Personal and academic background characteristics of 1980 Kentucky high school graduates and the influence of these factors on the graduates' educational plans in general, and the relationship between the students' college of choice and the actual institution in which they enrolled were studied. The analysis was based on data drawn from an initial survey and first followup survey of the Kentucky Longitudinal Study. In general, the first followup survey results indicate that the vast majority of 1980 Kentucky high school graduates followed through on their general post-high school plans. Eighty percent of the 1980 graduates who planned to enroll in postsecondary educational institution actually enrolled, while 20 percent of the graduates with noneducation plans (employment) enrolled in some form of postsecondary education. Enrollments by type of institution are examined. College bound students who subsequently enrolled or did not enroll in postsecondary education differed significantly on all six academic background variables: the enrolled group was characterized by higher academic performance and abilities. The enrolled group had significantly higher family incomes, parental education levels, and personal educational aspirations than those who did not enroll, and also were more often from urban areas. Graduates who implemented their specific educational plans by enrolling in their respective expected institutions had significantly higher academic performance in high school and self-ratings on school-related abilities than those who enrolled in institutions different than originally planned. The two groups also differed in personal background characteristics. A list of variables used in the initial survey is appended. (SW)