Noting that when adolescents select friends, they are creating a relationship context that will be an important source of influence, this study examined the criteria adolescents use when choosing friends. Adolescents in grades 7 and 10 were interviewed about the criteria they used when selecting friends, particularly the importance they placed upon the potential friends academic performance and problem behavior. Responses indicated that the characteristics most preferred in potential friends were personality attributes reflecting prosocial behavior and sociability. The characteristics most avoided in potential friends were problem behaviors such as aggression, substance use, and criminal behavior. Boys were more likely than girls to report that they select friends who are similar to themselves and avoid friends who use drugs or alcohol. Girls were more likely than boys to report that they select friends based on characteristics associated with intimacy and avoid friends who are untrustworthy. Tenth graders were more likely than seventh graders to report intimacy as a friendship selection criterion; seventh graders were more likely than tenth graders to report that acceptance was important when choosing friends. Academic performance was not an important selection criterion for most adolescents, although it was more important for seventh graders than for tenth graders and those with higher levels of academic performance. (Author/KB)