The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of educational choice on the intention to enter the examination, and the mediating role of career decision-making self-efficacy. A total of 1391 freshmen from six higher vocational colleges in Guangdong Province of China were investigated with Education Choices Scale, Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale and Willingness to Apply Scale. The results showed that educational choice and career decision-making self-efficacy had significant effects on the willingness to apply. Career decision-making self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the significant positive impact of educational choice on the willingness to apply. Therefore, China's educational institutions and policy makers should focus on cultivating vocational students' career decision-making self-efficacy and improving their confidence and ability in career decision-making. To help students better understand their interests, values, and career goals, and to help students better understand the career fields they face professionally.