The relationships between factors influencing Australian students' course choice and subsequent decisions to withdraw were studied in 1980. Questionnaires were completed at the time of college entry by 1,375 first-year arts, architecture, and engineering students at the University of New South Wales. In addition to factors relating to their field of study and sense of commitment to their course, students evaluated the university's information and advisory resources. It was found that a significant proportion of the students were not firmly committed to their field of study, and many had decided to enroll under time pressures. The existing system of providing information and advice to prospective students was not satisfactory. In particular, it was noted that students who were not recent school leavers were most likely to have had minimal pre-enrollment assistance. Information is provided on: the types of school-based advisory services that respondents consulted, the proportion of school leavers and other students who consulted 13 types of publications, and usefulness ratings of the publications consulted. A final summary lists seven recommendations for use in assisting prospective students to select their courses. (SW)