Evidence is documented in research that too many students, particularly low-income and minority students, leave the kindergarten to Grade 12 educational system without the knowledge and the skills necessary for success after high school. The primary goal of this study was to examine in greater depth the factors that influence college readiness. Additionally, the study sought to identify the factors that are the most effective predictors of college readiness from secondary school to post-secondary school. The data collected through this study were analyzed to inform the researcher, school site program coordinators, and teachers of the perceived effectiveness of a college preparation curriculum and whether or not it is sufficiently providing high school students with college readiness for higher education. In-depth interviews with 7 students, all of whom would be the first in their families to go to college, were used to illuminate the student voice in an effort to learn how the Realizing the College Dream curriculum and strategies were beneficial to their preparation for college. The significance of this study was that through college preparatory programs, such as the College Success course, many students are able to acquire the necessary educational and key cognitive skills successfully to raise their aspirations of attending college, navigate the college admissions process, and ease the initial transition to college. Often, it is through these programs that students who might not have otherwise received this knowledge learn that they, too, can earn a college degree. According to these first-generation students, a guided curriculum to college planning did prepare them for academic expectations by providing them the opportunity to view themselves as future college students and debunk the myth that they could not obtain a college education. [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.]