ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the level of influence of academic experience,
educational aspiration and expectation, advice of others, peer influence and family
background to the course preferences of graduating senior high school students of
Olivarez College Tagaytay. According to Supeer (2005), the students needed to be
mindful on the right selection of career that will define their future success. Thus, it is
essential to know these factors that may vary to the student's skills, expectation,
perspective and status. The researchers used an adapted 21-item questionnaire to know
the data needed in this quantitative descriptive correlational study. To obtain results,
the researchers used frequency count and percentage to know the demographic profiles
and the most prevalent course among the respondents. Moreover, weighted mean was
used to determine the level of influence of the given factorial variables and Chi-square
to determine the relationship between the chosen careers of and these factors. This
research revealed that the most prevalent course among the respondents is related to
business with twenty-one (21) or 17.50% of 120 respondents. Also, it revealed that
factors such as academic experience, educational aspiration and expectation and
advices from professionals are significant to the course preferences of the respondents.
While, family background is unexpectedly not significant to the course preferences of
Grade 12 senior high school students along with peer influences. With these results,
students are suggested to make careful and smart career decisions under the guidance
and support from the academe, peers, friends and family.