The Myers-Briggs personality test was created to categorize the spectrum of personalities found in the human mind. The test has emerged as the most widely used indicator of a person’s personality.

The test determines an individual’s personality type through their honest responses when given two choices. A basic “yes” or “no” answer is all that is needed for each statement. The test begins with statements that describe a common behavior such as, “You are almost never late for your appointments.” As it continues, the test presents more complex situations that question personal thinking habits, “You easily perceive various ways in which events could develop.” An individual is measured on how they’re energized (extroverted or introverted), perceive information (sensing or intuition), make decisions (thinking or feeling), and live their life (judging and perceiving.)

The test was created after World War II by two housewives not trained in psychology, Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Myers. Both women devotedly studied the works of Carl Jung, a psychiatrist who gave rise to modern psychology along with Sigmund Freud. Briggs and Myers created the personality test to aid women entering the workforce by guiding them to the positions that fit their personalities.

Sophomore Lena Shafee scored as an Extrovert Intuitive Feeling and Judging personality (ENFJ) and thinks the type fits her perfectly. Shafee gains the greatest satisfaction from helping others, a defining attribute for ENFJ’s, who are dubbed “The Givers”. They are people-persons who thrive being around others. “I was talking to my band director, Mr. Schoos, about going into music education as a career.” Shafee said, “He said that most of the time music education was about dealing with people and that he believed I would be perfect for the job since, over the years, he’s observed that I’m exceptionally good with others.”

Freshman Charlie Kingsbury sat confidently on a staged wooden stool, adjusting his golden crown for the upcoming pictures. He related to his Extrovert Intuitive Thinking and Judging personality type (ENTJ), particularly the description of being a “natural born leader.” “I don’t want to be the king of the gingers,” Kingsbury said, “I am the king of the gingers.” Though trying to take his role as the “executive” seriously, he couldn’t help himself from smirking. He talks about his well-known skill for giving great speeches in Susan Vaughn’s speech class. “I take charge in group projects because people are stupid.” ENTJs naturally have little patience with people who do not see things the same way they do, and Kingsbury is the first to admit that.

Two million people use the test anually to identify themselves and find direction. However, the Myers-Briggs method has been heavily criticized. Trying to simplify the vast complexities of the human personality into sixteen types is seen as a complicated concept. Only two personality disorders are noted to have a correlation between types – schizotypal personality disorder is tied with INTP type, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is tied with ISTJ type – though prominent abnormalities such as depression and bipolar disorder are not identified.

Junior Claire Anderson scored as introverted and intuitive, and relies mostly on her abilities to think and judge. “I believe that the test is accurate in general principles, but failed with regard to more detailed explanations.” Anderson said, “I would agree with the test that I am an introverted and intellectual person, but those are not the only characteristics that define me.”

John Rutledge scored as an extroverted, intuitive, thinking, and feeling personality type (ENTP). Putting on the custom-made ENTP sunglasses, senior John Rutledge looks the part of “The Visionary”. The constant laughter and jokes by an amused Rutledge created an instant enthusiastic atmosphere. “I think I’m very argumentative. If I know I’m right about something than I’m going to fight you on it,” Rutledge said, “If you think the sky is purple and I think the sky is blue. I will convince you the sky is blue.” Rutledge, like other ENTPs, enjoy verbal sparring with others and are good at most things that interest them; if he is interested in winning, he is going to win. “Yeah, sounds like me.” Rutledge said.

Click HERE to take the test. Comment below with your resulting type.