Limited information exists concerning freshmen weight gain in college females. Weight gain during the freshmen year is commonly referred to as the ‘Freshman 15'. Scale weight and body mass index (BMI) are frequently used when determining body weight change. However, BMI and body weight do not take into consideration body composition. Purpose: Determine the extent of weight and body composition changes in college female freshmen. Methods: All female freshmen at a Midwestern University were solicited through campus e-mail for participation in the study. During the first 3 weeks of the fall semester and during the last 3 weeks of the spring semester, 35 women (18-20 yrs) had their height and weight taken on a standard physician's scale. BMI was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. To assess body composition, bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) were performed. The American Council on Exercise's Dietary Assessment and the Modified Kaiser Physical Activity Survey were also administered to assess dietary and physical activity patterns. Results: Pre and posttest means and standard deviations were calculated for height (pre: 165.5 + 5.7 cm, post: 164.3 + 9.0 cm), weight (pre: 59.9 + 11.5 kg, post: 61.1 + 11.5 kg), BMI (pre: 21.8 + 3.8, post: 22.3 + 4.0), BIA (pre: 23.7 + 5.9 percent fat, post: 24.4 + 5.8 percent fat), and ADP (pre: 26.2 + 6.0 percent fat, post: 26.9 + 5.7 percent fat). Paired-samples t tests were conducted to compare pre and posttest scores. Significant differences (alpha = 0.5) were found for WT (t (33) = -3.59, p< .001) and BMI (t (33) = -4.01, p< .001). There was no significant difference in percent fat from either BIA or ADP. Conclusion: While BMI and body weight increased significantly during the freshmen year for these subjects, the amount of weight gain (2.86 + 4.62 lbs) fell short of the “Freshman 15”. Percent fat did not change significantly from pre to posttest.Keyword(s): college level issues, exercise/fitness/physical activity, obesity issues