Behavior Rehearsal for High Risk Freshmen

College freshmen in an educational opportunity program were trained in an orientation program by behavior rehearsal techniques to cope with the social demands of some in-class and out-of-class situations. At the end of their freshman year, data were available on 48 male and 51 female black students and 23 male and 21 female white students. Trainees earned better grades than controls on the campus where training was offered but not at smaller branch campuses. Results suggest the importance of para-academic skills of meeting assignments and knowing when, where, and how to seek help. Academic performance may be enhanced by training in campus and classroom social skills.