Throughout the United States, dual enrollment programs enable high school students to earn college credit by completing college classes while in high school. In 2015, the State of Ohio expanded grade-level eligibility to participate in the state's dual enrollment program, College Credit Plus, to seventh- and eighth-grade students. The purpose of this study was to explore the college readiness perceptions of a newer and expanded audience of dual-enrollment participants: students who completed college classes at a community college as eighth graders. Using a semistructured interview guide, data were collected from nine students who participated in in-depth interviews responding to questions related to their eighth-grade college experiences and their self-perceptions of their college readiness. Using a systematic qualitative data analysis process, eight themes emerged from the study and were interpreted using Conley's college readiness theoretical framework. The study's key findings revealed study participants, as dually enrolled, eighth-grade college students, possessed aspiration and motivation; found the cognitively stimulating college environment appealing; demonstrated content mastery; and felt college ready. Findings also revealed participants felt positive instructor rapport was meaningful, and most participants were socially comfortable in their college classes. Though the study revealed students demonstrated ownership of learning and adapted, matured, and persevered in their college classes, challenges were nonetheless experienced. Extending empirical research primarily examining high school students, this study contributes to the body of knowledge of dual enrollment and eighth-grade students' college enrollment and college readiness experiences, further deepening dual-enrollment research, qualitatively, through the voices of students. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]