The study was handled within the premises of Roosevelt
College San Mateo. The researchers get information of the
students from the Registrars Office in the four sections of
the fourth year level. All the answers will be coming from
the sections Jose Rizal, Mariano Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were the fourth year
students of Roosevelt College San Mateo for the School year
2014-2015. The fourth year students are 152, and there are
143 students who answered the questionnaire.

Data Gathering and Procedures

Since the researchers are only conducting this research
at

only

one

year

level,

the

Fourth

year

students,

the

researchers write a letter of approval addressed to the

Directress Mrs. Norita Lachenal. The researchers used one
kind

of

questionnaire

decision,

economic

composed

demand,

of

parents

four

topics;

decision

and

self
peers

influence; in order for the researchers to know which factor

affects

the

Fourth

year

students

course

preference.

No

sampling will be used because all the fourth year students

will be taken as the respondents in our study.
Research Instrument
The study used a questionnaire to survey fourth year
students

for

collecting

data.

The

researchers

made

the

questionnaire based on the factors affecting in choosing

college course. The questionnaire was divided into 4 topics.
These

are

Parents'

Decision,

Personal

Choice,

Job

Oppurtunity and Peers' Influence. The survey questionnaires

was

constructed

questions

for

consisting

each

of

the

of

twenty

factors

questions,

affecting

the

five
course

preference of the fourth year students.The questionnaire was

made to determine what factor they are most affected with.

Statistical Tools
The

researchers

used

the

formula

to

measure

the

weighted mean of the factors affecting the course preference

of the fourth year students. Sometimes the variable x has
certain weight and this weight depends upon the importance
of significance of the variable. The formula of the weighted
mean is as follows:

xx =

fn

n
Where:
f = frequency in each weight

xx

= weighted mean

X = assigned weight
n = total number of frequency in each weight
We find the most frequent answer for all the questions
and interpret it as the overall factors of the choice of
course of the fourth year students in Roosevelt College San
Mateo School Year 2014-2015.

Chapter IV
PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter focuses on the presentation, analysis and
interpretation of data would determine the factors affecting

the college course preference of the Roosevelt College San

Mateo School Year 2014-2015. The discussion that follow are
presented according to the data asked for by the problems of
the study.

Table 1.1
Parents Influence Percentage Breakdown
FACTOR

I.
Parents
Influenc
e

Strongly
Agree
(5)

Agree
(4)

Not Sure
(3)

Disagree
(2)

Strongly
Disagree
(1)

13.03%

39.26%

23.42%

17.96%

6.34%

As shown above, 13.03% of the fourth year students are

strongly agree in the statements given in the questionnaire.
On the other hand, 39.26% which is the highest percentage of
the fourth year students chose agree. Meanwhile, 23.42% of
the fourth year students are not sure and 17.96% disagree
that their parents influence them in choosing their career
choice. While the remaining 6.34% strongly disagree that
their parents influence them.

Table 1.2

Personal Choice Percentage Breakdown

FACTOR

II.
Personal
Choice

Strongly
Agree
(5)

Agree
(4)

Not Sure
(3)

Disagree
(2)

Strongly
Disagree
(1)

19.54%

44.19%

19.19%

12.32%

4.75%

Table 1.2 revealed that almost half (44.19%) and the

biggest percentage of the fourth year students agreed that
the personal choice is important as a factor choosing their
course. While 4.75%, the lowest percentage strongly
disagreed that personal choice should be considered in
choosing career.

Table 1.3
Job Opportunity Percentage Breakdown
FACTOR

Strongly
Agree
(5)

Agree
(4)

Not Sure
(3)

Disagree
(2)

Strongly
Disagree
(1)

III.
Job
Opportunit
y

17.61%

50.70%

27.11%

1.06%

3.52%

As clearly seen on table 1.3, half of the students,

50.70% agreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing
their course. On the other hand, 27.11% more than quarter of
the fourth year students are not sure about job opportunity
as a factor. And only 1.06% of the students strongly
disagreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing their
course.

Table 1.4
Peers Influence Percentage Breakdown
FACTOR

Strongly
Agree
(5)

Agree
(4)

Not Sure
(3)

Disagree
(2)

Strongly
Disagree
(1)

IV.
Peers
Influenc
e

5.46%

27.11%

26.06%

25.88%

15.49%

Table 1.4 shows that 27.11% of the fourth year students

agreed, 26.06% are not sure, 25.88% disagreed, 15.49%

strongly disagreed, and only 5.46% strongly agreed that

their choice of course are influenced by peers.

Table 2.1
1st Choice of Career

Choice of Career

Frequency

Percentage

Engineering

27

19.01

Business

22

15.49

Accountancy

13

9.15

Medicine

16

11.27

Communication

6.34

Science

21

14.79

Arts

12

8.45

I.T

13

9.15

Education

4.23

Mathematics

0.7

Tourism

1.41

Table 2.1 disclosed that Engineering has the highest

percentage with 19.01% for the first choice of course
followed by Business with 15.49%, Science with 14.79%,

Medicine with 11.27%, Accountancy and I.T with 9.15% then

Arts with 8.45%, Communication 6.34%, Education with 4.23%,
Tourism with 1.41% and Mathematics having the lowest
percentage with 0.7%.

Table 2.2
2nd Choice of Career
Choice of Career

Frequency

Percentage

Engineering

32

22.54

Business

17

11.97

Accountancy

4.93

Medicine

14

9.86

Communication

4.93

Science

13

9.15

Arts

15

4.23

I.T

13

10.56

Education

9.15

Mathematics

4.23

Tourism

12

0.7

Economics

8.45

Nutrition

0.7

Food Tech

0.7

Agriculture

0.7

Public
Administration

0.7

Table 2.2 shows that Engineering has the highest

percentage with 22.54% for the second choice of course

followed by Business with 11.97%, Arts with 10.56%, I.T and

Science with 9.15% then Medicine with 9.86%, Tourism with
8.45%, Accountancy and Communication both with 4.93% and
then Education with 4.23%, lastly, Mathematics, Economics,
Nutrition, Food technology, Agriculture and Public
Administration having the lowest percentage with 0.7%.

Table 3.1
Statements

Verbal
Interpretation

I. Parents Influence
1. My course is related to my
parents decision.

3.50

Agree

2. My course is according to
what my parents can afford in
college.

3.30

Not Sure

3. My course is based on what

my parents said that suits me.

3.20

Not Sure

4.My chosen course is

beneficial to my parents.

3.84

Agree

1. I have decided my course

since I was in the elementary.

2.96

Not Sure

2. I am satisfied with my own

choice of career.

4.14

Agree

3. I am not yet sure of my

chosen course.

3.21

Not Sure

4. I think my choice provides

opportunity to grow
professionally

4.15

Agree

1. My choice is a highly paid

profession.

3.82

Agree

2. My course is based
according to the demand in the

3.83

Agree

II. Personal Choice

III. Job Opportunity

society

3. My choice is a course where

I can easily land a job.

3.82

Agree

4. My choice can hone my

skills.

4.04

Agree

1. I choose a course according

to my friends preferred
course.

2.11

Agree

2. My friends are positive

about their choice of course.

3.60

Disagree

3. My friends chosen course is

an appealing profession.

3.15

Not Sure

4. I do not want to be
separated with my friends so I
will choose the same course.

2.03

Disagree

IV. Peers Influence

Table 3.1 shows the summary of the answered

questionnaires of the fourth year students of Roosevelt
College San Mateo. This includes the mean and verbal
interpretation for each of the questions. Based on the table
shown above, the respondents, are not sure that their course
is related to their parents decision, the respondents
agreed that their course is according to what their parents

can afford in college, the respondents are also not sure if

their career choice is based on what their parents said that
suit them and agreed that their course is beneficial to
their parents. Considering personal choice as a factor of
choosing a course, respondents are not sure if they already
decided their course since they were in elementary while
they agreed that they are satisfied with their own choice of
course, the fourth year students are not sure if they are
decided to their chosen course and the respondents agreed
that their career choice provides opportunity to grow
professionally. Regarding about the factor job opportunity,
the respondents agreed that their career choice is a highly
paid profession is based according to the demand in the
society; a course where respondents can easily land a job
and can hone their skills. The fourth year students agreed
that they chose a course according to what their friends
preferred course. The respondents disagreed that their
friends are positive about their choice of course; not sure
if their friends chosen course is an appealing profession
and disagreed that they do not want to be separated with
their friends so that they will choose the same course.

Table 3.2
Factors

Weighted Mean

Verbal
Interpretation

I. Parents
Influence

3.35

Not Sure

II. Personal
Choice

3.62

Agree

III. Job
Opportunity

3.80

Agree

IV. Peers
Influence

2.81

Not Sure

Table 3.2 clearly shows that the respondents are not

sure that the factors Parents decision and peers influence
are affecting them in choosing a course that suit them. On
the other hand, the fourth year students agreed that the
factors personal choice and job opportunity should be
considered as a factor in their career preference.

CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter represents the summary of findings, the

conclusion that had been formulated as well as
recommendations offered. This study was made in order to
find the factors affecting the college course preference of
the fourth year students of Roosevelt College San Mateo.
To determine the factors that affect the career choice
of the fourth year students, the percentage system and mean
were computed. These were used as basis for determining the
tabulated data.

Summary of Findings

These findings revealed the following:

1. The percentage system was used to describe the percentage
breakdown of the fourth year students according to each of
the factor.

1.1 The fourth year students got the highest percentage

which is at 39.62% and said to be agreeable.

And the lowest

is at 6.34% which is equivalent to strongly disagreeable.

This means that the fourth year students agreed that
parents influence can affect their choice of course.
1.2 Revealed that almost half (44.19%) the biggest
percentage of the fourth year students agreed that the
personal choice is important as a factor choosing their
course. While 4.75%, the lowest percentage strongly
disagreed that personal choice should be considered in
choosing career.
1.3 As clearly seen on table 1.3, half of the students,
50.70% agreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing
their course. And only 1.06% of the students strongly
disagreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing their
course.
1.4 It shows that 25.88% disagreed, and only 5.46%
strongly agreed that their choices of course are influenced
by peers. It means that fourth year students do not really
consider the preferred course of their friends and
classmates in picking their own choice of course.

2. The group also considered the preferred course of the

students through the table showing their 1st choice and 2nd
choice of course or program.
2.1 The course that got the highest percentage is the
Engineering course which summed up to 19.01% and the courses
related to Mathematics got the lowest percentage at 0.7%
2.2 The course that got the highest percentage is
Engineering related courses which is at 22.54% and the
course/s that got the lowest percentage are Tourism, Food
Tech, Nutrition, Agriculture and Public Administration which
fall at 0.7%.

3. In order to identify what factor greatly influences the

fourth year students, the researchers used the weighted
mean. The factor which greatly influences the fourth year
students is the job opportunity.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the findings of this study the following

conclusion were drawn:
1. Factors such as Parents influence, Personal choice,
Job opportunity and Peers influence can affect the fourth
year students in deciding on their choice of course.
Therefore the researchers conclude that fourth year students
do not only look at their personal choice of course as their
guide in deciding what course to take but also the decision
from their parents, peers and the availability of the job
are being also considered by the students.
2. The course that got the highest percentage is the
Engineering related courses both in the 1st and 2nd choice
percentage breakdown. It means that most of the fourth year
students want to take an engineering course.
3. The factor that got the highest weighted mean is Job
opportunity. Therefore the researchers conclude that this
factor greatly affects the fourth years students in choosing
their choice of course. Students tend to analyze if the
course they want can improve and embody their skills and is
highly paid profession.
RECOMMENDATIONS

After thorough procedures and analysis of data, the

following recommendations are hereby made to develop and
improve the research problem:
1. The students should give more consideration to the job
opportunity than the others.
2. The teacher should give the students more knowledge on
choosing the right course.
3. The parents should also help, guide and encourage their
children in choosing the appropriate courses for them.
4. The school should give more seminars to help the students
to come up with a course that suit them.
5. The peers choice of career should not be affected by the
preferred course of the students.
6. Teachers and parents must encourage the students to
carefully think about what career they will choose.
7. A student should choose a course according to what they
really want not because others want it for them.
8. Students should research about the courses that are in
demand and in what school can they hone their skills.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX
A
(COVER LETTER)

APPENDIX
B
(SAMPLE
QUESTIONNAIRE)

Name:

Gender:

Section:

Age:

Preferred Course:

Preferred School:

1st choice:
2nd choice:

Factors Affecting the College Course Preference of the

Fourth Year Students of Roosevelt College San Mateo School Year
2014-2015

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Put a check mark

on the box below that corresponds to your answer, if you strongly
agree, agree, not sure, disagree or strongly disagree to what the
statement says. Please answer the following with complete honesty.

Strongly
Agree
(5)

I. Parents Influence
1. My course is related
to my parents decision.
2. My course is according
to what my parents can
afford in college.
3. My course is based on
what my parents said that
suits me.
4. My chosen course is
beneficial to my parents.

Agree
(4)

Not
Sure
(3)

Disagree
(2)

Strongly
Disagree
(1)

II. Personal Choice

1. I have decided my
course since I was in the
elementary.
2. I am satisfied with my
own choice of career.
3. I am not yet sure of
my chosen course.
4. I think my choice
provides opportunity to
grow professionally

III. Job Opportunity

1. My choice is a highly
paid profession.
2. My course is based
according to the demand
in the society
3. My choice is a course
where I can easily land a
job.
4. My choice can hone my
skills.

IV. Peers Influence

1. I choose a course
according to my friends
preferred course.
2. My friends are
positive about their
choice of course.
3. My friends chosen
course is an appealing
profession.
4. I do not want to be
separated with my friends

so I will choose the same

course.

APPENDIX
C
(TABLES AND
COMPUTATIONS)