To investigate whether there are significant numbers of academically talented students in disadvantaged populations (black and non-black) who do not pursue a higher education, 28,000 National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test participants were administered a questionnaire. The sample was divided into 72 subgroups formed on the basis of race (black or non-black), sex, ability level, and geographic region of residence. The results, despite a low response rate, strongly suggest that the test-bright achiever of either race is almost certain to enter college ragardless of factors such as sex or parental earnings. Data are reported on the location and type of college attended, freshman year persistence, and grades obtained. (JS)