Three hypotheses were derived from our basic premise that, among women, social factors are critical in the choice of a high status, nontraditional career. Women applying to nontraditional careers should have lower affilitative needs than women applying to traditional careers. As compared with women entering a traditional field, women entering a nontraditional field (1) will consider being married and having children less important and (2) will be more likely to perceive nontraditional careers as compatible with the satisfaction of social and marital needs. As compared with women entering traditional fields, women entering nontraditional careers will be more likely to have a boyfriend who is supportive and tolerant of a nontraditional career. Data were collected via mailed questionnaires from 153 traditional (nursing and medical rehabilitation) applicants and 78 nontraditional (medical and dental) applicants. The results supported all three hypotheses. (Author)