Yefimova I.N.

Purpose. To study the perspective students’ motivational characteristics to select university in 2016. Methodology and methods. With the aim to achieve the stated purpose a sociological survey of entrants was organized in the period of 2016 summer enrollment campaign. The survey was conducted in the form of a written questionnaire designed as a set of questions, logically connected with the central goal of the research. Results and scientific novelty. Following the research results key factors and criteria have been identified determining the dominant influence on the enrollees’ motivation to select a university, the most popular sources of information about the university in the perspective students’ environment and the impact of university ranking and brand on decision-making process of selecting a university. New materials are obtained that allow analyzing the changing trends in the motivational characteristics of the perspective university students in 2015 compared to 2016.

Purpose. In the article, the authors make an effort to analyze main trends and development pathways of higher education in modern world, in particular in Russia, aimed at development of a new innovation-oriented personality, expert possessing a wide set of knowledge and competences, having permanent education skills. Methods and methodology. As an empirical basis, the authors of the article reveal certain statements and results of a series of sociological research conducted in Lobachevski Nizhniy Novgorod State University during entrance exams campaigns of 2011-2014. Results and scientific novelty. The authors analyze the role influence of ranking status and image indices of universities on applicants’ motivation when choosing their place for study.