Because relatively few black males successfully complete college, this study sought to determine how black male freshmen at a predominantly white university differed from other freshmen in their values, aspirations, and assumptions about college life. In the fall of 1989, the ACT Entering Student Survey, plus 30 locally developed questions, was administered to all freshmen (N=1,728) who participated in New Student Orientation; of these, 1,357, or 79%, responded. Findings indicated that black males were less likely to report top high school grades and rank in class, more likely to have extrinsic rather that intrinsic reasons for being in college, more likely to value athletics, and less likely to report needing academic support services; it was also found that black males relied more on financial aid. Black women, however, appeared to be more successful, despite educational debt, possibly because they tended to enter with better academic records, better study habits and more intrinsically academic motivations for attending college. First semester performance data found only 58% of black males in good academic standing as opposed to 68% of the entire student body. Such results indicate the need for early intervention with students who demonstrate the characteristics of the black males in this study through academic advising and support. Included are one data table and eight references. (JB)