Band 7+: Surveys conducted in 1982 and 2002 show different pictures of what motivate students to choose a college or university in the UK. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

The given pie charts give information about the causes, which influence students’ decisions about college or university in the UK in 1982 and 2002.

Overall, it is obvious that suitable courses and degrees are the primary factors, which can influence students to make decisions in both 1982 and 2002. In addition, admission criteria are both the lowest percentages in two years.

In the UK, suitable courses and degrees are the largest proportion of the factors that led to students’ choices in 1982 and 2002, while it decreased by 6%, from 40% to 34%. It is noticeable that the percentage of costs showed a dramatic reduction from 28% in 1982 to 5% in 2002. The figures for location (close to parental home) and admission criteria have seen a slight decrease from 19% to 16% and from 3% to 2%.

Different trends were seen in reputation of the institution. Its proportion showed a considerable increase in 1982 and 2002, from 5% to 25%. As for the percentage of amenities, social activities and sports facilities, there was an upward trend in the proportion from 5% to 18% compared to 1982 and 2002.