The foundation of this research addresses the lack of college readiness by first-time college freshmen to adequately matriculate in college, which results in them failing classes and eventually dropping out of higher education. To remedy the problem, the purpose of the study will explore the use of dramatics to improve/strengthen the Social, Academic and Cognitive Skills of College Freshmen. To gather data, a cohort of students will undergo an intensive series of dramatic exercises, employing varied and diverse techniques. Following which, participants will be interviewed, and their responses documented. The responses will then be analyzed to determine how the arts help stimulate students' cognitive skills to pursue their academic goals, in addition to helping students adopt new strategies that enhance acceptable moral and social conduct. [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.]