Introductory paragraphs review studies by Holland, Thompson and George on the role of external factors in college choice. Particularly, the findings of George suggest that the affective aspects of college choice need to be dealt with. As a result, this study undertook to determine the differences in personality structure between commuter and resident students. A sample of 418 graduates of St. Louis area high schools were administered the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. Factors involved included its 15 scales, as well as sex and socioeconomic status of the family. The hypothesis examined stated that no differences existed between commuter and resident students with respect to the 17 variables. The procedures of data collection and analysis were discussed, as well as the results. The study concluded that: (1) the socioeconomic status of the family is significantly related to the choice of being a commuter or resident student; (2) commuter and resident students do seem to have different manifest personality needs; and (3) socioeconomic status, autonomy, dominance, change and aggression are the variables most helpful in predicting whether a student will become a resident or a commuter. (TL)