It can be overwhelming to be a high school student. Teachers, parents, and guidance counselors may pressure a student to figure out exactly what they want to do after high school. But with so many options, it can be confusing for a student to figure out what career path they wish to pursue. And if they make a wrong choice, it can cost them significant time, money, or lead to vocational unhappiness in the long run. The stakes of making a well-considered decision are high. So, how can a teenager on the brink of graduation ensure that the career step they take will maximize their chances at a fulfilling career? In my experience, aptitude testing is the best way for high school students to best identify career paths that they both have an innate knack for, and a natural passion.
Aptitude testing helps students uncover natural traits and identify careers they will be naturally good at
An aptitude is different from having a hobby or a favorite subject. While a student might be curious or interested in numerous subjects and extracurriculars, an aptitude is an innate ability. It is a talent that a person can learn easily and does not have to work as hard at, in order to master it, as other people might. And just as different people can be good at different things, there are many different types of aptitudes. Aptitudes that can be tested include verbal memory, spatial abilities, numerical and mathematical abilities, abstract and logical reasoning, and musical abilities, just to name a few. While a student might know that they are ‘good at math,’ or that ‘they have a good memory,’ most teenagers have never had an opportunity to see a specific breakdown of their abilities. Aptitude testing provides a chance to get a true handle on what areas they naturally excel at.
But identifying strengths is only one part of aptitude testing. Most individuals who take an aptitude test are doing so either because they are in high school and trying to narrow down a career path, or because they are an adult and are looking for a career change. High school students who take an aptitude test early can often avoid costly mistakes, such as committing to a college major that doesn’t suit them or pursuing a career path they will likely struggle to succeed in. By identifying strengths early, high school students can focus on areas of study that they are both innately good at and are likely to excel in.
So, what are the best aptitude tests to help a high school student find a career path they will be happy with? I will explore several options below.
Online career tests and aptitude tests may provide some similar advice but are not the same thing
Before I discuss some of the best options for high schoolers to identify their aptitudes, I want to address a common point of confusion. There are many free online career tests that one can take with little time or effort. While these tests are relatively harmless, and may be fun, they are not typically useful. Free online tests are not typically scientifically backed, nor are they constructed using any sort of psychometric data. At best, they may ask the student a series of random questions pertaining to types of careers that may sound appealing. At worst, the “free” site is using a fun quiz as a sneaky way to get your student’s email address and data.
A second point that can cause some confusion is this– career tests and personality tests do not test for aptitudes, however, aptitude tests can provide insights into both personality and career direction. For example; the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator is probably the most well-known personality test in pop culture. In the Meyers-Briggs test, individuals are given a ‘personality type’ based on four dimensions of personality– extrovert vs. introvert, sensor vs. intuitor, thinker vs. feeler, judge vs. perceiver. [1] In the Meyers-Briggs test, individuals are asked questions regarding how they perceive the world, how they react in various social situations, and how they interact with others. All answers are subjective and self-reported. While the information in the Meyers-Briggs can be valuable in a student understanding their own personality, it must be understood that while personality informs some of a person’s innate aptitudes, a personality test is not an aptitude test. However, most aptitude tests do give insight into personality, and will provide feedback in such areas such as extroversion vs. introversion, leadership abilities, social abilities, and analytical thinking. So, again, while online personality tests can be fun to take, and may provide some insight, the only way to get a true picture of one’s full range of aptitude abilities is by taking a true aptitude test.
True aptitude tests are not short or free of charge, but may be taken either online or at a testing facility
Some students may be lucky, if their school or educator offers aptitude testing. One company that offers aptitude software to educators, guidance counselors and career counselors is YouScience Brightpath. YouScience Brightpath is an aptitude based guidance platform which uses data and AI to help students identify their aptitudes and explore career paths.[2] YouScience software uses “brain games” and artificial intelligence algorithms to identify aptitudes, and the battery is a computerized version of the Ball Aptitude Battery. [3] Previous research has established the reliability of the battery, and the ability for the battery to predict performance success on various jobs.
For individuals who do not have a school that offers YouScience as a larger program, and wish to access the YouScience aptitude test, there is a highly affordable option at $49. For the price, individuals are provided a forty-page report that identifies their aptitudes, gives insight into how they work with others, their personal approach to tasks and decision making, identifies fields of interest, and uses AI technology to identify best-fitting careers.[4] However, YouScience was truly made as a tool for educators, and this is unique to the product. Teachers, guidance counselors, and career coaches can use YouScience’s assessment battery as a jumping off point, and then provide additional tools such as an interactive resume builder, self-reflection tools, a 4-year course plan, and further tools and lesson guides to help students develop their specific goals based on their aptitude results. [5] YouScience helps educators and coaches give personalized advice and guide students to a path of self-discovery. Please be advised that the price of service may vary when offered in conjunction with additional ongoing services.
For parents and students who would prefer a more immersive experience with in-person testing, the Johnson O’Conner Research Foundation offers a viable option. The Johnson O’Conner Research Foundation was originally founded in 1922 by Mr. Johnson O’Conner for the purpose of increasing efficiency and reducing costs for the General Electric Company. What began as an experiment that initially started with testing employees, and trying to match employees with the most natural job tasks, quickly expanded. Employees began to request that Mr. O’Conner test their children so the children could benefit from his discoveries in aptitudes and efficiency. In 1939, with demand outpacing what he could individually handle, the company incorporated into a nonprofit educational organization with its own testing center.[6]
Today the Johnson O’Conner Research Foundation has eleven different testing centers across the country. Cities that students may get tested in include Austin, Atlanta, Boca Raton Florida, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Charlotte, North Carolina, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, or Washington D.C. Tests must be scheduled in advance at any one of these testing locations, and there is a flat fee charge of $950.
The administered battery includes the test of twenty-one different aptitudes, a workplace personality test, a personality test based on the Big Five personality traits, a vocabulary test, and a career interest survey. Testing can be broken up into two half days, or can be completed in one day over the course of a morning and afternoon session, with a break for lunch. A follow-up conference call will be conducted over zoom to go over the results and will last 60-90 minutes. Students will receive an interactive report with their results, and during the follow-up summary, they may discuss recommendations with their consultant, such as what types of careers may be the best fit for them. Students who are assessed by the Johnson O’Conner Research Foundation also receive a copy of the book Choosing Intelligently, so they have an ongoing reference guide to information regarding aptitude patterns, and strategies for making the most of their test results. [7] Parents who are concerned about their student’s learning disabilities, mental health issues, or attention deficits may contact the testing center directly and discuss whether or not aptitude testing is appropriate for their individual child.
A third aptitude testing service that is a great option for high school students is the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB). The Highlands Ability Battery test is taken completely online, and is based on the research of Johnson O’Conner and the Johnson O’Conner Research Foundation. The HAB is a great choice for students who want to have access to a highly researched and validated aptitude test, but would prefer to take the test in the comfort of their own home. The HAB consists of 19 work samples and takes approximately three hours to complete. However, the HAB does not need to be taken in one sitting, and students can take as many breaks as necessary in between work samples.[8]
The Highlands Ability Battery differs from YouScience in the fact that the HAB must be administered by a certified Highlands consultant, who will conduct a 60-90 minute virtual debrief. And unlike testing at the Johnson O’Conner Research Foundation, most Highlands consultants offer additional and ongoing services. For example, at Conscious College Planning, administering the HAB is just a jumping-off point for most of our clients. Our services include ongoing career coaching that involves helping students further explore the careers that best match with their aptitude, putting students in touch with professionals who work in their fields of interest, and using tools and worksheets to get students to further consider their future. Our college planning consultants also help students build college lists that best fit the majors and career paths that align with their aptitude results. We additionally provide college application assistance and help students understand the financial planning piece of their education. By having our students begin by taking the Highlands Ability Battery, students can identify their natural aptitudes and talents, and find natural areas of study that can lead to fulfilling and satisfying careers.
Aptitude testing in conjunction with college planning can lead to better post high-school fits
Aptitude testing is a fantastic first step for high schoolers who are unsure about where their natural talents lie, and what career path would be best for them. As I have discussed, there are several different options for high schoolers that can give them the information they need to begin making an informed decision. But understanding your aptitudes is often just the beginning. Ongoing college counseling can help students find the university that best fits their personality, and can help students track their admissions guidelines to ensure that they have the best chance of getting into the school of their choice. Many high schoolers find the college planning process overwhelming, even if they know what major they wish to pursue. Ongoing feedback from a college planning coach can help high schoolers stay on track with their college planning, and can make sure that application deadlines do not fall through the cracks. Coaching can also provide students with feedback on their personal essays, and help them decide what extracurriculars to focus on in preparation for college.
The coaches at Conscious College Planning work with students virtually, across the United States. We put together custom packages based on your student’s needs, and make sure that your student is able to reach their goal. If you are interested in aptitude testing or ongoing college planning services, contact us today.
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References
[1] https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/myers-briggs-overview/
[2] https://www.youscience.com/education/brightpath/
[3] https://resources.youscience.com/rs/806-BFU-539/images/Discovery_TheScienceBehindYouScience_Report.pdaptitude-basedf
[4] https://www.youscience.com/buy-now/
[5] https://www.youscience.com/education/brightpath/education-career-plan/
[6] https://www.jocrf.org/about/history/
[7] https://www.jocrf.org/testing/faqbe Zoom/
[8] https://www.highlandsco.com/whats-highlands-ability-batteryConscious/