The pie charts provide a breakdown of factors that influenced applicants’ choices of a university in the UK in the years 1987 and 2007. Overall, it was the suitable degree courses that accounted for the largest portion throughout the period, while reverse was true for proximity to parents initially and good sports and social activities in the final year. Notably/ It is also clear that the percentage for quality of resources and teaching, and good sports and social activities followed a downward trend, whereas appropriate degree courses and proximity to parents rose.
In 1987, students opted for this particular university in the UK because of the availability of suitable degree courses which accounted for 35% leading the chart. The figure saw a marginal increase by 2% in 2007, maintaining its dominance over the entire period. Being close to parents mirrored this rising trend, albeit at a lower rate, representing 10% and climbing to 22% during the same period.
In contrast, during the 20-year period, the quality of resources, which ranked second primary reason, and teaching declined from 21% and 15% and 8%, respectively. A similar pattern was observed in the proportion of a factor – good sports and social activities- for pursing higher education in this university. It comprised 19% of the total in 1987, which was in third place, followed by a considerable drop to 6% in 2007, becoming the least factor that played a role in applicants’ choices in deciding where to do a degree.