The problem investigated in this study focused on continued underrepresentation of African-American students taking Advanced Placement courses as compared to their peers. The purpose of the qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand how students perceived their experiences and factors that contributed to the lack of African American participation in Advanced Placement classes in one district located in Metropolitan Detroit. The research questions explored participants' high school experiences that influenced African American students' decision not to participate in Advanced Placement classes, how African-American students explained the role of their experiences, their decision not to participate in Advanced Placement courses, and what could be done to increase the participation of qualified African-American students in Advanced Placement programs and four-year colleges. The sample included 14 African-American students from an urban high school who did not participate in Advanced Placement courses or exams but had at least an academic grade point average of "C" (2.0). Data collection included interviews. The researcher followed the primary steps Moustakas's modified van Kaam approach to analyze data. Themes included: All of the participants had post-secondary aspirations, erroneous perceptions of Advanced Placement courses, most students had received little information or misinformation about, advantages of AP classes, perceptions of teachers and AP courses and factors that might influence reconsideration of decisions. Results of this study provided insights from the students who made the decision not to participate in Advanced Placement courses if we were to understand why this continues to be an unresolved problem. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]