Data collected in a fall 1975 survey of the spring 1974 graduates of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) were used to analyze the effects that various student characteristics have on the selection of post-college activities by bachelor's degree graduates. A 25-percent stratified, random sample was used with a response rate of 75 percent. The sample of 255 appears to be reasonably representative of the entire graduating class. Path analysis was used so that causal inferences could be drawn, but the categorical nature of some of the dependent variables requires conservative interpretation of the findings. Results indicate that grade point average, sex (men), and race (black) positively affect attendance at graduate or professional school; that student background variables have little direct affect on selection of post-college activity; that grade-point average and major field (science and math) positively influence the decision to pursue a doctorate or first professional degree (law, M.D., or D.D.S.); and that SAT scores have the strongest direct affect on grade-point average of those variables included in the study. Implications of the findings suggest that ability (achievement) is an important determinant in the lives of college graduates and that while student background variables are of much less importance, they do have some influence. (Author)