We advise students to start their college search by taking a self-assessment test. Fortunately, there are a number of self-assessment tests available online for free and they are specifically designed to guide your college search and help you determine what type of college learning community is most appropriate for you.
Here are three of our favorite self-assessment tests:
- U.S. News & World Report offers a College Personality Quiz in which students complete a self-assessment on ten topics, ranging from learning styles and enthusiasm towards school to social consciousness and self-understanding. This quiz will take a little time, but the simple process of answering these questions will get you thinking. Don’t expect quiz results to yield a list of your “best match” colleges. Instead, the quiz provides valuable, thought-provoking information to guide students in their search. You will probably come away with more questions than answers at the end of the quiz, which is the intention.
- The College Board’s Answer 10 Questions and Discover Your Future is far less comprehensive than the U.S. News quiz, but it is still a helpful exercise that will encourage self-reflection. You will be asked about things that challenge you, favorite classes, people you admire, and even what you like to do for fun. Use these 10 questions as a jumping-off point for further introspection.
- The Find the Right College College Fit Worksheet in Section 2.1 of our 15-part video series will ask you about your preferences regarding four important aspects of a college: campus size, location, academic offerings, and student culture/activities. Be true to yourself and your own desires as you answer these questions. Don’t answer them with a certain college in mind; keep the focus of this exercise on you.
It is never too late or too early to take a self-assessment test or even re-take one after a few months. It is common for your self-assessment test results to evolve over time so don’t be surprised if that happens. It’s perfectly healthy. Just be mindful of changes to your priorities and goals as you progress through your college search.
