This study has 3 major objectives: (1) to synthesize and analyze research on socio-psychological factors associated with the decision to enter college, (2) to derive from this analysis a model useful to program implementation intended to improve recruitment and retention of college students, and (3) to consider implications of the results of the first 2 objectives for federal policy on universal higher education. Section 1 discusses the influence of family and peers on college attendance, including such factors as socioeconomic status, religious subculture, and minority status. Section 2 deals with the influence of community and schools on college attendance: and section 3 deals with personal traits, such as academic aptitude, motivational factors and determinants, and other personality traits. Section 4 considers the multidimensional determinants and models of decisionmaking. The conclusion summarizes the many factors that influence the aspiration to attend college, as well as access to higher education. An extensive bibliography concluded the report. (AF)