Why do people apply for admission to Moscow universities? An analysis of the reasons and development of recommendations

Abstract

When there is high competition between universities for applicants, research into the applicants’ motives becomes relevant. This research used a survey questionnaire, the results of which were subjected to correlation analysis. The survey involved students from four Moscow universities, differing in both rating and quality of admission. The main reasons why applicants choose their university were the availability of budget places and the cost of training. The source of information about the university is also important. Modern youth (and also their parents) focus mainly on Internet sites for applicants and on the university’s website social networks. The role of Internet resources will only increase in the future although traditional forms of attracting applicants, such as open days and Olympics should not be discounted. They attract at least a quarter of the admissions. The research revealed that school graduates who are strongly oriented toward higher education prepare for exams very seriously. More than two-thirds of all students surveyed noted several options for preparing for the exam. However, not all applications had a solid life position with regard to their future profession. Many have chosen those courses that are easier to pass. One of the important factors in making a choice and in preparation is the image of the university. The higher the rating of the university, the more motivated applicants it attracts and as a result, the level of training of graduates also increases. It is proposed that distance forms of participation in university events are developed so as to expand coverage.