Abstract

The United States is the destination of choice to pursue higher education for nearly one million international students. Chinese students account for nearly one in three international students in the US. This study explores the most important factors for Chinese students’ decision to attend college in the US versus their home country, as well as the sources they seek out to make their decision to venture overseas and arrive at a particular college. This study has four major findings, including (1) parents are the most influential factor in the decision to go to the US, (2) students place great importance on rankings, and (3) upon reflection, students wish they focused less on rankings, and (4) did not need help from agencies when applying to colleges.