This Handbook was designed to help high school guidance counselors advise students in seeking financial aid for postsecondary education. The information provided concentrates on sources of aid from the programs administered by the United States Department of Education. The guide is divided into three parts: (1) General Information about Postsecondary Opportunities; (2) The Application Process for Financial Aid; and (3) Filling Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Part One advises the reader on sources of aid, general eligibility requirements for student aid, demonstration of need, and how to choose a school. Part Two discusses the federal role in application processing, how one should apply for aid, how to submit an initial application, how the application is processed, reviewing the student aid report, and suggestions on application updates. The last section offers detailed instructions on how the student should fill out aid applications with tips on outlining one's plans, educational background, student status, household information, and income. Also included are suggestions on information releases and how the student can assess his or her needs or assets. A special supplement shows ways to get disadvantaged students into college and three appendices list further sources of information, state agencies in education, and a glossary of terms. (RJM)