The Minority Assistance Program (MAP) was established at the University of South Carolina in 1986 to help black entering freshmen become integrated into campus life. Specific objectives are improving academic achievement and retention rates of minority students. This comparative study assessed whether or not the program is accomplishing these goals for 1987 and 1988 entering black freshmen classes. The two cohorts, both of which included MAP participants and non-participants, were followed from entry through spring 1990. A regression analysis and other data analysis techniques were used to determine the statistical significance of differences observed between MAP participants and non-participants. Results indicate that MAP participants had significantly higher grade point averages than do non-participants, and were retained each semester at higher rates, although significant differences in retention are only seen for the 1988 cohort. Eleven tables present study findings. (Contains 83 references.) (SLD)