A promising strategy for promoting successful college transition and increasing college completion rates is to help students avoid developmental coursework by preparing them for placement exams before they enroll in college. A lack of content alignment between high school exit exams and college entrance exams is one of many troubling disconnects between K-12 and postsecondary institutions. Low-income students, first-generation college-goers, and other traditionally underrepresented students are particularly vulnerable to the mixed signals sent by these conflicting exams and the lack of clear definitions around college readiness, as these students are the most dependent on high schools to prepare them for college success. Given the research indicating negative correlations between the need for remediation in multiple areas and degree attainment, the lack of alignment between high school and college curricula, and students' lack of understanding of the importance of college placement exams, it is vital that students are given an early signal as to their college readiness and are provided with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills before they graduate from high school. This article highlights policies and practices associated with two postsecondary preparation programs that use college placement exams and specially designed courses to create better alignment between secondary and postsecondary institutions.