This manual has been produced to familiarize data users with the procedures followed for data collection and processing of the first follow-up dropout component of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88). Necessary documentation is also provided for use of the data files. The base-year population covered by the NELS:88 included only those eighth graders who were considered capable of filling out a NELS:88 student questionnaire and completing the NELS:88 student test. Thus, projected student counts from the NELS:88 may not match official enrollment statistics. Chapter 1 begins with an overview and history of the NELS:88 program, and Chapter 2 contains a general description of the data collection instruments for the base year and the first follow-up studies. The sample design and weighting procedures are documented in Chapter 3. Data collection procedures, schedules, and results are in presented Chapter 4. Chapter 5 describes data control and data preparation activities. Data processing is described in Chapter 6, and Chapter 7 describes the organization and contents of the data files and provides important suggestions for using them. Fifteen appendixes provide technical details. Appendix J contains the follow-up questionnaire itself, and Appendix K presents a questionnaire supplement. There are 22 data tables in the text, along with 14 illustrative figures. The appendixes contain 11 additional tables. (SLD)