<p>The results of this five-year longitudinal study of 61 basic writers suggest little correlation between the first-year course and overall success in college. The most startling finding, however, is the much lower long-term success rate for African-American basic writers who passed the basic writing course. The article suggests that reading, not writing, is a stronger determinant of college success for at-risk students and that institutions should strengthen firstyear reading programs. Furthermore, at-risk African-American students may need stronger nonacademic support.</p>