Factors that influence college admissions and articulation are considered, based on testimony of the admissions director of Prairie View A&M University, Texas. The following concerns are addressed: the rationale behind college admissions at a small, rural four-year college serving a predominantly black student population; societal, political, and economic factors that influence and shape college admissions practices; the relationship between secondary and postsecondary institutions in the admissions process; and expectations of entering college freshmen versus the difficulties they encounter. The admissions rationale of the college is discussed with regard to the individual student pursuing undergraduate, graduate, professional, or continuing education studies. Commitments to society, knowledge building, leadership, and quality are also addressed. Attention is also directed to student characteristics that accelerate attrition and reasons why a student might leave school, including the following considerations: academic problems, the college administration, social life, financial aid, spiritual life, student activities, employment, and dormitory life. Recommendations to improve admissions are included. (SW)