Results of a study that examined entry competency levels of 1,511 students enrolled in 12 sections of introductory biology at Texas A&M University are reported. A pretest was developed and administered to students which tested basic competencies over nine concept areas considered prerequisite to the introductory biology course. A questionnaire was also administered to collect demographic data on students' sex, course background, intended college major, attitude toward high school biology, and reason for taking the course. The conclusions are that: (1) freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors began the course with the same entering competency levels; (2) the number of college chemistry courses students had made no difference in pretest scores; and (3) students who indicated they enjoyed biology in high school received a significantly higher pretest score than those who did not enjoy biology or had no feelings toward high school biology. (Author/CS)