If you are a high school student without clear direction about your future, you are not alone. Most high school students (and older people too) can benefit from additional self knowledge about their personality type, interests, strengths & weaknesses and likes & dislikes.

In terms of college planning, this awareness can help you define goals and select a college environment that suits you. Self-knowledge can also help you present yourself more articulately and confidently in your applications, essays and interviews, which can boost your chances for admission. The same information can be helpful to you in deciding on a college major and exploring potential careers.

There are some excellent self-assessment tools (many of them free and fun to do – you just need to know about them!) to help you. Many also provide a list of suggested college majors and careers that are compatible with both your strengths, general interests and personality type.

• MyRoad, a service of the College Board, is available at no charge to all students who have taken the PSAT. MyRoad offers a personality assessment and lists suggested careers and majors compatible with your personality and strengths. (no fee)

• The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a service of the U.S. Government, is available without charge or obligation regardless of your interest in joining the armed services. The program is designed for high school students to measure aptitude, skills and interests and provide guidance on exploring potentially suitable careers. (no fee)

• The most popular personality inventory, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ® (MBTI) is available through professional administrators. Check with your guidance counselor for more information.

• PersonalityType offers a short version personality profiler and potential career options. (no fee)

• Humanmetrics offers a longer, more in-depth personality profiler and provides a description of your personality type along with a list of potentially suitable occupations and educational options. (no fee)

• The University of Missouri Career Center happens to offer The Career Interests Game designed to help you match your interest and skills with suiteable careers. (no fee)  This may be of interest to you, no matter where you are interested in going to college.

• The Strong Interest Inventory ® may be part of your high school's career or college prep curriculum. Check with your guidance counselor for more information.

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