Success in first-year mathematics has been linked to students' success in college and graduation rates, which is critical for first generation-college students because they enter college facing many challenges their peers may not experience. This literature review explores previous research related to the relationship between first-generation college students, K-12 mathematics preparation, math anxiety, student self-efficacy, and success of first-generation college students in first-year mathematics. Research indicates that students' mathematical achievement has a positive correlation with mathematics self-efficacy while having a negative correlation with math anxiety. The overarching question guiding this review is: "How do first-generation college students' mathematics preparation from K-12, math anxieties, and student self-efficacy influence their success in post-secondary first-year mathematics courses?" [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.]