ERIC Number: EJ1366879
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Dec
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2330-8516
Factors Considered in Graduate School Decision-Making: Implications for Graduate School Application and Acceptance. Research Report. ETS RR-22-06
Cho-Baker, Sugene; Kell, Harrison J.; Fishtein, Daniel
ETS Research Report Series, Dec 2022
The career gains of obtaining a graduate degree are well established, but those from lower socioeconomic status (SES) and underrepresented demographic backgrounds have persistently been disadvantaged in earning those degrees. We aim to contribute to research on enhancing access, diversity, and equity to graduate education by providing insights into what motivates individuals to pursue a graduate education across demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Using survey data collected from "GRE"® test takers at two time points and exploratory structural equation modeling, we explore the factors that individuals consider to be important for pursuing graduate education and selecting graduate programs, along with subsequent application and acceptance outcomes. We identified three factors considered in deciding to pursue graduate school and six factors considered in selecting graduate school programs. Those who aimed to apply to graduate school for professional development considered an extensive set of factors in selecting programs. The factors considered varied by gender, ethnicity/race, and SES. These factors further varied in the extent to which they predicted graduate school application and acceptance outcomes.
Descriptors: Graduate Study, Graduate Students, College Applicants, Decision Making, College Entrance Examinations, Access to Education, Equal Education, Professional Development, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, Socioeconomic Status
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Graduate Record Examinations
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A