This study developed a profile of college freshman children of immigrant parents and identified differences in the entering characteristics of these students and the freshman children of native born parents. Data from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program survey were evaluated for 97 freshmen with foreign-born parents and 334 freshmen with U.S. born parents at one private, selective liberal arts institution. The survey included questions on high school academic preparation, high school activities, degree and career aspirations, parents' educational achievements and careers, self-assessment of abilities, future activities and personal and political values. Most of the immigrant freshmen were students of color, of which, 43 percent were Asians, 21 percent Latinos, and 6 percent Blacks. Students of native-born parents (hereafter, native freshmen) were mostly White (90 percent). Immigrant parents were at both ends of the educational spectrum, whereas native-born parents were concentrated in the middle and upper end. Immigrant parents were generally in more non-professional occupations, with many small business owners. On average, immigrant parents earned significantly less than their native-born counterparts. Academically, immigrant freshmen were generally equally well qualified as their native counterparts. Immigrant freshmen were more likely to pursue science and premed majors than native freshmen. Immigrant freshmen rated themselves a little lower in academic ability, but higher in drive to achieve than native freshmen. (Contains 11 references.) (CK)