The goal of this" Statement on Competencies in Mathematics Expected of Entering College Students" is to provide a clear and coherent message about the mathematics that students need to know and to be able to do to be successful in college. While parts of this Statement were written with certain audiences in mind, the document as a whole should be useful for anyone who is concerned about the preparation of California's students for college. This represents an effort to be realistic about the skills, approaches, experiences, and subject matter that make up an appropriate mathematical background for entering college students. The first section describes some characteristics that identify the student who is properly prepared for college courses that are quantitative in their approach. The second section describes the subject matter that is an essential part of the background for all entering college students, as well as describing what is the essential background for students intending quantitative majors. Among the descriptions of subject matter there are sample problems. These are intended to clarify the descriptions of subject matter and to be representative of the appropriate level of understanding. The sample problems do not cover all of the mathematical topics identified. Appended are: (1) Some Mathematical Skills Necessary for College Work; and (2) Summaries of Subject Matter Topics with Related California and NCTM Standards.