In his presentation, Winkler provided information about typical career patterns of graduates from Realschule [intermediate secondary school] and how these patterns develop after obtaining the Abitur [higher education entrance qualification]. For the analysis, data of Starting Cohort 6 of the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) were used. The results show that, although the transition from Realschule to Gymnasium [type of school leading to upper secondary education and Abitur] does occur, it plays a lesser role in comparison to the predominant “normal” educational trajectories (vocational training or direct entry into employment). Whether or not graduates from Realschule choose a path toward university or toward a “normal” educational career also depends significantly on social change or on the economic situation.