The relationship between occupational status projections and subsequent occupational attainment is analyzed through a comparison of the occupational aspirations and expectations of 614 tenth grade students in 1966, and their occupational status attainment in 1972. Aspirations, expectations, and attainment were the variables measured, using the Duncan Socioeconomic Index of Occupations, with respondents classified according to race, sex, and residence. Analysis focused on two questions: "(1) do occupational aspirations and expectations of youth reflect different levels of realism in the matter of occupational choice when compared with occupational attainment, and (2) do occupational aspirations and expectations become more realistic through time, i.e. from adolescence to young adulthood." In answer to the first question it was found that neither aspirations nor expectations reflected a high level of realism regarding occupational choice, with occupational aspirations less realistic than expectations. Race, sex, and residence controls did not alter the findings. In answer to the second question, it was found that for the sample as a whole, occupational aspirations did not change and occupational expectations decreased, although for women both remained the same. Females showed a higher 1972 occupational attainment score than males, indicating more realistic occupational status projections. (Author/LH)