A four-year followup study of the freshman class of 1973 was conducted at the State University of New York at Buffalo to determine the relationships between student perceptions/characteristics of the incoming freshmen and their retention status. The College Student Perceptions survey, which was administered to incoming freshmen, dealt with such topics as educational experiences/expectations, major and career plans, interpersonal relationships, family, self-assessment, personal goals, and potentially disrupting family events. Information concerning high school class size and standing and grade point average was obtained from student records. A total of 1,666 full-time, regular admissions students completed the survey in 1973. Four years later, 976 students, or 59 percent of the sample were persisters; 599 students (36 percent) had left the university, either dropping out or transferring; and 91 students (5 percent) had stopped taking courses (or had taken two credit hours or less) for at least a semester, then returned on a more full-time basis and were currently enrolled. The responses of these three groups differed significantly for only 67 of 305 survey items and two of 47 free-response items. Those who stopped taking courses for a period were the least satisfied with their high school academic experiences and the least enthusiastic about attending college. Compared to persisters and dropouts/transfers, they rated themselves lower on such traits as dependability, self-discipline, and competitiveness (attributes frequently associated with degree completion). Additional findings are discussed. (SW)