A profile-oriented retention strategy embraces the admission process as a powerful lever in improving retention and completion rates and recognizes that the student profile can be shaped by changes in admission policies or priorities--even within the current market position of the institution. In addition, the student body can be oriented toward success and defined by retention and graduation through approaches that do not trade access for selectivity. This article suggests three approaches to a profile-oriented retention strategy, in relation to B. Alden Thresher's prescient themes, through a discussion of test-optional policies, use of non-cognitive variables in the admission process, and varied approaches to curricular and degree pathways.