A baseline geography skills test was administered during 1987 to over 3,000 students who were enrolled in freshmen geography courses at 18 Indiana universities. Known as the National Council for Geographic Education Competency-Based Geography Test, Secondary Level, Form D, this test was used to measure the students' level of geographic ability in: (1) map skills; (2) place-name map identification; (3) physical geography; and (4) human geography. Information was obtained concerning each student's: (1) major area of study; (2) home state of residence; (3) class status; (4) other U.S. and foreign residencies; (5) excursions outside of the home state; (6) sex; (7) age; (8) ethnic group; (9) reasons for taking the course; and (10) previous geographic education. Findings indicated that a low overall level of geographic skills and knowledge exists and that these students averaged test scores of 75 percent correct on place-name map identification, 70 percent on map skills, 63 percent on human geography, and 58 percent on physical geography. Along with overall ability, factors such as age, major area of study, frequency of travel, number of places visited outside the home state, and reasons for taking the course positively influenced the level of geographic skills and knowledge. Four references are included. (JHP)