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How well do you know yourself? Take this quiz to gain insight into your inner "animal." Then, discover what personality pitfalls to be mindful of as you learn to play with others in the wilderness of College.

1. You've received three acceptance letters from colleges you visited, and you need to choose one of those schools in the next couple of weeks. You...

a. determine which college will best assist you in achieving your goals, and make your decision accordingly. You don't need a few weeks to choose.
b. wait until the day before the decision is due, then pick the school where you made the most friends.
c. spend those weeks going back and forth in your mind, and ultimately choose the college where you feel the most secure.
d. pour over the pro/con list you started two years ago, and select the school that makes the most sense according to your preferences. You're careful to postmark your decision with enough time to meet the Deadline.

2. You're preparing for college and a fresh start. You approach this new beginning with...

a. confidence. You enjoy the challenge of a new environment, and as an independent and self-reliant person, you know you'll do well.
b. enthusiasm. You've got tons of energy, and you're sure to be on a first-name basis with everyone in your hall before orientation is over.
c. calmness. Though you thrive in a steady routine, you're pretty even-keeled and can adapt to a new situation once you cultivate close relationships.
d. trepidation. It's hard for you to deal with a new place because you like to know exactly what to expect at all times. Once you get past the awkward beginning phase, you'll feel a lot more at ease.

3. In your freshman History of Civilization course, your professor assigns a group project that counts as half your final grade. You...

a. organize a group meeting right after class and assign each member a task to complete.
b. head to lunch -- the project's not due for another two weeks, so there's plenty of time to get it done.
c. follow the lead of the group, willing to go with the flow.
d. approach the prof after class to clarify the assignment and request examples of successful past projects.

4. Your college soccer team has been losing all season. If you were the coach, you'd tell the players...

a. to consider their defeats an obstacle to be overcome, and set their sights on winning above all else.
b. to give 100 percent in every game, and have fun no matter what.
c. to recognize the solid effort they've put forth as a team, and continue to focus on unity -- there's no "I" in "team," right?
d. to follow the game plan you outlined and play to the best of their abilities.

5. In your friendships, you typically take the role of...

a. leader. You're assertive and bold, though at times you can be bossy.
b. life of the party. You love laughing and spending time with lots of people, but you don't have many deep relationships.
c. peacemaker. You're a loyal, sensitive, caring friend, but you have a hard time asserting yourself or saying no.
d. organizer. You like to make plans in advance and you can always be counted on to remember a date, but you may suffer from a lack of spontaneity.

6. When you imagine your future Career, you picture yourself...

a. as a senior manager or CEO of a large corporation -- you're a goal-driven, results-oriented, and highly efficient.
b. in sales, marketing, or public relations -- you have the ability to motivate others with your vision and optimism.
c. as a middle manager -- you're a steady worker who affirms others and keeps conflict at bay.
d. in engineering, finance, or accounting -- you're highly analytical and detail-oriented, and your work is deliberate and precise.

Your Score
If you chose mostly A's, you're a LION -- a leader though and through. Strengths of your pragmatic personality include being strong and direct; weaknesses may include argumentative or dictatorial tendencies. You might come down too hard on gold retrievers for being "soft;" you prefer the company of otters, beavers, and fellow lions.

If you chose mostly B's, you're an OTTER -- a social butterfly and extrovert all the way. Strengths of your persuasive personality include being open and positive; weaknesses may be talking too much and not following through. You'll get along best with lions, golden retrievers, and other otters in your Dorm.

If you chose mostly C's, you're a GOLDEN RETRIEVER -- a loyal, supportive person much like "man's best friend." Strengths of your amiable personality include being calm and affirming; weaknesses can manifest as indecisiveness and lack of assertiveness. When you get to college, you'll find it easiest to connect with otters, beavers, and fellow golden retrievers.

If you chose mostly D's, you're a BEAVER -- a perfectionist with a capital "P." Strengths of your analytical personality include valuing high standards and persistence; weaknesses can be seen in unrealistic expectations of yourself and others. You may get frustrated with otters' relaxed attitude towards details; it's much easier for you to work with lions, golden retrievers, and other beavers.

>> These four personality types were developed by Dr. Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent, renowned authors, speakers, counselors, and relationship experts.


Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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