The purpose of this study is to find some of the key factors determining college readiness. School districts are under increased pressure to provide all students with experiences and the preparation to ensure they are college-ready. This study investigates a few key, potential factors in the journey to college readiness: early academic growth, learner characteristics, and demographics. This longitudinal study identifies and reviews three cohorts of students (N = 761) from a suburban Chicago school district. It studies student demographic characteristics including ethnicity, gender, and family income status to determine their impact on college readiness. Additionally, it examines academic growth factors to determine if early growth impacted college readiness in the areas of mathematics and literacy. The results of the study indicate that while academic growth in the second grade did not significantly impact college readiness, some non-academic factors did relate to readiness. Of all factors studied in the area of literacy, family income status was shown to have the largest impact. In the area of mathematics, learner characteristics in high school mathematics classes were shown to have the largest impact on college readiness. The implications of this study are considered in two categories: academic intervention and learner behaviors. While this study determined that academic growth in the second grade is not significant in determining college readiness, there are some factors that do impact college readiness, the largest of which are family income status and learner behaviors. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]