A review of research on student attrition suggests eight factors influencing students' decisions to remain in a course or in college that may respond to college, counselor, and teacher interventions. First, as low grades are consistently revealed as contributing to attrition, appropriate course placement, basic skills instruction, criterion-based testing and grading, and other techniques that promote student success may foster persistence. Second, poor study habits and skills are also related to attrition, and college staff should disseminate information on effective study methods and memorization skills. Third, the higher the level of students' educational plans, the more likely they are to persist; thus instructors and counselors should help students develop and maintain specific and realistic educational goals. Fourth, student commitment to program completion affects retention, and college staff can help students develop and maintain commitment and motivation. Fifth, sensing that instructors care about their progress fosters students' persistence. Sixth, by contacting students in academic difficulty, teachers and counselors may be able to prevent their dropping out. Seventh, the use of individualized instruction tends to enhance persistence, and finally, an organized program of student support can promote the retention of even high risk students. This paper links retention strategies to key research findings and offers cautions about the strategies' limitations. (KL)