This digest addresses factors that may influence college completion and academic success for Hispanic students, particularly Mexican American students, enrolled in community college and four-year institutions. Recent research suggests that institutional practices in high schools have much to do with the low postsecondary participation rates of minority group students. Several innovative projects to counter such influences include community-based group tutorials and "untracking" of low- and high-achieving students. A number of barriers and problems reduce Hispanic rates of transfer from two- to four-year institutions and of four-year college completion. Suggestions to help students overcome alienation and other problems include support systems, guidance and counseling, minority group organizations and cultural centers, high involvement in both social and academic life, and favorable relationships with faculty and advisers. Other related issues are the importance of financial aid for Hispanic students, the higher educational attainment of Hispanic women versus Hispanic men, the benefits of Hispanic cultural elements and Spanish-language materials in the college curriculum, and research needs. (Contains 20 references.) (SV)