Learn Finnish: Opinto-ohjaaja kysyi, mihin yliopistoon aion pyrkiä. - The study counselor asked which university I intend to apply to.

The verb pyrkiä (to apply to, to strive for) is a goal-oriented verb that dictates the case of its target. It requires the illative case (the 'into' case). Because you are striving into a university, both the question word (mihin) and the noun (yliopistoon) must be in the illative.

How does pyrkiä differ from hakea, which also means 'to apply'?

While both can be used for applying to schools, pyrkiä strongly emphasizes striving, making an effort, or competing for a limited spot (like passing an entrance exam). Hakea is a more general 'to apply' (or 'to fetch') and is used for things like jobs or permits. Both verbs require the illative case when talking about the place you are applying to.

Why is the prefix opinto- used in opinto-ohjaaja instead of a base word for studying?

The word opinnot (studies) is typically used in its plural form for academic contexts. In compound words, the plural ending drops off, leaving the stem opinto-. You will see this same stem in other study-related terms like opintotuki (student financial aid) or opintopiste (study credit).

In the clause mihin yliopistoon aion pyrkiä, why doesn't the word order change like it sometimes does in questions?