Applying to graduate school: A test of the theory of planned behavior

Many students graduate from college each year and must decide to either apply for a job or apply to graduate school. Ajsen's theory of planned behavior was used to predict students' intentions and application behaviors from their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Sixty upper division students reported intentions to apply to graduate school. The data supported Ajzen's theory. The single best predictor of intentions was the students' attitudes about graduate school and how graduate school would be helpful for their future careers. Perceived behavioral control was also a significant predictor of actual application behaviors.