In this study, we investigate how college extracurricular activities influence students' early occupational outcomes. In particular, we examine how the type and number of extracurricular activities, as well as level of participation, influence occupational prestige and job satisfaction. Employing the three national databases, we compare the…

This report provides guidance and documentation for users of the combined base-year to third follow-up data of the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002). ELS:2002 is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. The base-year and follow-up studies…

The Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002) tracks the educational and developmental experiences of a nationally representative sample of high school sophomores in the United States. This First Look report provides a descriptive portrait of these 2002 tenth-graders a decade later, when most were about 26 years old and had been out of high…

The different preferences for occupational roles and college majors of the recent college graduates in this study account for one-third to two-thirds of the gender differences in earnings three years after graduation. The implications for estimating labor market discrimination are discussed. (SK)

Data from the 1979 follow-up of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 suggested that early career experiences of undergraduate humanities majors differed little from contemporaries in other liberal arts fields, but contrasted with those in which job-major fit was better or pay higher. (Author/MLW)

Declining birth rates in the 1960s have caused some to forecast shortages of new scientists and engineers by the end of this decade. Students in national longitudinal studies begun in 1972 and 1980 were compared, and it was concluded that a decline in the supply of engineers and scientists is unlikely. (Author/MLW)

Scholars of sex differentials in attainment in the labor market have long looked to the division of labor in the family--especially childbearing and rearing--as one source of these differentials. This study assesses the effects of the first birth on the career orientation and job characteristics of young adult males and females, using data from…

A causal framework was used to explore factors that influence the enrollment of four-year college students in the hard and technical sciences (math, science, engineering) and the professions (pre-law, medicine, dentistry). The factors studied were family status, standardized test performance, high school rank, educational expectations, high school…

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS), this study shows that almost half the NLS respondents teaching in 1979 did not report teaching plans in high school, whereas three-fourths of those planning to teach were not teaching in 1979. (Author/BW)

A study using data from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 compared effects of attendance at a women's college for one to six years (n=125) with attendance at only coeducational colleges (n=1832). Findings indicated significant occupational achievement benefits were realized for each year of attendance at a women's…

Changes that occurred between 1972 and 1980 in the intended field of study and occupational aspirations of high school seniors were investigated, along with how successfully seniors attained their aspirations. Background, personal, and school variables associated with selecting each occupation and field among the 1980 seniors were analyzed…

The options in the labor market for high school graduates, the demand for higher education, and the vocational education sector are explored by employing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of the High School Class of 1972. Findings are detailed including post-high-school experiences (expected and actual). (Author/MLW)

The relationship between aid received and activities pursued after college (attending graduate school, career choice, forming a family, and forming personal values) was examined. Results imply that the self-help forms of aid (loans and work) are not detrimental to the future plans of recipients. (Author/LB)

Explores impact of student financial aid (loans or work programs) on the lives of students after they graduate from college. Apparently, self-help forms of student aid are not detrimental to the behaviors of college graduates regarding further study, career choices, and decisions to form families. (JMD)

The growing complexity of policy decisions in such areas as education and manpower necessitates increased research, which in turn requires an adequate data base and adequate methodology. Recognition that the variables affecting the vocational and educational choices of high school graduates are interrelated and require examination from several…