The relationship between time preference and high school students' career choices was analyzed using the cross-lagged effects model. A significant relationship was found between time preference in the first year of high school and educational expectations in April of the third year. Furthermore, time preference in the first year of high school was influenced by academic performance in the third year of junior high school. The hypothesis that educational expectations in the first year affect time preference in the third year was not supported. The fact that time preferences determine educational expectations indicates that high school students' career choices are based on certain sets of values. However, it is conceivable that time preference in the first year of high school reflects the degree of adaptation to education up through junior high school. "Career choices based on one's values" may in fact mean that those who have adapted to schooling expect to continue their education for a longer period.