How do Chinese High School Graduates Choose Their Majors: An Analysis Based on the Individual and Family Background

Based on the freshmen enrollment information in a western university of China, this study explored the effects of individual background and family background on the major choice of higher school students in China. The study found that gender is an important factor influencing the choice of students in S&T majors, male high school graduates prefer to choose S&T majors. College entrance examination achievement also affects the choice of students, the higher the achievement, the greater the possibility of high school graduates to choose S&T majors. Census register can also predict the choice of students in S&T majors, urban students are more inclined to choose S&T majors.