The National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 was initiated in the spring of 1972. A national probability sample of l8,000 students from 1,070 schools completed a Student Questionnaire dealing with factors related to personal and family background, educational and work experiences, plans, aspirations, attitudes, and opinions. They also were administered tests of verbal and nonverbal ability, and data were obtained from a student's School Record Information Form. The First Follow-Up questionnaire was mailed to potential respondents in the fall of 1973. In the preliminary analysis of results, six basic classification variables were used to define subpopulations: sex, high school program, race, geographical region, ability, and socioeconomic status. Preliminary results for these subgroups are reported in terms of spring 1972 plans versus October 1972 activities, and October 1972 activities versus October 1973 activities. A path analysis model involving student financial aid is presented to illustrate the evaluation of a factor's impact. (BW)