Here’s What You Were Like in High School, Based on Your Enneagram Type

Enter high school. You’ve got mountains of homework, cliques, extra-curriculars, teams, friends, foes, the magnificent lunch break, odd traditions, and everything in-between. For some, it was the prime time of their lives. For others, it was simply another chapter in their book; a stepping stone in their bigger career plan.

Your experience may have resembled something straight from a coming-of-age movie. Or perhaps something totally different. The wonderful years of high school play a significant role in our memories, whether they were positive, neutral, or downright cringe-worthy.

Let’s take a look at what you were like in high school, based on your Enneagram type!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Not sure what your enneagram type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here!

Enneatype 1

The accountable and responsible one.

You reviewed the entire curriculum outline before classes even began—and took every opportunity for extra credit.

Other noticeable traits:

• Went first for presentations (every time)
• Volunteered to take notes for the class
• Took an active role in a social justice organization
• Organized school dances or graduation ceremonies
• Reported misconduct regularly
• Assisted in monitoring hallways and/or attendance

Enneatype 2

The friendly, happy-go-lucky mentor figure to the younger students.

You jumped at the opportunity to raise awareness or funds for a non-profit and probably coordinated the semi-annual bake sales. If anyone needed some help with homework, you bet you were hopping on a Skype call to clarify those concepts.

Other noticeable traits:

• Were almost everyone’s friend
• Were also a bit of a hopeless romantic
• Put in tons of effort to make (and keep) new friends
• Spent a lot of time tutoring and helping others
• Was secretly intrigued by gossip and hear-say
• Volunteered at numerous non-profit clubs

Enneatype 3

The classy and driven pre-professional.

You knew how to speak with your teachers and classmates. By the end of freshman year, you’d curated an All-Star LinkedIn profile with relevant groups and networking professionals.

Other noticeable traits:

• Won best-dressed superlative with ease
• Had the most beautiful social media presence
• Shamelessly self-promoted on social media
• Juggled three part-time jobs on the side
• Self-conscious, “Fake it till you make it” mentality
• Made a 5-year plan by the beginning of freshman year

Enneatype 4

The well-dressed, rather soft-spoken creative who wrote and/or created artwork depicting the meaninglessness of formal education.

Other noticeable traits:

• Was an active member of the art, choir, band, or drama club
• Whole closet was thrifted or hand-me-downs
• Had a trademark haircut, accessory, or catchphrase
• Into obscure bands and groups only insiders knew about
• Feisty and rebellious, went through a dramatic ‘phase’
• Got angry when others tried to copy your style

Enneatype 5

The thoughtful bookworm and late-night researcher.

You either got ahead (and earned extra credit) on all your assignments, or took pride in whipping up pure gold last minute without anyone noticing—or a combination of the two.

Other noticeable traits:

• Earned straight-A’s and loved to criticize the structure of the system
• Lived under a rock when it came to school activities
• Carried a book and pocket reference guide at all times
• Regularly consulted Wikipedia’s reference section (laziness)
• Ran on whole pots of coffee and dry sarcasm
• Was more interested in the Internet than in people

Enneatype 6

The one with a clear friend circle and the long-term plan (and endless contingency plans).

You liked the order and predictability of school, but sometimes it could make you feel “trapped” or overwhelmed, especially when tests came along. All the same, you enjoyed being able to see your friends on a regular basis, and you craved the sound of the bell to freedom on Friday afternoons.

Other noticeable traits:

• Only joined one or two extra-curriculars
• Had one group of friends for the entire four years
• Stressed about grades way more than you needed to
• Played devil’s advocate to every authority figure (sometimes in your head, sometimes out-loud)
• Outwardly chill but internally screaming during exams
• Ready to graduate since day one

Enneatype 7

The one who joined all of the clubs and was known by the entire student body.

Everyone knew who you were, whether for your track record of athletic wins, presence in ten different clubs, or brilliant sense of style. You loved getting acquainted with all kinds of people, and easily made friends wherever you went.

Other common traits:

• Each lunch break was packed with activities and commitments
• Said ‘hello’ to at least three people while walking from class to class
• Cheerful and popular with students from all grades and streams of life
• Traveled frequently and told stories to others with enthusiasm
• Had 37 backup plans for the future and an ever-expanding bucket list
• Was the first to try driving/alcohol when legal

Enneatype 8

The student council and/or extracurricular club president; the only one who was brave enough to challenge the teachers rules.

You had the confidence and determination that made your peers look up to you and fear you all at the same time. You loved a challenge and weren’t afraid to compete, either in sports, debate club, or in any other way you could.

Other common traits:

• Extremely responsible and diligent
• Played as hard as you worked
• Angered by anything phony or manipulative
• Power walked through hallways
• Made it clear that you were in charge of your own life
• Came off as ‘a little intimidating’

Enneatype 9

The easy-going yet popular one.

Your friend circles spun far and wide as you managed to fit into the social scene effortlessly. Open-minded and patient, you expertly avoided rocking the boat with anyone and pulled through without a trace.

Other common traits:

• Got “You’re so sweet” message from every other person in your yearbook
• Owned the best stationery collection, hands-down
• Steered clear of drama with ease
• Had very cultured, wide-ranging musical tastes
• Pulled off the everyday ‘stylish slob’ look
• Blended in with the crowd and avoided the limelight

What were you like as a student? Did you enjoy school—and why or why not? Share your stories in the comments below!

Explore More About the Enneagram:

Here’s Your Personal Vice, Based on Your Enneagram Type

Here’s What Infuriates You, Based on Your Enneagram Type

Here’s What You Desperately Crave in Life, Based on Your Enneagram Type

Lily Yuan is a personality psychology writer who has a knack for just missing the bus. She tests as INTP 5w4 and constantly questions her type. Learn more at www.lily-yuan.com or follow her on Twitter @LilyYuanWrites.