The topic of predicting black student success in higher education is discussed. The Cultural Study Center (CSC) at the University of Maryland has begun a three phase research program aimed at answering the broad research question "Is there anything that could be called a unique black experience or experiences which could be measured and translated into practical terms?" The CSC is interdisciplinary and interracial. Phase one of the research examined the utility of currently used predictors and criteria; phase two involved examining currently available variables for use as potential predictors; and phase three will be taking what is learned from the first two phases and working with a variety of blacks on and off campus to develop predictors and criteria that reflect their experiences. Studies were conducted in the first phases with the following results: (1) Multiple R's in the .60's (using freshman grades as a criterion) are possible for blacks and whites using SAT, high school grades and high school rank, although optimal weights vary by race and sex; (2) Attrition and second year grades may be more relevant criteria for blacks; and (3) Several empirically developed predictors have been identified which bear careful scrutiny and should be restudied and tried out in some form in phase three. (Author/LS)