This paper presents preliminary data from a national study carried out in 2011 by the Italian Ministry of Labour- ISFOL through a structured questionnaire to a probabilistic sample of 1500 "at-risk students" (who have taken lsced-2 in 2005 with the lowest mark). Three life itineraries have been focused: ESLs (early school leavers) who are employed in low qualified, precarious jobs or in a NEET (not in education, training or employment) condition; students who have achieved lsced-3 certificate in VET (vocational education and training) courses or are going to achieve it; students who have achieved lsced-3 certificate in school education or are going to achieve it. This paper describes some personal, social and scholastic determinants of each profile. The examination of ESL profile (n=576) leads to confirm the usefulness of a vision of ESL as a personal agent, unless avoiding to remark the weakness of social supports surrounding those subjects.