The Reform of Secondary Education carried out in Spain in recent years has given rise to an increased number of options for students. This study empirically analyzed the consistency between options chosen by students in secondary education and the later demand for degrees at the higher education level. The sample consisted of two cohorts of students from secondary education that entered the Basque Country University (Spain). The consistency of the initial demand (preregistration) and the final demand (registration) for degrees is then analyzed as are the negative consequences of students' studying for a degree other than the one originally preferred. Also included is a brief discussion of the predictive factors of demand for higher education degrees. The study's findings suggested that it is not advisable to have great numbers of students entering courses other than the ones they wish to follow because such a condition will certainly affect the interest and motivation for the courses. Contains eight references. (Author/GLR).