There are a variety of skills needed by young adults to succeed in college, career, and independent living. This study examined three specific life skills of interpersonal communication, decision-making and critical thinking as a predictor of college and career success for incoming college students. The problem addressed in the study was the lack of identifiable life skills in incoming college students that may impact their ability to succeed in college, career, and independent living. The purpose of the study was to examine the correlation between the life skills of interpersonal communication, decision-making, and critical thinking in incoming college freshmen population in a residential and commuter college in a suburban city. The theoretical framework of the study was based on social capital theory that includes institutions of higher learning as social resources that students may draw upon to receive non-academic as well as academic skills. A quantitative correlation design was used for this study. A purposive sample of 121 college freshmen were chosen from various introductory courses and responded to an online survey using two previously validated tools. The data was analyzed using regression with SPSS software. The results showed a positive correlation between critical thinking and preparedness for college, career, and independent living. These findings suggest that students' ability to think critically affects their preparedness for college, career, and independent living. The implications for practice, policy makers, institutions and educators are discussed. Future research should expand the number of life skills studied and the populations beyond incoming freshmen. [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.]