A nationally representative sample of eighth-graders were first surveyed in the spring of 1988. A sample of these respondents were then resurveyed through four follow-ups in 1990, 1992, 1994, and 2000. On the questionnaire, students reported on a range of topics including: school, work, and home experiences; educational resources and support; the role in education of their parents and peers; neighborhood characteristics; educational and occupational aspirations; and other student perceptions. Additional topics included self-reports on smoking, alcohol and drug use and extracurricular activities. For the three in-school waves of data collection (when most were eighth-graders, sophomores, or seniors), achievement tests in reading, social studies, mathematics and science were administered in addition to the student questionnaire. To further enrich the data, students' teachers, parents, and school administrators were also surveyed. Coursework and grades from students' high school and postsecondary transcripts are also available in the restricted use dataset - although some composite variables have been made available in the public use file. The NELS:88 data can be used for policy-relevant research about educational processes and outcomes, for example: student learning; early and late predictors of dropping out; and school effects on students' access to programs and equal opportunity to learn. This data file user's manual provides Appendixes G and H, which were added 2-27-2003. They are as follows: (1) Descriptors for Major/Field of Study, Occupation and Industry Codes NELS:88/200; and (2) NELS:88/2000 Data Collection Dates, Completion Status and Sample Sizes.