This paper describes efforts to identify students at risk of dropping out of school in 21 school districts in central New York. Examination of the student folders of 309 recent dropouts and interviews with principals, superintendents, and guidance counselors provided data, which were organized on student dropout data sheets, a protocol developed from standard indicators in the dropout literature. Incomplete files, inconsistent information, and errors in test score data made sophisticated statistical analysis inappropriate. As an alternative, "profiles" were developed to provide a crude system for dropout classification. These profiles were: (1) the "slow learner"--the traditional dropout, most likely to be identified as "high risk"; (2) the student whose general achievement diminishes each year, usually not identified until secondary school; (3) the student with an uneven pattern of performance and diminishing achievement in particular areas; and (4) the student strongly affected by an event or situation, such as pregnancy or family problems. At least 20% of the student folders fit each of these four profiles. The profiles have good potential as useful tools for school personnel concerned with early identification of "at risk" students. This paper contains an outline of student characteristics and suggested remediation for each dropout type, and a sample student dropout data sheet. (SV)