As part of a nationwide study coordinated by the American Council on Education, Los Angeles City College (LACC) conducted a survey of incoming Fall 1979 students to determine their characteristics and opinions. Data collected from 788 students were compared with nationwide findings and with results of similar surveys conducted annually since 1970. Results indicate that 313 respondents (40%) had taken college work previously and that 111 (14%) were not full-time students. Major findings concerning the remaining 364 full-time, first-time entering freshmen reveal that 55.2% were women and that 80% were members of a minority group (compared to 12% nationwide). Opinion questions demonstrated that the LACC freshmen were more conservative than their counterparts of ten years ago; the percent who agreed that grades should be abolished dropped consistently from 42% in 1970 to 17% in 1979, while the percent that agreed that there is too much concern in the courts for the rights of criminals increased from 45% in 1970 to 55% in 1979. Two-thirds of the LACC freshmen expected no financial aid from their parents, compared to about 40% nationally. Three-quarters indicated that the objective "to be very well off financially" was essential, the highest percentage of students to indicate so in years. LACC findings are compared with nationwide results and LACC data are presented for each year since 1970. (JP)