A major longitudinal study of 80,000+ students in 87 colleges, found that the closer students' majors matched their personality/interests, the better grades they got. And for many, this "interest-major match" predicted whether they graduated or not (J. of Vocational Behavior, Tracey & Robbins, 2006).

A study of students in 13 community colleges and 15 4-year colleges found that "interest-major match" predicted whether they graduated on time (J. of Counseling Psychology, Allen & Robbins, 2010). The better the match, the more likely they were to graduate when expected.

It stands to reason: the more interested you are in the courses you take; the more time and effort you put in; the more confidence you feel, and the better grades you get.

Research also shows that this match predicts job satisfaction and success. Yes, there are other factors that are important, too, but there is no doubt about it. This matching strategy is a good one.

So, you want to choose the career pathway or career field that best matches your personality and interests.

Keep in mind, however, that all of these studies were done with valid career tests. Scientific studies show that they truly measure the Holland personality types. You will not get the benefit of a good match if you use an invalid career test -- inventory, profiler, sorter, etc. Read more in the "Second Step" on this page.

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