Strong Interest Inventory

an online self-assessment tool

** PRINT THIS PAGE for the instructions that follow. **

*** Please read these instructions carefully and completely. ***


How does the Strong Interest Inventory work?

  1. TAKE THE TEST - You go online and spend about 1/2 hour answering a series of questions about your preferences and interests. (NOTE: It is possible to take the paper version of the test, but you must come to the Career Center to take it. For the paper version only, there is a 2-3 week processing delay before your results will be ready.)
  2. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT - You call the Career Center (617-552-3644) to make an appointment to go over the results of your test with a counselor.
  3. SHOW UP FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT - You come to the Career Center at 38 Commonwealth Ave. (diagonally across from White Mountain Creamery) for your appointment. The Strong Interest Inventory is free to all Boston College students and alumni, but please be aware that each time somebody takes the test, the BC Career Center is charged $13.50.
  4. THE GOOD STUFF - A Career Advisor will give you the paper printout of your test results and will help you to interpret these results as they relate to your individual preferences and interests.


What do you get from doing the Strong Interest Inventory?


  • A detailed, comprehensive summary of how your unique interests (not your abilities) apply in five areas:

1.  Vocational (work-related)
2.  Avocational (activities outside work)
3.  Types of work environments that best suit you.
4.  Type of people you are most likely to work well with.
5.  Types of work tasks you are most likely to enjoy.

  • Information to help you choose a major or explore new career fields.
  • The SII will NOT tell you one specific career field to pursue. It will point out some patterns of interests that you have and recommend some career areas to explore.
  • MORE INFORMATION - if you would like to know more about the Strong Interest Inventory, you can read "Understanding Your Results On The STRONG."


Before you take the Strong Interest Inventory


  • IMPORTANT NOTE: You can take the inventory online, BUT you will only get your results when you meet with a BC career advisor. To schedule an appointment with an advisor to go over the results of your Strong Interest Inventory, call 617-552-3644.
  • Cost - The Strong Interest Inventory is free to all Boston College students and alumni, but please be aware that each time somebody takes the test, the BC Career Center is charged $13.50.

Taking the Assessment - PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS BEFORE LINKING TO THE ASSESSMENT. 


Get the BC username and password, available from several sources:

    • Current students may log into your AGORA account and choose "Access Career Services" from the menu, then click on "Passwords".
    • Alumni may log into the BC Online Community, click on "Career Services," then "Passwords to Online Services."
    • By calling 617-552-3644 (you will be asked for your name, class year and school.
  1. Log in to the Strong Interest Inventory online with the BC username and password.
  2. User ID: LEAVE BLANK.
  3. NOTE: There are no "right" or "wrong" answers to the test questions, just your personal preferences. Take the test quickly, going with your first inclination to each question.
  4. NOTE: You will only get your results when you meet with a BC career advisor.
    1. To schedule a full-hour appointment with an advisor to go over the results of your Strong Interest Inventory, call 617-552-3644.
    • When you are done taking the test, please be sure to call the Career Center (617-552-3644) to schedule your appointment with a career advisor.

Want more information about the Strong Interest Inventory?