The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between native and community college transfer students and identify factors that predicted upper-level biology course grade-point average and final overall grade-point average at a four-year institution in biological sciences. The results of this study indicated four-year institution persistence was not significantly related to gender, high school grade-point average, or ACT composite score. Persistence was significantly related to transfer status; whether the student was a native or community college transfer student with native students persisting at a higher rate at the four-year institution than community college transfer students. Furthermore, ACT composite score, high school grade-point average, final overall grade-point average, and upper level biology course grade-point average were significantly related to transfer status. Multiple regression analyses indicated high school grade-point average and ACT composite score were significantly predictive of upper-level biology course grade-point average while high school grade-point average, ACT composite score, and Pell eligibility were significantly predictive of final overall grade-point average. [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://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]