A continuing priority in education has focused on preparing students for postacademic success. The adoption of the Common Core State Standards Initiative prompted educational leaders to focus on preparing students to be "college and career ready." Definitions, perceptions, and efforts to improve college and career readiness vary widely. This article will present an overview of each of these topics, define college and career readiness, discuss various perceptions of students' college and career readiness, and describe K–12, college, community, and state efforts to improve college and career readiness overcomes for students. Finally, implications for future efforts are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]