Reports on a study designed to identify the major factors that lead students to anticipate a major in chemistry. Findings indicated that students' recognition of a high aptitude for science, the influence of a high school chemistry or science teacher, and laboratory experience contributed to their decision. (ML)

Presents and discusses results obtained from a 10-item questionnaire (administered to 554 students) which sought to determine why students selected chemistry as a major. Findings, among others, show that the secondary school period is the most important (possibly critical) for spawning a commitment to a chemistry career. (JN)