What's Your College Personality Type?

When you’re looking for your college personality match, knowing who you are as a person can be just as important as knowing where a school is and how much it costs. Discover how to find top-notch schools by personality and get matched to the college that’s right for you today.

St. John’s University

College personality match: Outgoing, entrepreneurial communicators

A Roman Catholic institution open to students of all faiths, St. John’s University offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs in the arts, business, education, pharmacy, and the natural and applied science.

The school’s location in New York City offers countless inroads for innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a good potential match for leadership-oriented students. Those who enjoy exposure to different ways of thought may feel at home within a student body that’s known for its religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity.

• Type: Private
• Location: Queens, New York
• Setting: Urban
• Campus size: 97 acres
• Undergraduate/total enrollment: 16,440/ 21,087
• Gender distribution: 43% male / 57% female
• Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
• Classes attended by 20 students or fewer: 31.5%
• Average freshman retention rate: 81%

Popular Programs at St. John’s:

• Ph.D. in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

American University

College personality match: Extroverts who thrive on intellectual and cultural stimulation

AU is a student-centered research institution defined by its global outlook, practical idealism, and passion for public service. Because of its location in the nation’s capital, AU may attract students who like having their voice heard in addressing global issues.

Students may benefit from a personalized curriculum, the freedom to plot their own academic course, and a wide variety of clubs and organizations for every interest.

• Type: Private
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Setting: Suburban
• Campus size: 84 acres
• Undergraduate/total enrollment: 7,901/ 13,347
• Gender distribution: 37% male/ 63% female
• Student-faculty ratio: 12:1
• Classes attended by 20 students or fewer: 52%
• Average freshman retention rate: 89%

Popular programs at American:

• Master of Science in Agile Project Management
• Master of Public Administration and Policy
• Master of Science in Sports Analytics and Management
• Master of Science in Healthcare Management
• Master of Art in Strategic Communication
• Master of Arts in International Relations Online
• Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security

Purdue University

College personality match: Introverts and those who seek a high level of creative and academic freedom

Founded in 1869 as a land-grant school, Purdue University is known for its diverse student population and renowned research initiatives and achievements in aerospace, engineering, technology, science, and math.

Self-motivated, independent-minded learners will find an emphasis on rigorous, intellectually stimulating course work with the opportunity to dig deep into passion projects. For those who seek more support, Purdue maintains an intimate atmosphere that values individual needs and provides personal support to help students succeed.

• Type: Public
• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
• Setting: City
• Campus size: 2,468 acres
• Undergraduate/total enrollment: 30,043 / 40,451
• Gender distribution: 58% male/ 42% female
• Student-faculty ratio: 12:1
• Classes attended by 20 students or fewer: 38%
• Average freshman retention rate: 92%

Popular Programs at Purdue:

• Master of Science in Engineering Technology
• Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology
• Master of Science in Communication
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Science in Engineering Technology

Find a College that Fits You

Do you thrive on brainstorming and lively in-person group discussions, or do you enjoy digging into independent research? Do you crave encouragement and support from others or are you self-motivated to do your best?

To find the kind of educational environment where you’re most likely to thrive, find out more about your personality based on five key areas:

1. Learning type
2. Motivation
3. Independence
4. Career orientation
5. Social-academic balance

A short description of each is listed below. Plus, you can take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® or you can find out which college majors are perfect for you based on your personality.

#1: What’s Your Learning Style?

The right school for you should fit the way in which you best process information. Do you feel that learning by discussion is more fun than learning by listening to a teacher lecture? If so, then smaller schools with more intimate class sizes and low student to teacher ratios may give you a greater opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions and communicate with professors.

If, on the other hand, you enjoy learning through course lectures, reading, and autonomous and unstructured research, a large college with a strong library system and research facilities may be ideal. Take a free learning style quiz to find if your learning style is visual, auditory, physical, verbal, logical, social, multi-faceted, or reflective.

#2: What Motivates You?

Are you driven to learn things on your own and not just for a class? Students who are internally motivated by intellectual curiosity may do well in a college that values mental stimulation and academic challenges over grades.

Students who have a strong drive to improve their career and financial prospects through education may thrive in an online format. However, students whose motivation comes externally, from faculty and advisors, may find an online format challenging and could do better in an on-campus environment with an open and experiential approach to learning and support in managing schedules and meeting due dates and deadlines.

#3: Independence and Your College Match

Are you comfortable taking positions that others might not agree with? Do you believe your actions control the outcome of your life? If so, you may do well in an environment where you have a great deal of control over the classes you take and your hours of study.

If, on the other hand, you tend to seek feedback from others in making decisions and you feel that outcomes in your life are largely shaped by society, the environment and outside forces, then you may do well in a school that has strictly prescribed academic requirements.

#4: What College Fits Your Career Orientation?

If you feel it’s important that your college classes relate directly to real life, then you may want to look for a school that focuses on vocational and career preparation through highly focused courses of study.

If, on the other hand, you see college as a time for general intellectual growth and academic experimentation, you may find your college match in a liberal arts school with a wide selection of strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. This also holds true for students who aren’t drawn to a particular profession or area of study and could benefit from a broad variety of choices to explore.

#5: Finding a Good Social-Academic Balance at College

There’s more to school than doing homework—true or false? If your answer is a resounding “true,” then a school that’s right for you will likely offer extensive opportunities to collaborate and interact with others, both socially and academically. Schools with on-campus events, clubs, activities and expansive alumni networks might be a good choice, as will online colleges that offer active chat rooms, threaded discussions, and social media communities.

However, those who place a high priority on academics alone or who are simply more introverted may be most comfortable at a college with a strong emphasis on academic pursuits.

Find the Perfect Program for Your Personality!

Looking for the right school for you? Click on any of these sponsored listings to find your college personality match and learn how to apply. Or, use the form on this page to get matched to the perfect program for you!