The near-dropouts were profiled in contrast to educationally more stable students in terms of drug use, delinquency, victimization, family structure, parents' education, place of residence, and year in which the surveys were administered. The analysis focused on the years 1976- 84. Results revealed that the near-dropouts were characterized by drug use in the past 30 days and in their lifetimes; delinquency; a weaker family structure for males; and, for females, having been a victim of a personal offense. In contrast, the more highly committed, educationally stable students were characterized by higher formal education for father and mother, being from urban areas, having their property victimized, and being low on cumulative career drug use. All these factors confirm that near-dropouts have lifestyles that resemble actual dropouts and appear to be categorically different from more committed students. Results related to college plans and absenteeism also supported the hypothesis. Findings indicated that educators must not assume that every senior who makes it into the second semester will automatically stay out of trouble, remain committed to school, and not drop out. Becoming a high school dropout is a complex process; even if the near-dropouts graduate, society cannot assume that they will become responsible workers or go on to college. Tables and 21 references