Meant to study post secondary educational and vocational activities, the National Longitudinal Survey of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS) is reported to have consistently succeeded in overcoming diminishing response rates and sample attrition found in other longitudinal surveys. The purpose of understanding the focus and experiences affecting plans and attainments of young adults is discussed with the secondary purpose of extending scientific knowledge of human development in transition years. In a brief history of the NLS, the origins and goals are discussed. With the design and content of the sample, the summary also covers the NLS questionnaire design through the fourth instrument, the administration of the pretests, base year and followup surveys, data preparation and quality, and the use of data by federal aqencies, social scientists and others. Material extracted from key NLS documents is provided. Tables illustrate statistical and variables data, and the appendices include complete survey instruments with an NLS bibliography. (CM)