Personality Correlates of Under- and Overachievement at the University Level

Differences in personality and motivational characteristics among rigorously defined groupings of 45 under-, 50 over-, and 227 normal-achieving university undergraduates were analyzed. Marked contrasts existed between members of the under- and over-achieving groups, with the normal achievers much less distinct. The overachievers tended to be serious, hardworking, consistent, self-starters with a clear need to excel academically. They were also planful, organized, responsible types who did not procrastinate. The underachieving group formed a reverse image of the overachievers. The groups were essentially equivalent in academic aptitude, suggesting that the marked differences in achievement were associated with noncognitive factors.