This study explains differences in schooling decisions of two cohorts comprised of individuals born in 1961 and 1970. The study aims to establish whether the way in which education decisions are made differ across cohorts and to assess if these differences can be related to the institutional reforms that occurred over the 1960-1980 period. It shows that the main factors that have contributed to the change in educational attainment include the parents' educational attainment and family size and attendance at Catholic and other Independent schools. Reasons for the links between each factor and educational attainment are analysed and implications drawn out. This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program.