This study examined the career and college advice that high school counselors and vocational teachers gave to students who were unlikely to seek a 4-year college degree. Transcripts of interviews conducted with 35 guidance counselors and 80 vocational teachers from 12 Chicago metropolitan high schools between 1992 and 1995 were examined in regard to the participants' views about the importance of college attendance, the advice the counselors gave to students, and how this advice varied for different students. It was found that counselors did not articulate clear reasons why they steered students to college, what kinds of students they believed should choose college, or for what career goals. The majority considered college as a general panacea for all goals and all individuals. In addition, the majority of counselors were reluctant to confront students who had unrealistic expectations regarding college or job plans. Teachers classified as "diplomats" discussed postsecondary plans with students as subtly as possible, while those classified as "straightforward" expressed much less concern about hurting students' self-esteem and were more direct in assessing students' plans and offering advice. (Contains 14 references.) (MDM)