The pre-college entrance variables of freshmen computer science majors (N=256) were reviewed to determine which variables were related to persistence in the major. Students who persisted in computer science, engineering, or another science differed from those students who left for an academically dissimilar goal in their SAT-Math and SAT-verbal scores, their high school rank, and their background in high school mathematics and science. Sex differences were also noted such that males were more persistent in the scientific and engineering majors than were females. Discriminant analysis indicated that the students could be classified on the basis of SAT scores, sex, and high school mathematics and science background. (Author/JN)