Parent and student surveys were conducted in nine primarily rural West Virginia counties to gather baseline information on incoming seventh-grade students' and parents' awareness of and aspirations for postsecondary education. The surveys are administered each year as part of Fairmont State College's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant. This paper summarizes findings from first-year surveys, February 2000. Surveys were completed by over 2,200 students at 29 middle and junior high schools and by 1,840 mothers and 1,464 fathers. Findings indicate that parents frequently helped their children with homework but had limited school involvement. Parents were generally satisfied with their child's education. Overall, students seemed fairly confident of their academic ability and saw themselves as good, hardworking students. Students were willing to admit that they needed academic help with some classes. Most students recognized the benefits of postsecondary education. Nearly three-fourths believed that further education is necessary to get a satisfying job, that they would attend college, and that their parents wanted them to go to college. However, students had limited awareness of postsecondary institutions. Students regarded parents as the most important source of educational information, but parents actually had limited information. Parents and students were familiar with financial aid sources but were disinclined to believe that students would receive scholarships. Parents seemed to have a realistic picture of college expenses. County-specific findings and recommendations are listed. (SV)