More and more colleges and universities are providing special compensatory programs for students coming from socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. The first part of this report discusses the general attributes of these programs--the admissions process, recruitment procedures, financial aid, pre-college courses and visits, and academic and social counseling. The second part reviews some of the accomplishments and implications of the programs, including their impact on various constituents of the university community. The third part examines in detail the characteristics of successful compensatory programs at 18 colleges and universities across the country. (JS)