A comprehensive guide was formulated for directing economically disadvantaged students through the higher education process. It is meant to help alleviate three major problems: (1) severe lack of guidance and career counseling in secondary and postsecondary schools; (2) financial aid that is left unused because of lack of student awareness; and (3) student failure or difficulties in higher education due not to academic inability but rather to unfamiliarity with the system. Major topics are: college preparation in high school; the variety of colleges and universities available (including military academies); black colleges; city and state universities of New York; test taking; admissions tests; college life; and graduate study; sample letters, a glossary of terms and a list of financial aid sources are included. (MSE)