The attitudes and career plans of high school juniors and seniors were examined in a telephone survey of 809 U.S. high school juniors and seniors (sampling error, +/-3.5%). The respondents ranged in age from 14 to 20 years and were evenly divided between males and females. The key conclusions were as follows: (1) students perceive a lack of career guidance; (2) bias toward four-year colleges is pervasive; and (3) career choice is based on personal interest over career opportunity. The following were among the researchers' even recommendations for improving career guidance systems: (1) fund and empower K-12 career counselors; (2) increase partnerships between educators and industry; (3) realign career recruitment/image campaigns; and (4) promote the career pathways concept. (Thirty tables/figures and survey overview and demographic analysis are included. The following items are appended: "Practice and Research in Career Counseling and Development--2000" (Darrell Anthony Luzzo, Marilyn Wright MacGregor); "Perceived Influences on High School Students' Current Career Expectations" (Heidi K. Paa, Ellen Hawley McWhirter); a profile of the Get Tech campaign of the National Association of Manufacturers' Center for Workforce Success; "Training with a Purpose" (David C. Sansone); "Schools and Industry--A Winning Combination" (David C. Sansone); and "Final Report and Recommendations" (Ferris State University Partnership for Career Decision-Making in Technologies and Health Sciences)). (MN)