Do Colleges Use Personality Tests in the Admissions Process?

I've been hearing a bit about personality tests and how they might play a role in college admissions. Are these tests actually part of any college's admissions process, or are they more for personal use? I know some schools might be looking beyond grades and test scores, but do they actually incorporate personality assessments? If so, how can I prepare for that, or is that something colleges don’t really rely on?

In general, colleges do not use personality tests as part of their admissions process. The primary factors for most undergraduate admissions decisions include your academic performance (GPA, course rigor, and test scores if applicable), your personal narrative (which usually comes from your essays), your extracurricular involvement, and letters of recommendation. Some colleges may also consider supplemental materials such as interviews or a demonstrated interest in the school.

The closest thing to a "personality test" in the college admissions process might be an interview, though it’s important to note that a college admissions interview is typically about getting to know you better and understanding your fit with the school, not evaluating your personality traits in a clinical or psychological sense. These interviews can give a personal touch to your application but are usually not the deal-maker or -breaker.

However, it's vital to express your individuality throughout your application, especially when writing your essays. Colleges want to see unique individuals who bring something different to their schools. While personality traits are not directly measured, they can shine through these components of your application indirectly. For example, if you are a naturally inquisitive person, you might demonstrate that by discussing independent research you've done in school or on your own time.

Also, some colleges have specific essay prompts that ask about aspects of your character or personal experiences that have shaped you. In such essays, the admissions committee wants to understand more about you and how you handle situations but does not professionally assess your personality.

In a nutshell, personality tests aren’t a standard part of the college admissions process. However, aspects of your personality will naturally come through in your application materials. So while it won’t help to prepare for such tests, preparing to present the best and most authentic version of yourself in your application would be beneficial.