This report gathers papers prepared for a design conference for the evaluation of the Federal Talent Search Program, an early intervention program to identify gifted and talented financially needy students and connect them with discretionary grants for higher education. An introductory paper synthesizes major conference themes. These include: (1) objectives of the Talent Search program, past and present; (2) objectives of the evaluation; (3) identifying and measuring Talent Search impacts; (4) other methodological issues; and (5) time frame for the next evaluation. Papers include: "Designing a Useful and Appropriate Evaluation of Talent Search: What Are the Most Important Design Questions to Consider?" (Thomas A. Angelo); "Talent Search: Issues for an Evaluation" (Alvia Y. Branch); "Perspectives on an Evaluation of Talent Search: Interviews with Talent Search Staff" (Ann Coles); "Measuring Program Outcomes: What Impacts Are Important To Assess, and What Impacts Are Possible To Measure?" (Amaury Nora and Alberto F. Cabrera); "Review of Two Studies of Talent Search: The Research Triangle Institute's 1975 Study of Talent Search and Paul Franklin's 1985 Study for the College Board" (James E. Rosenbaum); and "Measuring Program Impact: What Impacts Are Important To Assess, and What Impacts Are Possible To Measure? A Proposal for Research" (William Trent). "Analysis of Talent Search Performance Reports, 1986-87 and 1990-91" (Elizabeth Eisner) is included as a supplement. (PB)