To test the hypothesis that a student probably will not attain a high level of education without aspiring to do so but that high aspirations do not guarantee high educational achievement, researchers surveyed 134 high school students in 2 Mississippi counties during their sophomore year in 1966 and again in 1972. Like youth in other parts of the country, the students had high educational aspirations. All aspired to high school completion; over 94%, to some additional education; and over 66%, to college or graduate degrees. Females had lower aspirations than males, whites had lower aspirations than blacks, and rural youth had lower aspirations than city and town youth. The students' actual educational achievement fell below their aspirations. By 1972 88% had completed high school, 54.5% had obtained additional education, and only 14.9% had college degrees. Differences in aspirations and achievements were largest at the lower and higher educational levels. Differences in achievement between males and females were greatest in the high school and vocational education categories, although more females than males had college degrees. Differences in achievement between blacks and whites were largest for the high school diploma and college degree categories. Place of residence had little effect on educational achievement. (SB)