| Based on a regional survey conducted in 2008, this paper presents an empirical analysis of the choice and motives of graduate school study after the college enrollment expansion. The analysis deals with three issues: the characteristics of undergraduates who wish to enter graduate schools, how their aspiration for graduate study is determined, and motives of graduates. Empirical analysis shows that graduate study has become the principal choice of college students upon graduation. Those who have the aspiration for graduate study and those who intend to directly enter labor market exhibit notable differences in terms of personal characteristics, social economic status, learning capacity, etc. It is also indicated that motives for graduate study are diverse. Besides academic interests various non-academic goals, such as more job opportunities and social network expansion are pursued. |
