Freshmen who received less than a 2.0 grade average during their first semester at college were asked to indicate on a written questionnaire the extent to which 68 factors were or were not a reason for their poor academic performance. Respondents were also encouraged to supply additional observations about their educational experiences that seemed significant to them in terms of their scholastic difficulties. The responses to the forced-choice items were factor-analyzed, and the report was organized according to a nine-category typology drawn from the analysis. The data are examined in terms of certain demographic characteristics of the survey participants. Freshmen placed the greatest responsibility for their low grades on their own lack of motivation, proper study habits, and attention to school work. Nonetheless, many students felt that institutional or environmental factors such as university and divisional requirements, faculty teaching and examination procedures, residence hall atmosphere, background in English, and the quality of academic advising also contributed to their problems. (Author/MSE)