College-going rates of recent California high school graduates for three public segments of California (Fall 1974 through Fall 1979) and for accredited independent colleges and universities (1977 through 1979) are reported. Gains and losses experienced in various counties are examined in light of statewide trends. The ethnic distribution of high school graduates in 1979 is compared with the distribution of first-time freshmen in the University of California, the California State University, and the community colleges, for men and women separately. The flow of transfer students from community colleges to the University and to the State University is examined to determine whether there were decreases since the mid-1970's. A comparison of the ethnic distribution of transfer students in Fall 1979 with that of community college students generally is also shown. Results indicate, among others, that: (1) the college-going rate for recent graduates of California high schools was higher in 1979 than in 1978; (2) gains made by women in the late 1970's are significant, particularly in enrollment of freshmen at the state universities; and (3) ethnic group freshmen enrollment, other than Hispanic, is greater than their distribution among high school graduates. Hispanics are underrepresented. Statistical charts and graphs are included. (Author/PJM)