This study explores factors related to the transition from high school to college in the Kansas City metropolitan region. Determinants of college attendance such as scholastic achievement, financial resources, socioeconomic status (SES), school climate, and race were studied. It is shown that the composition of high schools is correlated with the college aspirations of seniors graduating from high school. A chapter is also devoted to the working class high school student and the differences in college attendance plans and enrollment of the schools such students attend. Relatively high college aspirations coupled with relatively high college enrollment rates in schools attended by black students of working class SES suggest that there may be a trend for black students' participation in higher education. However, it is considered that caution should be exercised against overstating the improving picture for blacks. It is pointed out that standard indices of social class do not often adequately explain differences in aspiration or achievement. Indications are that low SES blacks have higher aspirations than comparable whites. There are also definite indications that both black and white working class students are expressing goals which they intend to achieve. (Author/JW)