In the digital era, the decisions made by students and parents in choosing a senior high school (SMA) are no longer based solely on word-of-mouth, but are heavily influenced by the school's digital footprint. Research conducted by Aminatuzzuhriyah and Meilina Bustari from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta in May 2026 analyzes how reputation, service quality, accessibility, and the quality of digital information interact to influence school choice decisions.
Background and Objectives
School selection now takes place within a "digital information ecosystem." Schools capable of presenting a positive, transparent, and easily accessible profile through digital platforms tend to be more preferred. This study aims to synthesize empirical evidence on the factors that explain students' decisions in choosing public senior high schools, with a specific focus on how digital information strengthens a school's reputation and service quality.
Systematic Review Methodology
The researchers employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, following PRISMA guidelines. The search focused on the Scopus database with publication criteria from 2021-2026. This analysis maps the relationship between four key variables: school reputation, service quality, accessibility, and the quality of available digital information.
Key Findings: Determinants of Decision-Making
The research identifies several key factors that serve as primary considerations for students and parents:
- School Reputation as a Primary Asset: Reputation remains the foundation. However, in the digital era, this reputation is now strongly influenced by reviews, social media content, and the school's internet image.
- Service Quality and Digital Information: Accurate, transparent, and easily accessible information on school websites or social media serves as tangible proof of "service quality" before students even enroll.
- Accessibility at Fingertips: The ease of finding registration information, school location, and flagship programs online (digital accessibility) is a crucial determining factor.
- Integration of the Digital Ecosystem: The most optimal student and parent decision-making occurs when a school is able to integrate reputation, service, and accessibility into a coherent digital information ecosystem.
Implications for Public Senior High School Management
Based on these findings, the authors suggest strategic steps for public senior high school administrators:
- Optimize Digital Presence: Schools must manage their digital presence professionally—not merely as an accessory, but as the primary face of the school.
- Service Transparency: Provide relevant information regarding flagship programs, achievements, and facilities through easily accessible online channels.
- Respond to Digital Feedback: Since reputation is shaped by online reviews and interactions, schools must be proactive in communicating and providing high-quality responses to the questions or information needs of prospective students and their parents.
Author Profile:
- Aminatuzzuhriyah – Researcher, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta; Expertise: Educational Management and Educational Consumer Psychology.
- Meilina Bustari – Researcher, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta; Expertise: Educational Marketing Management.
Research Source: Aminatuzzuhriyah, & Bustari, M. (2026). "Students' Decisions to Choose Public Senior High Schools in A School Digital Information Ecosystem Based on Reputation, Service Quality, and Accessibility". International Journal of Education and Life Sciences (IJELS), 4(5), 629-638.
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