A profile of freshmen at the University of South Carolina (USC) was drawn from a survey during the 1979 summer and fall orientation programs. Twelve areas of interest were taken from the results: age, racial background, average grade in high school, highest degree planned, reasons for selecting the college, parental income, probable college major, current religious preference, political orientation, student plans and aspirations, residence during the fall term, and comparison of views on controversial issues. Presented here are some of the data and a comparison of the results with national norms and also by the college of enrollment within the university. Sex differences are reported where they appear to be significant. Data in each of the 12 areas are given in tables with comments following. By comparison with national norms, the USC freshman: generally had lower high school achievement; was more likely to be black; was generally more likely to seek an advanced degree; was more likely to be Protestant or "other" and less likely to be Catholic; was more likely to live in a private home or apartment and less likely to live in a college dormitory; was similar in political orientations, socioeconomic level, and views on controversial issues; and was more likely to be pursuing business administration as a major and less likely to be pursuing professional fields. (MSE)