The data presented in this report summarize the background characteristics of 223,582 college students who took the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test during 1976-77 and who responded to at least one of the twenty background questions. Similar background data were also collected during 1975-1976; this report covers only those questions which were included in both of these years. Data are presented and compared for the following questions: (1) whether or not GRE tests have been taken previously; (2) U.S. citizenship; (3) whether or not English is the primary language; (4) ethnic or racial background; (5) undergraduate enrollment of undergraduate institution attended; (6) public, private, or religious affiliation of undergraduate institution; (7) year bachelor's degree received; (8) most recent year in which graduate school was attended at least half-time; (9) public, private, or church affiliation of graduate institution; (10) graduate degree objective; (11) age; (12) undergraduate major; and (13) intended graduate major. Additional tables compare responses to two questions (such as ethnic group, age, degree objective), and cross tabulate verbal and quantitative scores on the GRE or sex of student with selected responses. (GDC)