Personality Type and Success among Female Naval Academy Midshipmen

Abstract

There are relatively few studies regarding factors that predict success among female midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). This study examined the personality characteristics of 1,568 women admitted to USNA between 1988 and 1996 to evaluate whether personality type was predictive of success vs. attrition. Participants completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as well as a demographic questionnaire upon admission. Indicators of performance were gathered at graduation. Results indicated that most women at USNA are extroverts. Extroverted-Sensing-Thinking-Judging types were more likely to graduate, whereas Feeling and Perceiving themes were associated with dropping out. Previous military service and higher Scholastic Aptitude Test Math scores were also predictive of success at USNA. In general, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was not a good predictor of academic or military success at USNA. Among women who graduate, Scholastic Aptitude Test (Verbal and Math) scores appear to be the best predictors of both academic and military ratings.