This study examined students who attended pre-college orientation activities at specific times to determine if there were differences in college persistence, demographic factors, and other variables between students in three groups. Attendance was classified as early, middle or late. Persistence was defined as continuous enrollment through four semesters. Both enrolled and nonenrolled students were included in the study;In addition to examining factors which are shown to be related to persistence (Pantages and Creedon, 1978), subjects were surveyed on first semester feelings, freshman year involvement in learning, aspects of campus life, utilization and evaluation of student services, and assessment of recommendations for improving undergraduate education;Students in these three groups differed in their academic interest, in the support they received for being on campus, and in evaluating their pre-college orientation program;In examining the interaction between orientation period and enrollment status, students also differed in how well they utilized their time, familiarity with campus resources, class attendance and how happy they are/were in college. The results of this study show that students who attended early orientation activities were better prepared to make the adjustment to the university environment. Students attending later in the process had lower scores on pre-college persistence predictor variables and were less satisfied with their college environment. This information may be helpful for university administrators in developing orientation programs which meet specific needs of students attending at different times;Reference. Pantages, T. J. and Creedon, C. F. (1978). Studies of college attrition: 1950-1975. Review of Educational Research, 48, 49-101.