This study examines 4 groups of high school students enrolled in 2 college preparatory programs, AVID and GEAR UP. Differences in student educational aspirations, expectations and anticipations, knowledge of college entrance requirements, knowledge of financial aid, and academic achievement in mathematics were examined. Adelman's (1999) anticipations scale was used to measure the college plans of the 4 groups of students. Main findings included higher aspirations and college knowledge for AVID and GEAR UP students, and significantly higher academic preparation for AVID students. This study examined 10th graders and is the first part of a 2-year study of AVID and GEAR UP students. (Contains 8 tables.) [Research for this article was supported by the University of Texas Pan American.]