Predictions of the influence of the solvent quality (chi), the segment-substrate interaction parameter (chi ps), the chain length (N), and the end cap-substrate interaction parameter (Delta) on the equilibrium-adsorbed amount from a dilute solution of end-functionalized homopolymers (Gamma) onto a solid substrate, when both the end cap and polymer segments compete for sites on the surface, were made through application of the self-consistent-field (SCF) theory. These predictions were tested and evaluated through measurement of the equilibrium-adsorbed amount, from a dilute solution of single-end-functionalized custom synthesized relatively monodisperse polystyrenes, possessing an end group (X) chosen to interact with a mildly acidic inorganic substrate (Aerosil 130) and a mildly basic inorganic substrate (aluminum oxide C) through dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen-bonding interactions, and specific acid-base interactions, as a function of chi, chi ps, Delta, and N. A protocol was developed for the numerical estimation of Delta through the establishment of dimensionless ratios of the type Gamma(X)/Gamma(H) by experiment and through SCF calculation, as a function of Delta, for polymer/solvent/ substrate systems characterized by specific combinations of chi, chi ps, and N. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 1422-1447, 2000.