Strengths and Academics

Domain: Executing

People exceptionally talented in the Achiever theme work hard and possess a great deal of stamina. They take immense satisfaction in being busy and productive.

Study techniques:

• Track assignments for each class. Incorporate short term and long-term goals with each class into your tracking.
• Reflect on your best study environment, whether it be with a tutor, friends, or by yourself.
• Always prioritize activities including assignments, what you need to study for an exam, or essays.

Academic tips:

• Set at least one clearly defined, measurable goal for each class at the beginning of the semester. Revisit when you feel overwhelmed in order to stay on top of the course and feel on top of your learning
• Be sure to understand the professor's expectations for you and your coursework
• Identify the most important or crucial point of discussion after every class. Keep a log and refer to it before exams

Courses that may excite you:

• Choose courses that are unfamiliar to you in order to challenge yourself
• Research professors who have a reputation for assisting students in reaching their goals
• Be purposeful about the order of your classes. Every semester, try to take a class that challenges you and interests you.

Domain: Influencing

People exceptionally talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They want to do things now, rather than simply talk about them.

Study techniques:

• Host a study group. Allow for all individuals to contribute information and encourage more timid individuals to share their thoughts or experiences.
• Read ahead to prepare for class lectures. Jot down topics and thoughts in the margin of books in order to have points of discussion to bring up.
• Staying physically active will help you remain engaged and focused in your studies

Academic Tips:

• Initiate classroom discussions. Ask questions, encourage debate with other students and know it is okay to have differing opinions than others.
• Continue conversations with peers outside of the classroom. Encourage debate and discussion outside of the classroom setting.
• Write the first draft of an essay and immediately seek guidance and feedback from a professor or tutor. Incorporate this feedback into the second draft.

Courses that may excite you:

• Look for experiential learning courses. You will be more excited to stay involved in your learning in an action-based curriculum.
• Enroll in courses that involve topics that spark passion in you. Passion encourages you to dive deeper into topics and take action.
• Avoid classes that may restrict your pace or method

Domain: Relationship Building

People exceptionally talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to go with the flow. They tend to be people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.

Study techniques:

• Understand your personal study habits and know that it is okay to grow and change with your study plan. If you stay too consistent with a study plan, you may get bored with it.
• Create a study group and hold each other accountable for exams and assignments
• Establish places around campus where you can study. Having different locations will allow you to break up your studying so you don’t get burned out or bored with your studying.

Academic tips:

• Do not be afraid to explore majors before committing to one. Many students with Adaptability start out as Discovery major so they can have a chance to look at multiple majors with an academic advisor before focusing in on one (or even multiple) majors.
• Make a conscious effort to balance work, school, and social life. If you see one that is lacking, be sure to give it extra attention
• Challenge yourself to take classes that consist of one long assignment instead of many small, individual assignments

Courses that may excite you:

• Choose an elective based on your personal interests
• Be aware of the professors teaching style before enrolling or staying in a class. As your advisor, ask other students, even ask other students. It is okay to if your learning style doesn’t work perfectly with every professor.
• Take advantage of the drop/add period to explore classes and teachers

Domain: Strategic Thinking

People exceptionally talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to all of the factors that might affect a situation.

Study techniques:

• Analyze discussions or articles. See where there is a lack of information and do not be afraid to question it.
• Write down your questions as you have them. Ask classmates or professors if they know the answers to these questions.

Academic tips:

• Create and uphold action plans for yourself regarding each of your classes.
• Anticipate problems you may have when beginning the class.
• Reexamine notes that you took during class and reiterate them in other words in order to gain full clarity of the topic.

Courses that may excite you:

• Take a class with a professor that is known to be an expert in their field.
• Avoid disorganized professors.

Domain: Executing

People strong in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They like to figure out how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

Study techniques:

• Use a priority chart to identify the most important task based on deadlines, final grades, and difficulty.
• Summarize main ideas and take notes in the margins of books.
• Take study breaks in order to let your mind relax and recharge.

Academic tips:

• Utilize calendars for academic priorities and personal activities. Continually update it.
• Read through directions before taking a test or starting a project. By doing this, you can effectively prioritize time.
• Structure notes more effectively. All notes that pertain to one topic, keep on one page. This will make for more accessible studying or research.

Courses that may excite you:

• Choose classes with independent study options
• Volunteer to assist your professor in a specific project. This may be research, interviews, an event, or even a community initiative.

Domain: Executing

People exceptionally talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives.

Study techniques:

• Try to connect what you are studying to what your beliefs are. Write out your beliefs and then the main ideas of what you are studying. See how they connect.
• Always assess if what you are studying adding meaning to your life
• Create a study group of individuals who share similar beliefs as you

Academic tips:

• Create your own academic mission statement. Add your ideals, long-term goals, short-term goals, and your core values.
• Create room for educational debates in the classroom. Challenge your classmates to see things from a different perspective.
• Educate yourself on individuals who stood up against resistance in order to inspire yourself

Courses that may excite you:

• Discussion-based courses that allow for organic conversation among peers
• Enroll in a class with a professor who has strong beliefs, whether they match with yours or not. Observe the impact that this professor has on their students.
• Select classes that challenge you to clarify, reinforce, defend, and live out the guiding principles of your life.

Domain: Influencing

People exceptionally talented in the Command theme have a presence. They can take control of the situation and make decisions.

Study techniques:

• Join a study group that enjoys engaging in educational debates
• Try to argue both sides in a discussion in order to encourage debate and observe different perspectives. This will allow you to dive deeper into thinking and understand your course work further.
• When writing, identify ideas that you would like to defend in your paper as you outline it. This will you excite you that you are working to accomplish all of this in your work.

Academic tips:

• Ask direct and critical questions to encourage class discussion and debate
• Challenge what you read or learn in class by looking to continue to collect information, insight, and perspective beyond classroom lectures to continue your learning
• If an interesting class discussion ends due to class being over, schedule a time with the professor to speak through the rest of the discussion in order to continue your interest and growth

Courses that may excite you:

• Choose courses taught by professors with strong opinions who are willing to lead debates and share multiple opinions in their courses
• Enroll in classes where you are expected to voice your opinion
• Enroll in classes that are known for being discussion-based

Domain: Influencing

People exceptionally talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.

Study techniques:

• Discuss a course topic with others until you fully understand it
• Entertain your study group by creating stories and interesting ways to understand concepts
• Encourage classroom discussion and engagement

Academic tips:

• Be sure you understand a concept by repeating it back to the professor and your peers for clarification
• Connect what you are learning in the classroom to real-life current events
• Encourage conversation about topics outside of the classroom

Courses that may excite you:

• Classes with a lot of student participation
• Prefers professors who use narrative as a form of teaching. Prefers to do the same in assignments or class projects.
• Rather be in a class that weighs grades heavily on class participation or oral presentations

Domain: Influencing

People exceptionally talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.

Study techniques:

• Observe the individuals who are at the same skill level as you.
• Establish attainable and meaningful academic goals with yourself
• Look for the best students in the class. Identify what techniques they are using to be the best.

Academic tips:

• Use your grades as a scorecard to help you do your best
• Look through the syllabus to understand how a professor weighs their grades
• Support your classmates. Observe what they are doing right and apply it to your routine.

Courses that may excite you:

• Choose a course where the professor allows for you to see your ranking among other students
• Enroll in classes where you will exceed and potentially be the best
• Take advanced level classes in order to continually challenge yourself

Domain: Relationship Building

People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.

Study techniques:

• Realize that it is okay to ask questions. Throughout your courses, as you ask questions, you will better understand how the topics you learn better connect to the overarching topics of the course and it will help you learn and motivate you to study throughout the entire course.
• Focus on breathing before starting an exam or a project
• Create a calm environment before starting to study or taking an exam

Academic tips:

• Loves to observe the connections between various courses.
• Keep a journal where you keep your thoughts and ideas free-flowing. Come back and reflect on these ideas.

Courses that may excite you:

• Tends to enjoy classes that encourage why questions
• Enroll for classes that allow you to see differing perspectives while comparing and contrasting these correlations.
• Comparative studies classes

Domain: Executing

People exceptionally talented in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They crave stable routines and clear rules and procedures that everyone can follow.

Study techniques:

• Review the syllabus and make a plan that anticipates what you need to do in the class in order to get the grade you want
• Reflect on how much time you require to finish each time of assignment for class essays, presentations, exams
• Create a routine for yourself

Academic tips:

• Review the syllabus and see how many points play into different aspects of the class
• Let others know how important your routine is to your success
• Be vocal about injustices in the classroom such a favoritism

Courses that may excite you:

• Enroll in classes where expectation and assignments are clear
• Understand your learning style. Observe different professors teaching styles. Find a professor whose teaching style best suits your learning style
• Avoid professors who are known for picking favorites in the classroom

Domain: Strategic Thinking

People exceptionally talented in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history.

Study techniques:

• Hypothesize and discuss your own theories in historical events. Encourages others to join in the conversation.
• Read beyond the sources assigned by the class so you can understand why
• Reflect on your own academic history and how you can improve it

Academic tips:

• Explore courses that revolve around the history of a topic. Set a personal goal to make a connection between this course and current events
• Look for opportunities to speak with first-hand witnesses to historical events
• Attend extra lectures or webinars that revolve around passion areas

Courses that may excite you:

• Enroll in classes that utilize first-hand sources including real-life speakers
• Avoid classes that require mere memorization
• Explore courses that revolve around the history of a topic

Domain: Executing

People exceptionally talented in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate obstacles.

Study techniques:

• Review class notes and rewrite them in a different way in order to make sure you understand the material to its fullest extent
• Figure out how you best study. If it is alone, make time to study alone. If it is in a group, get classmates together in order to form a study group.
• Form questions while you study and make sure you have the answers to these questions before taking the exam.

Academic tips:

• Request a copy of the syllabus before enrolling in a course
• Be present for all class sessions and lectures so that you do not miss important information that may be helpful for decision making in the future.
• Before visiting a professor for office hours, create a list of questions or items you would like to discuss.

Courses that may excite you:

• Take classes that have clear expectations and meaningful class discussions
• Get the opinions of peers before registering for a class. Make sure the class has clear expectations and serious discussions.
• Meet with advisors to make sure that you are on track with course selection

Domain: Relationship Building

People exceptionally talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from evidence of progress.

Study techniques:

• Re-explain a concept from the lesson to a peer or professor in order to ensure your understanding
• Form study groups that allows for you and your peers to teach and learn from each other
• Study by yourself first, then attend a study group in order to assist your peers with the lesson

Academic tips:

• Motivate yourself by offering to tutor someone in your class
• During lectures, take notes of interesting and new observations. Be sure to share this information with other classmates or the professor.

Courses that may excite you:

• Look for courses that encourage group work and are partner-oriented will engage you
• Explore enrolling in service-learning courses
• Choose a class that will help you develop your talent of helping others.

Domain: Executing

People exceptionally talented in the Discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create.

Study techniques:

• When studying for an exam, attend a professor's office hours and ask about direct expectations for the exam
• Before writing a paper or studying for an exam, collect all necessary notes and sources
• Use your strength to stay ahead of assignments, encourage others to do the same

Academic tips:

• Request access to the syllabus before enrolling in a course
• Keep a detailed calendar with dates of tests, assignments, presentations, or papers
• Be sure to have a clear space to work in order to avoid your mind feeling cluttered

Courses that may excite you:

• Enroll in classes where professors are known for being transparent in expectations and clear with instructions. Ensure that the professor is not known for adding last-minute assignments on the class.
• Prioritize required classes
• Try to avoid classes that do not have strict deadlines or lack organization

Domain: Relationship Building

People exceptionally talented in the Empathy theme can sense other people’s feelings by imagining themselves in their lives or situations.

Study techniques:

• As soon as you have an idea, write it down and how you feel about it
• Ask for clarity on projects or assignments from your professor
• When in a study group, observe how others are feeling and bring these feelings out in the open

Academic tips:

• Keep a journal in order to write about how a certain article or story makes you feel and how the author intended people to feel
• Support peers who are frustrated in a course
• Seek personal experiences when reading textbooks or creating a project. This will help you identify the emotions of the intended text.

Courses that may excite you:

• Take a course where the professor relates to the students and works to form connections with them
• Take classes that allow you frequent use of your feelings and connections to others

Domain: Executing

People exceptionally talented in the Focus theme can take a direction, follow through and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act.

Study techniques:

• Before writing a paper, outline your ideas and notable quotes you would like to utilize
• In a study group, help classmates understand how different pieces of a project fit together in order to be successful
• Identify what type of environment you work best in and allow you to deeply focus on your work

Academic tips:

• Be sure to regulate your time in order to avoid work overload and exhaustion
• Assist in helping the class stay on track with discussions
• Realize the connection between what you are learning in class and how it will assist you in reaching your long-term goals

Courses that may excite you:

• Enroll for classes where professors are known to stay on track with the lesson
• Choose classes that allow you to focus on long term goals
• Select a class that has defined directions and expectations

Domain: Strategic Thinking

People exceptionally talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future.

Study techniques:

• Try to truly understand what you are studying instead of just trying to memorize
• Treat exams and projects as a step toward your future to help keep you motivated in your studying and preparation
• Envision your future in each course you take, understand what steps are necessary to accomplish that future

Academic tips:

• Go out of your comfort zone in order to gain new insights
• Challenge professors with questions in order to understand purpose and decision-making. When learning about smaller parts of a course, ask a professor how this connects to the larger picture, this will help you connect it into future application in your life and career.
• Understand what is expected in each of your classes

Courses that may excite you:

• Enroll in classes that are challenging and have professors known for taking risks
• Take classes with professors who are forward-thinking
• Enroll in a class that will push you to think differently

Domain: Relationship Building

People exceptionally talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.

Study techniques:

• In a group setting, assist others in discovering how their ideas tie into the ideas of the lesson
• When reading something controversial, find an idea that you agree with. You can start analyzing it from there.
• Read with an open mind.

Academic tips:

• Look for opinions from experts. This will assist you in forming your beliefs and philosophy.
• You perform best in an environment where individuals are seeking to understand each other, not seeking to debate
• Look for the reasoning behind all actions

Courses that may excite you:

• Avoid courses where controversy is encouraged
• Enroll in classes that avoid conflict but look for classes that discuss personal experience and understanding of others
• Avoid controversial, confrontational professors

Domain: Strategic Thinking

People exceptionally talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.

Study techniques:

• After you read through an idea or a concept, formulate your own idea and concept inspired by the one you just read
• Allow yourself enough time to study and process material. Do not rush your thinking process
• Create a study group where you brainstorm ideas or ways to remember and learn different information

Academic tips:

• Ask a faculty member if you can observe their research where you can understand their ideas
• Share your ideas and concepts with the class in order to have engaging class discussions
• Ask a faculty member to assist you with your own personal reflection

Courses that may excite you:

• Look into completing independent study courses
• Enroll in a class that has lighthearted-educational discussions
• Explore professors that are known for their diverse set of ideas