The Myers–Briggs 16 Personalities Test, Buzzfeed quizzes, cootie catchers, and astrology — why is it so fun to categorize ourselves?
There’s another way to sort! What type of student are you? How do you show up to class every day? Whether you are an overachiever or underachiever, a prepper or a procrastinator, a humanities major or a STEM major (sorry to hear that) there is an Enneagram personality type for you.
Haven’t heard of the Enneagram before? Take the RHETI® test on the official The Enneagram Institute website where you will be assigned a personality type, numbered 1-9. Unofficial, but similar, tests are offered on other platforms free of charge. (But you didn’t hear that from me.)
So, without further ado, here is each Enneagram in action in the classroom:
Type 1: The Reformer aka the Line Leaders
Type 1s are crusaders of causes and social justice. From their early days as class line leaders, Type 1s continue to lead the charge in college. From crushing their political science classes, to organizing protests on campus, and reposting the latest new stories on their social media, Type 1s are your most fiery peers. Staunch believers of right versus wrong, it’s no wonder world-leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were 1s.
Type 2: The Helper aka the Sunshine
Radiating “golden retriever energy,” Type 2s’ warm disposition and people-oriented nature make them a natural magnet for friends and camaraderie in the classroom. Walking billboards of “hellos,” “how are yous,” and genuine compliments, Type 2s are just waiting to be a ray of sunshine amidst your lackluster day. Type 2s are faithful volunteers at your local nonprofit, generous gift-givers, and most likely to help a stranger on the way to class.
Type 3: The Achiever aka the Go-Getters
Absolutely ambitious, Type 3s STAY on their grind. Natural hustlers with their eye on the prize, Type 3s Put. 👏🏻 In. 👏🏻 That. 👏🏻 Work. 👏🏻
Just go check out their LinkedIn. On their page you’ll find extensive resumes, detailed posts about their most recent internship, and an equally professional and stunning profile picture to top it all off. Worshippers of their planner, Type 3s love a good checklist. (Bonus points if its color-coded).
Type 4: The Individualist aka the GroupMe Ranters
Type 4s keep it real. In touch with their emotions and unapologetically themselves, Type 4s wear their hearts on their sleeve. Known to be ranging empaths who are highly creative, Type 4s love a good art, music, theater, or writing class. You can find them journaling in the quad, cultivating the perfect playlist to encapsulate their mood, and romanticizing their lives. Looking to cry and watch romcoms after class? Look no further than your favorite Type 4. (They’ll bring the tissues!)
Type 5: The Investigator aka The Know-it-alls
Mini-walking experts, nothing gets a Type 5 going like some good banter and an intellectual debate. Suckers for office hours, late nights at the library, and doing homework for fun, it’s no surprise that Type 5s are brilliant. Professors’ pride and joy, Type 5s’ stellar grades are the reason you can’t get your exams curved higher. Oh, and the more niche the subject, the better. Lovers of learning, it is no surprise that Type 5s are “descendants” of Albertein Einstein.
Type 6: The Loyalist aka the Worry Warts
Your residential “over analyzers,” we arrive at Type 6. Lovers of spreadsheets, setting multiple alarms in the morning, and stuffing everything they might need in their backpack, Type 6s are prepared to take on the world. Be extra kind to them on exam day because they are in shambles from projecting what a bad test grade will do to their future. Regardless of their inner turmoil, you can always count on a dependable Type 6 to have your back.
Type 7: The Enthusiast aka the Party
Loud and proud, Type 7s bring the fun both inside and outside of the classroom. Sometimes their whims can cause a conflict of responsibilities which is why they may not have the strongest class attendance record. They can be found enthusiastically signing up for fifteen clubs, dancing at the bars, and hyping up their friends when they bump into them on campus. Not to mention, school spirit is their JAM. Glitter and body paint galore, Type 7s live for game day. Go team!
Type 8: The Challenger aka the Nonconformists
Headstrong individualists, Type 8s aren’t scared to say, do, or pursue the unconventional. In fact, they seek it out. Creative in their desires to do it their own way, they are great group project leaders if you really would rather someone else come up with a plan. They will protect the meek student and go head-to-head with the arrogant one. And don’t be surprised when they tell the professor or fellow classmate “no” to a request. If 8s are anything, they are decisive.
Type 9: The Peacemaker aka the Parents
The personification of being “Switzerland,” Type 9s avoid conflict at all costs. Radiators of love and acceptance, they work to make sure everyone gets along. Sometimes called the “parent” of the friend group, they strive to ease tensions, listen, and promote goodness. You can find Type 9s hanging out with just about anyone, procrastinating their homework, and soaking up living in the moment. They believe everyone has a valid point so don’t pick them to be on your debate team less they end up arguing for all sides.
There you have it. Did you identify with any of the types? (If you’re a 9 you probably didn’t make it this far in the article.) That’s OK. Here at Her Campus we love them all.