A study was conducted by Mercer County Community College (MCCC) to identify differences and similarities among 1979, 1980, and 1981 entering full-time students. Data were obtained from MCCC registration files and from student responses to a questionnaire soliciting information on students' reasons for choosing MCCC, plans for employment and further education, parents' income and educational levels, and student needs for support services. The number of new full-time students increased from 1,263 in fall 1979 to 1,434 in fall 1980, but decreased slightly to 1,370 in fall 1981. The study revealed that over the 3-year period there had been increases in: (1) the percentage of full-time students entering from outside Mercer County; (2) the number of students coming to MCCC directly from high school; (3) the number of entrants with a family income of $20,000 or more; (4) the level of educational attainment of students' parents; (5) the number of students seeking a bachelor's degree or higher; and (6) the number of students reporting high school grades in the B to C+ range. Factors influencing college choice remained fairly stable, with predominant factors being closeness to home, strength in intended major, academic reputation, and low costs. The types of services needed from MCCC also remained constant over the period, with help in planning for further education or transfer being the most requested service. Study questionnaires are included. (KL)