An overview of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS) is provided. Section one describes the research design for the base-year and first through third followup surveys. Section two summarizes findings from data analyses of the first followup and base-year, completed before September 1975. The findings are presented according to six basic classification variables: sex; high school curriculum; race; geographic region; ability; and socioeconomic status. The relationship of these variables to plan fulfillment is examined; that is, spring 1972 educational and employment plans are compared to October 1972 activities, and October 1972 activities are compared to October 1973 activities. Race by sex differences in educational attainment are examined by comparing three predictor variables--socioeconomic status, aptitude, and high school class rank. Changes in self-concept and control of environment, resulting from unfulfilled plans, are also discussed. The final section raises nineteen significant questions for the fall 1976 followup and subsequent studies. (CP)