This booklet explains problems posed by prior drug convictions to college-bound students seeking federal financial aid. Under a new law which takes effect on July 1, 2000, some students who have drug convictions may be ineligible for federal student aid. For possession of illegal drugs, students are ineligible from the date of conviction for one year for a first offense, two years for a second offense, and indefinitely for a third offense. For sale of illegal drugs, students are ineligible from the date of conviction for two years for a first offense and indefinitely for a second offense. Drug convictions that were reversed, set aside, or removed from the record do not count, nor do convictions before age 18. The booklet notes that students with drug convictions should still apply because, depending on the date and number of convictions, they may be eligible. Even if ineligible, students should still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid because many schools and states use information from the form for their aid programs. The booklet describes how to correctly answer the question about drug convictions on the student financial aid application, and discusses how to regain eligibility through an acceptable drug rehabilitation program. (SM)