This mixed methods study was designed to explore why students leave college before graduation and draws upon their phenomenological insights, educational experiences, and readmission reflections. This study used a convergent parallel design that matched the qualitative content from interviews and quantitative responses to questionnaires to converge to identify what statements, attitudes, and behaviors exist in the footprint of the college student that has dropped out. Triangulation of the converged parallel data, through three standardized tests established the unmet needs, academic ability, and optimistic confidence of each of the 15-25 purposively selected participants. Exiting students make statements, reflect negativistic attitudes, and exhibit behaviors that characterize their self-defeating decision process. Some educators argue the problem has been limited preparedness for the rigors of higher education, while others personify the existential meaninglessness of higher education that overwhelmed the motivation and persistence of the college student. This study explored the identified attrition characteristics through the experiences of the readmitted college student. [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.]