Findings of a study of the attitudes, values, educational achievements, and life goals of U.S. college freshmen are summarized. The study report, "The American Freshman: Twenty Year Trends, 1966-1985," is based on the Cooperative Institutional Research Program's annual surveys of college freshmen. Major findings from the study point to significant changes in students' academic skills, in their preferences for college majors and careers, and their personal goals since 1966. The women's movement dramatically affected career choices, behavior, and attitudes and values among students entering college in the 1970s and 1980s. Findings suggest that the widely-discussed conservative political and social mood on college campuses really reflects a rising tide of materialism coupled with student concern about an uncertain economic future, rather than strong support for conservative political and social policies. In the area of majors and careers, the data show a migration away from the traditional liberal arts fields into more occupationally oriented majors. Health-related behaviors (e.g., smoking) and sex differences in career aspirations are also reported. (SW)