The experience of baccalaureate-level students in the United States is considered with particular attention to the way college structures and procedures affect students' lives. During fall 1984, site visits by 16 observer-reporters were made to 29 colleges and universities representing liberal arts colleges, comprehensive colleges, doctorate-granting institutions, and research universities. National surveys of 5,000 faculty members and 4,500 undergraduates were also undertaken to obtain information about faculty and students: their age, sex, ethnicity, academic achievement, and their views about teaching and learning. To learn about a student's transition from school to college, a special survey of grade 12 students and their parents was conducted, based on a random sample of 1,187 students in 196 high schools, along with telephone interviews with 232 high school counselors and admissions officers at the 29 site visit colleges. The status of general education was examined through a survey of 1,310 chief academic officers. Key issues identified include the marketing of higher education, discrepancy between students' academic preparation and faculty expectations, fragmented curriculum, faculty divided loyalties and conflicting career concerns, and confusion over goals. Several special studies were commissioned to provide additional information. A "Guide to a Good College" is included as the epilogue. (SW)