The rationale of making the choice

This chapter discusses the students' rationale of making the choice to study in the mainland universities. Based on the push-pull model, the empirical findings reveal that academic factors push Hong Kong students away from local universities due to their failure of entering preferred programs or universities, and pull them toward the mainland universities by attractions of specific universities and programs. Based on two dimensions – level of students' academic performance and the clarity of their academic or career objectives – according to different decision scenarios, a typology of four types of students – Pragmatists, Achievers, Averages, and Underachievers – was proposed.