In this paper we describe the profile of senior undergraduates attending courses in Chemistry, Biological Sciences and Psychology in a Brazilian public university. We propose to study the influence of socio-demographic and academic variables () on their career. The 140 participants answered a questionnaire on socio-demographic variables: parental education, family income, social-economical level and type of Elementary and High School (public or private) they attend. The academic variables (marks) were obtained from the university files. The data about career paths were obtained from interviews with six participants. The data were analyzed both quantitatively, according to unvaried models - the Square Q Test, the non-parametrical test: Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney and qualitatively, according to Bardin (1977). Both national and international theoretical frameworks underpinned the discussion. The study reveals that parental education, socio-economical level and type of Elementary and High School attended are directly related to their success in the university entrance tests and career choice.
College students; Professional development; Occupational choice
