This study compares patterns of access to higher education in California and Germany between 1970 and 1989. It tracks the relative success of socio-educational groups in Germany as well as ethnic groups in California over time from the secondary education system to college graduation. Detailed longitudinal analysis demonstrates that upward educational mobility in Germany was rather limited despite marked changes in general socio-economic composition, while strong participation shifts occurred in California based on changing ethnic make-up. It is also shown that educational policy-making tools such as affirmative action and need-based funding can exert strong influences on educational participation.