National normative data for fall 1983 on the characteristics of students entering college as first-time, full-time freshmen are presented as part of the Cooperative Institutional Research Program longitudinal study of American higher education. The 1983 norms are based on a statistically adjusted sample of over 254,000 new freshmen entering 489 two- and four-year colleges and universities. Data obtained from administration of the Student Information Form are reported separately for women and men, and for 37 groupings of institutions. Findings include the following: students' high school grades showed a decline; the high schools are substantially more integrated than are residential neighborhoods; a majority of students supported busing as a means of achieving school integration; students are increasingly reluctant to become actively involved in political and social issues; more students are taking computer-assisted courses; student interest in pursuing business careers increased slightly; and the most affluent students enrolled in selective private universities. Information is included on student political and social attitudes. Appendices include: information on the research methodology, a questionnaire, region categories, a list of participating institutions, and narrative and statistical study findings. (SW)