An increase in formal education requirements in West Germany has not been accompanied by an increase in vocational opportunities which have actually decreased in some professions. This study assessed the opinions of 40 members of the age group (born between 1962 and 1964) who received their formal education during the period of increased educational requirements about the significance of their school experiences in relation to subsequent educational and employment opportunities. The findings indicate that students perceive having reduced employment opportunities and believe that they personally have to maximize or create any employment opportunities. They believe that advanced school programs increase their awareness and readiness to question political conditions, and the more highly educated former students are the most critical ones in rating educational opportunities. The perception that schools provide opportunities to prepare for future employment does not appear to apply to contemporary economic conditions, because it implicitly promises employment in exchange for a diploma. The school experience should be redefined so that persons perceive attendance as an important element of their total life. (JHP)