A study examined the differences between women who choose traditional and nontraditional career options. A 78-item inventory, which solicited information concerning vocational goals, demography, study skills, attitudes, and activities, was administered to 530 incoming female freshmen at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Of those surveyed, 42 percent had a nontraditional career goal, 14 percent chose a traditional career, and 27 percent had a neutral career goal. Data indicated that the nontraditional group had higher grades, better study habits, and more interest in graduate school and investigative occupations, while those in the traditional group were more interested in social occupations and felt that a college degree was the only way to enter their chosen careers. Survey results supported the hypothesis that both encouragement to explore nontraditional career choices and exposure to role models in nontraditional fields are important factors in influencing women to make nontraditional career choices. Not supported were the hypotheses (1) that having a mother work outside the home was an important influence in making nontraditional choices; and (2) that women making nontraditional choices would more likely perceive the attitudes of significant others as being more favorable toward their nontraditional choices. (MN)