This handbook, intended to help high school students prepare for further education and careers, is divided into six sections. Section I provides information on high school graduation requirements, department offerings and related careers, the Regional Occupation Program (ROP), and adult school. Section II offers recommendations on planning for college; lists entrance requirements, application procedures, and other information for the University of California system, the California State University system, and California community colleges; and provides descriptions of many private colleges in California. Section III describes the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Achievement Tests (ACH), the American College Testing Program (ACT), and Advanced Placement Tests (APT). Section IV,"Financial Aid," describes federal programs, California state programs, and college and university programs; lists the estimated 1982-83 costs of many public and private colleges in California; and describes local financial aid sources. Section V discusses apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and the military. Section VI, "Obtaining a Job," offers recommendations for the job search, the application letter and resume, the employment interview, and for keeping a job. This document was selected by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Task Force on Public Confidence as descriptive of a promising practice or exemplary project worthy of highlighting for the California educational community. (DC)