Researchers have begun to analyze community college retention data in terms of students' stated objectives upon entry. By categorizing students based upon their most important reason for attending college, meaningful follow-up and assessment of students' goal attainment can be conducted. Program evaluation studies have produced evidence that student goal attainment is positively influenced by precollege orientation and the freshman success course. Precollege orientation is a valuable form of anticipatory socialization, that is, a process through which individuals come to anticipate correctly the values, norms, and behaviors they will encounter in a new social setting. Effective precollege orientation programs provide students with: (1) descriptions of college program offerings; (2) the college's expectations for students; (3) information about assistance and services for examining interests, values, and abilities; (4) encouragement to establish working relationships with faculty; (5) information about services that help with adjustment to college; and (6) financial aid information. The freshman success course typically includes topics which are highly correlated with academic persistence, such as managing time, memory techniques, writing test answers and course papers, and coping with overload and anxiety. Empirical studies undertaken at Bronx Community College (New York), Phillips Community College (Arkansas), and Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) provide evidence that the freshman success course effectively promotes retention. (JMC)