The primary purpose of this handbook is to help high school guidance counselors advise students seeking financial aid for postsecondary education. It provides information on sources of aid and how to apply for aid from the programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Also included are supplementary materials that suggest different ways to encourage high school students to consider postsecondary education as an avenue to a more rewarding career. Part I of this handbook provides general information about postsecondary opportunities. It focuses on sources of aid, general eligibility requirements for student aid, how one demonstrates need, and how to choose a school. Part II discusses the application process for financial aid. This section considers the federal role in application processing, how to apply for aid, submitting an initial application, how the application is processed, reviewing the student aid report, and making changes. Part III concentrates on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It explains the nine sections: (1) yourself; (2) student status; (3) household information; (4) 1992 income, earnings, and benefits; (5) Federal Stafford Loan information; (6) your veterans educational benefits; (7) college release and certification; (8) asset information; and (9) state information. A special supplement is included that focuses specifically on getting disadvantaged students into college. Sources of additional information, information on state agencies, and a glossary of relevant terms are appended. (NB)