The problem of underprepared high school students in Washington State who wish to go to college, some possible causes for academic decline, and potential solutions to the problem are considered. Evidence of deficiencies are cited as follows: a decline in students' college admission test scores over the past 17 years; results of minimum competency tests; and a gap between university new academic standards and actual student preparation at Eastern Washington University. It is suggested that the nature of the relationship between the elementary and secondary levels and higher education is necessary for any exploration of transition to college. Five activities are suggested for the elementary-secondary system: implement competency testing; strengthen course offerings; improve students' study skills; tighten graduation requirements; and strengthen disciplinary, attendance, and retention practices. At the college level, the following suggestions are addressed: (1) strengthen admission requirements; (2) restrict the location and proliferation of remedial education; and (3) increase the emphasis on training highly qualified educational personnel. Secondary-postsecondary collaboration is suggested to solve the problem of underprepared students. (SW)