  Recent spectroscopic observations have identified several cataclysmic
variables non-solar metal abundances. We present theoretical models which
examine the level of core evolution expected for CV secondaries prior to
contact. Our results indicate that few secondary stars evolve past 10% of their
main sequence lifetime prior to the initiation of mass transfer; a result which
is in agreement with present day observations. Thus, the non-solar metal
abundances observed must be due to nuclear burning by-products accreted by the
secondary star during common envelope sweeping prior to initial contact or
ejecta collected during classical nova outbursts.
