Q: How can I ask questions about Personality Science before I become a client? A: Please read these questions and answers first. If you still have questions after looking at the FAQ, please email them to [email protected].
Q: How can I contact Personality Science? A: The best way to contact someone at Personality Science is to send an email message. Most inquiries have been answered here in the FAQs or addressed by information on this website.
Q: How much does Personality Science career strategy consultation cost? The price for the process is $550 if paying by check. If paying by PayPal (credit card) a $20 transaction fee is added
Q: How long does it take to get my results? A: When I have received all completed paper and online assessments, I complete my analysis. I then schedule a live interaction with you. Following that, I mail out your written report. The entire time from completing your assessments to receiving your report is typically 3 to 5 weeks.
Q: How much time does it take to complete assessments? A: Most clients spend in total approximately 3 hours completing the assessments. To get the best possible consultation, you should be thoughtful, honest, and unhurried in answering questions, and only work on assessments when you are in a good frame of mind, not tired or distracted.
Q: How long will I have to complete assessments? A: Each client has up to 3 months to complete all assessments. Beyond this time, one or more assessments may expire, or Personality Science may lose ability to access the results. Many clients complete their assessments within just a few days of receiving them. Replacing expired assessments or lost paper assessments may require payment of a service fee. Also, for assessments to be informationally useful and valid for analysis, they should all be completed at essentially the same time in a client's life.
Q: What if the person to be assessed is different from the person paying for the consultation? A: This is a very common situation for us. Once Personality Science has confirmed receipt of payment from the paying person, future communications are typically only with the person being assessed. It is up to the assessed person to decide whether to share with the paying person their live interaction with us, or the written report sent after the consultation.
Q: What if the person to be assessed is not yet an adult? A: I commonly assess persons under age 18, such as a child with a parent as the paying person. If a parent wants to be involved in all communications, and the child agrees with this, I endeavor to include the parent. The person being assessed has the final say about who sees or hears their results, however.
Q: What if the person to be assessed does not want to cooperate with assessment? A: This process only makes sense for cooperative, motivated persons willing to share information about themselves. If a person does not want to be assessed, I would suggest either not becoming a client or doing so at a later date.
Q: The website shows the price of a consultation is higher now than it was when I joined the waitlist. What will I have to pay if I am invited to become a client? A: If you receive an invitation to become a client, you will pay the price that was in effect when you joined the waitlist. Please note that this policy may change in the future, but currently invitations honor the original waitlist price.
Q: What if I have no idea whatsoever about what I should do? A: A consultation at Personality Science is designed to help you see some directions in which you can go, and some directions in which you should probably not go. I help you make decisions and plans.
Q: What if I am considering a specific educational or career direction already? A: I often help clients who already have a direction in mind, but want to learn if they are likely to be satisfied if they continue in that direction.
Q: How do you communicate with people who become clients? A: I communicate with my clients by electronic mail and text (SMS) messaging. To protect their privacy, Personality Science may validate email addresses and phone numbers clients provide, as some communications may involve sensitive information.
Q: Must a client provide an email address? A: Yes. Personality Science sends the invitation to become a client via email. The person to be assessed must have a valid email address which is routinely monitored. Email is used to send important communications to clients. Text messaging is typically only used to notify clients that Personality Science has sent emails to them, or to remind them of scheduled live interactions.
Q: Must a client provide a phone number? A: Yes. When a client provides a phone number, the client can optionally agree to receive brief informational text messages from Personality Science at that number. If the phone number provided cannot receive text messages sent to it, the client receives communications only by electronic mail. Voice calls are only made if text or email communication does not suffice, or if a client must be contacted immediately, such as to modify or cancel a scheduled live interaction on short notice.
Q: Must a client provide a physical mailing address? A: Yes. Personality Science uses USPS to send paper assessment forms and written reports to clients.
Q: Where is Personality Science located? A: Personality Science is located in central Indiana, in the Eastern Time Zone.
Q: Can a client meet with you in person? A: All live interaction is done by videoconference. I presently use Google Meet to do this.
Q: What if a client has only a device not capable of videoconferencing, such as a computer without a camera, or with only a low-bandwidth or an unreliable connection to the internet? A: Personality Science recommends that the client somehow obtain or borrow an appropriate device for live videoconference interaction. Voice-only interactions deliver less value. If the client's connection to the internet is not good, it may degrade live interaction.
Q: Will you help me use Google Meet, or determine if I can use it with my current equipment and internet connection? A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide technical support for Google Meet. Most laptops, tablets, and smartphones are compatible with it. If you have a desktop computer, it should have a microphone, speakers/headphones, and a camera/webcam. Most internet connections will suffice, with the possible exception of those with very low bandwidth. It is strongly recommended that you successfully accomplish a Google Meet videoconference with a friend or family member in advance of a scheduled live interaction with us.
Q: Do you record consultation sessions? A: I do not make or provide recordings or transcripts. During videoconferences with us, clients may make video or audio recordings, and/or generate transcriptions. Technical support cannot be provided.
Q: What is the Personality Science refund policy? A: Personality Science does not offer full refunds, since costs are incurred as soon as someone becomes a client. Some assessments require single-use codes that cannot be reassigned or refunded once issued. If a client chooses not to complete assessments (or allows them to expire), a partial refund may sometimes be offered at our discretion. Once analysis of completed assessments has begun, no refunds are available.
Q: Are assessment results appropriate to support administrative decisions or legal proceedings, such as to determine disability, competency, or eligibility for special education? A: No.
Q: How can I write a review about my experience with Personality Science? A: Yelp and Facebook offer you many options. Personality Science does not presently maintain a website to which clients can submit reviews or feedback.
Q: How do you handle personal information you obtain in assessing clients? A: Computer and paper files on each client are maintained until consulation is complete. Following that, some information may be retained at Personality Science's discretion, unless the client requests their files be destroyed.
Q: Do you sell contact information or personal information you collect? A: Personality Science does not sell any data obtained from clients or use it in marketing.
Q: How does a client's health impact your recommendations? A: Personality Science does not make diagnoses or treatment recommendations, and does not seek to collect information that relates to an individual's past, present, or future physical or mental health. As such it avoids handling what would be considered Protected Health Information (PHI). Clients sometimes volunteer information relating to their health, however. Usually health issues impact recommendations only when they suggest a significant limitation on ability to learn or function.
Q: How can I speak with someone you have provided consultation to? A: You would have to know such a person already, and contact them yourself. Personality Science does not ask past clients to communicate with prospective clients, or identify past clients to prospective clients.
Q: A standard consultation with Personality Science costs more than we can afford to pay. Do you do partial or less thorough consultations at a lower price? A: Right now, I only offer full consultations, since that’s the best way to deliver meaningful results. My schedule is currently focused on these standard consultations, so I’m not able to provide a reduced version at a lower price.
Q: Do you offer discounts if multiple members of a family become clients? A: No.
Q: Why is the cost to pay for consultation when paying with PayPal higher than when paying with a check? A: PayPal charges Personality Science a payment processing fee which is reflected in pricing.
Q: Can I wait to pay after I have received my consultation? A: No. You must pay in advance to become a client. There is no cost to join the waitlist.
Q: Can I pay with cash? A: No.
Q: Can I pay with Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, or some other way? A: You can pay by any means which PayPal accepts. It may charge a fee to do currency conversion. e are paid by PayPal only in US dollars.
Q: What checks do you accept? A Personal checks and cashier's checks from accounts at banks doing business in the United States are accepted. All checks must be in US dollars. Note: checks must clear before Personality Science begins service, and payers are expected too be reponsible for any fees incurred if a deposited check is returned for insufficient funds. Personality Science may use discresion to accept a check, such as from a third party that cannot be associated with the person becoming a client. If you send a check, please note in the memo field the name of the person you are paying for.
Q: Is a consultation with Personality Science appropriate to give as a gift? A: Yes. A consultation can be given as a gift, but the recipient must go through the normal client process. The gift-giver must wait for an invitation to become a client and identify the recipient when joining the waitlist. The recipient must also be willing to participate fully and complete assessments within three months of starting.
Q: Do you serve clients outside the United States? A: I conduct business only in the English language. Live interactions are scheduled during 10 am - 4pm in the Eastern time zone. Paper assessments and reports are only mailed to US addresses. These might be limitations for someone not residing in the US. Personality Science does not attempt to handle client data in a fashion that would be acceptable to privacy laws in some countries or regions outside the US. In general, I would recommend that a person only become a client during a period of time residing in the US.
Q: Is the service appropriate for persons with intellectual or physical disabilities or limitations? A: My consultation is personalized, and considers what makes each client unique and differently skilled, talented, experienced, and able. Live interaction might be challenging for a client who is deaf or unable to understand or communicate in English. My recommendations are typically designed for persons without dissabilities, histories, or chronic conditions that might make otherwise reasonable educational or career pathways difficult or unrealistic.
Q: What assessments do you use? A: I have developed and regularly update a battery of assessments which clients complete online and on paper (pencil or pen). Collectively these assessments allow me to better understand each client's personality, interests, values, current situation, and history.
Q: Do you determine a client's Myers-Briggs personality type? A: Yes, I typically determine a client's Myers-Briggs type as part of the assessment process. However, my career strategy recommendations are based on a much broader set of factors, so the Myers-Briggs type is just one piece of the overall picture.
Q: How do you determine assessments to use? A: Our choices have been influenced by years of experience and by continuous study of alternatives. I favor assessments with extensive and/or recent validation available. We have developed some assessments specifically for our own use.
Q: Do you do intelligence, aptitude, or skills testing? A: I do not administer IQ, aptitude, or skills tests. Instead, I consider indicators of past perormance such as GPA, degrees, or standardized test scores. My focus is not on quantifying intelligence, but on helping clients identify career paths that align with their demonstrated personality characteristics, interests, and values.
Q: I have already had some testing done at my school or work. Do you consider these results? A: I require each client to newly complete the battery of assessments assigned, even if there is some overlap with previous testing.
Q: My employer had me take a personality test. Why? A: Employers use personality tests to compare applicants with the qualities they believe are important for success in a role. A good fit benefits both the company and the employee, since satisfied employees are more likely to stay long-term. The best approach is to answer honestly-- trying to guess what the employer wants can lead to a poor fit and disappointment for both sides.
Q: Can a prospective employer pay to have a person assessed in order to decide whether to offer the person a job? A: My process is designed to benefit the individual being assessed, not to screen candidates for employers. The client may choose to share results with anyone he or she wishes or invite others to join the live interaction. My reports are sent only to the client.
Q: I am currently unemployed and looking for a new career path. A: Unemployment can be a valuable opportunity to reassess priorities and focus on finding the right career fit. For some people, the next step is already clear-- they simply need the confidence to act. For others, the direction is less obvious, and an objective assessment can provide clarity. A consultation with me can help you identify a path forward, such as chosing an educational program, or determining how your personality, interests and values are well-suited for a different career. Ultimately, the key to selecting a career is thorough self-understanding, which this process provides.
Q: Is the service appropriate for a person currently in significant financial difficulty? A: My services are generally not designed for those in urgent financial difficulty. Personality Science does not offer discounts, and we do not provide job placement or immediate financial assistance. Instead, my consultations focus on long-term career direction with the understanding that clients are able, if necessary, to invest in education or skills training to pursue new opportunities.
Q: My child has a passionate interest and seems unwilling to think about anything else. What do you recommend? A: It's common for clients -- especially young people-- to be very focused on a single career idea. My role is to help them explore that interest thoughtfully, weighing the pros and cons and considering alternatives. Sometimes we discover that an interest may be best pursued as a passion or avocation rather than a full-time career, while still identifying fulfilling career paths that align with their values and personality characteristics.
Q: I have not found any job enjoyable, and I have hated school. Can you help me? A: Possibly. No carer is completely free of challenges, but if you are open to exploring new possibilities and willing to learn, grow, and reflect honestly on your strengths and patterns, then you may benefit from my services. A positive attitude and readiness to invest in your own development are key to making this process successful.
Q: My child has a demonstrated talent. Should this become a focus of education or a career goal? A: Talent can be an important factor in career and education decisions, but it's not the only one. Some clients are passionate about a highly competitive field such as the arts or sports, and while I cannot predict how a person's talent compares to others or guarantee future success, I can help them explore realistic options. This includes considering alternative pathways or directions if talent and effort alone don't lead to the desired outcome. For the process to be most valuable, the client needs to be open to exploring more than one possibility.
Q: Do you help high school students determine what universities to apply to? A: I often find that school choice is influenced significantly by considerations such as where a school is located, what it would cost to attend, where family members attended, or where friends plan to attend. Occasionally, I will recommend a specific program if it is unique in some way. Some clients would benefit from a particular environment, and if so, I will communicate that in our consultation. Typically, I focus more on what to study than on where.
Q: Do you help clients get into competitive colleges? A: I sometimes make referrals to persons or services who help with preparing college applications.
Q: How does the current job economy impact what you recommend to clients? A: While I stay aware of job market trends, my recommendations focus more on the long term than on short-term conditions. A career that looks promising today may change significantly in the future, and many predictions about job growth or decline prove inaccurate over time. That's why I emphasize helping clients choose directions that not only take the economy into account but also align with their characteristics, values, and interests-- factors that matter regardless of how the job market shifts.
Q: How has the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) changed what you recommend to clients? A: AI is reshaping both education and work, particularly in fields that involve information, writing, teaching, advising, and other intellectual tasks. Rather than replacing human creativity, generative AI is becoming a tool that changes how we create--much like power tools changed how we build. In consultations, I help clients consider how AI may influence the fields they're interested in and how they can prepare to thrive alongside these changes.
Q: Do you always just recommend a STEM career to every client? A: No. While many modern careers involve technology, a STEM path isn't the best fit for everyone. For some clients, a career that emphasizes hands-on skills, physical activity, outdoor work, or direct interaction with others may be far more satisfying. My recommendations are always based on what best matches the individual's personality characteristics, values, and interests.
Q: Why do you call yourself a "career strategist"? A: As a career strategist, I see clients one time, objectively analyzing self-report data and assessments to provide career guidance and direction.
Q: Are you a career coach? A: No. Career coaches and counselors tend to see clients on multiple occations over time, and typically help a client achieve immediate career goals, such as finding a new job or earning a promotion. They may also use methods to address clients' overall emotional health and well-being. Consultation with Personality Science is by design "one-time". If a client needs continued help over time, I occasionally make referrals to a career counselor or a career coach.
Q: Do you ever tell a client to just keep going in the present direction or to do what they already plan to do? A: Yes. Some clients are embarking on or in the midst of an educational journey, and seek help primarily to determine if something else would fit them significantly better. If they are already on the right path, I help them be confident about it.
Q: Is there a minimum age for your clients? A: My clients include anyone 16 and older. I see high school and college students, and any adult looking for the right career path. High school age students should usually have completed at least their sophomore year.
Q: Is there a maximum age for your clients? A: There is no maximum age! Any person becoming a client should be interested in finding a new direction or confirming the path they are on.
Q: I already know what I'm interested in. Does pursuing a career in my field of interest make sense? Does this mean I'll probably be good at one of those careers? A: Your interests are important-- they often motivate you to practice more, deepen your knowledge, and build skills in a particular area. That said, a strong interest doesn't automatically mean a career in that field will be the best fit. Interests are usually broad and can connect to many different career options. My role is to help you explore how your interests combine with your abilities, personality, and values to identify career paths that are both realistic and satisfying.
Q: How important is finding an environment that suits me? A: Feeling comfortable in an environment in which you spend a large portion of your life contributes greatly to your overall sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. You should not have to change drastically in order to fit in with the company's mission and values or your fellow employees.
Q: I've been out of the workforce for over ten years. I don't think I want to work in the same type of job or in the same career I had before, but I really have no idea what else to do. How should I start? A: After being away from the workforgce for many yeaers, it can feel overwhelming to imagine a new direction. A helpful first step is to picture what you would choose to do if money and other constraints were not an issue-- what activities or roles would truly interest you? Once you move past daydreams like vacations or relaxation, most people can identify areas of genuine curiosity or fulfillment. Some have only a vague sense of what that might be, while otehrs can list several options, but worry about education, training, or experience. That's where an assessment with Personality Science can help: by clarifying your strengths, interests and values, and showing you whether a rewarding career path may be possible with your current background or with additional training.
Q: I really want try a career that makes me happier, but I am afraid to leave my job while I explore something new. What do you usually recommend? A: Before quitting your current job, take advantage of any opportunities you may have to experience some other fields. Volunteer work, weekend jobs, or classes can give you excellent exposure to other work environments. Some people discover that they are in the right field, but need the challenge or variation of another workplace. An assessment can give you an understanding of why you may be unhappy in your current situation, and what steps you could take to enjoy your work life more.
Q: I am starting my junior year of college. My classes are OK, but I am worried that I may not be in the right major. I am already halfway finished with this one, and I'm getting very stressed out. Does this happen to a lot of people? What do you tell them to do? A: Yes, -- this happens to many students. It's common to start college with only a general idea of what you want, and then discover through classes, jobs, or personal growth that your first choice of major may not be the best fit. In fact most students change majors at least once. While it can feel stressful and expensive, the important thing is not to ignore your doubts. If you're uncertain, it may be the perfect time to step back and clarify your interests, strengths, and values. I help students in your situation find clarity and make choices with more confidence.
Q: I'm still in high school, but I am really interested in lots of things. I like writing, acting, politics, literature, and working with children. I have absolutely NO IDEA what classes I should take, or even which colleges would be best for me. Can you help me figure this out? A: Having many interests is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. In high school, you don’t need to limit yourself to just one area—sometimes classes will overlap and help you explore multiple passions at once. Over time, you’ll also discover which interests fit best as potential careers and which might remain as hobbies you love. At Personality Science, I use assessments to connect your interests with your strengths, values, and personality, so you can make confident choices about classes, colleges, and career paths.
Q: What is your educational background? A: I have been working with clients to help them find their best career direction for over 18 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts in communication, a Master of Science in adult education, and a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Each degree has allowed me to explore different opportunities, and pursue different goals. The exposure I have had to a variety of educational institutions and fields of study, combined with multiple careers (in addition to being the mother of 4 children who have also pursued a broad array of career paths) has prepared me well for helping others find satisfying careers.
Q: Is Personality Science somehow related to Fadely & DeBrota Associates? A: Personality Science began serving clients in 2007, and has always been a separate business. Erin DeBrota is the daughter-in-law of Glenna DeBrota.
Q: Do you use the same assessments as Jack Fadely or Glenna DeBrota did when they were in practice? A: My assessment battery is more extensive and significantly different than what they used. While I do assess some of the same characteristics they did, such as personality factors, my overall approach is also different, as it involves careful integration of information from multiple assessments prior to meeting with a client.
Q: I am interested in becoming a career strategist myself. Can I shadow you? A: I don't permit shadowing because client confidentiality is essential.
Q: Can you help me find someone to shadow? A: I don't keep lists of professionals who offer shadowing, but I may be able to suggest ways to seek those opportunities through associations, organizations, or networking.
Q: Can I get a job at Personality Science? A: Personality Science is not presently hiring.
Q: How do I get on the waitist? A: To be placed on the waitlist, send an email to [email protected], with the words "add to waitlist" in the subject line. In the body of the email you send, please provide all of the following: Your name Email address at which you can be reached and which you monitor often The name of the person to be assessed The email address of the person to be assessed Q: How can I be sure I am on the waitlist? A: You should have received an acknowledgement email. Please check your junk mail. If you did not receive an acknowledgement email, either forward a copy of the email you originally sent us to join the waitlist, or email us as soon as possible from the email address you used when you signed up.
Q: I am on the waitlist. How much longer I will have to wait for an invitation to become a client? A: As a small business, we give each client the time and attention needed for a quality consultation, so the waitlist cann move at different speeds. Invitations are sent as current consultations are completed, but the exact timing depends on how many people ahead of you accept or withdraw. While we can't provide an exact date, rest assured that your invitation will come as soon as your place in line is reached.
WAITLIST QUESTIONS: Q: When I joined the waitlist, I understood from the website I might have to wait 3 months to become a client. That much time has passed and I have not received an invitation. What should I do? A: Since we started the waitlist, we have tried to keep an indication on the website of the time a person joining the waitlist might have to wait for an invitation, but these have only been estimates. We apologize and hope you can continue to wait.
Q: I have been on the waitlist for too long. Can you suggest an alternative to Personality Science from which I might sooner obtain a consultation than if I continue to wait for an invitation to become a PS client? A: We are not aware of other career and educational consultants with an equivalent approach.
Q: I have been on the waitlist to have my daughter assessed, and just received an invitation to become a client. Can I now transfer my invitation to someone else? A: Your invitation applies only to the person originally identified when joining the waitlist-- in this case, your daughter. While someone else may pay for this service invitations are not transferable to a different individual. To ensure fairness, everyone must join the waitlist under the name of the person to be assessed.
Q: Can I join the waitlist multiple times? A: We will allow you to join more than once, such as to have more than one person in your family be assessed. We may at our discretion limit the number of persons you place on the waitlist, however. Please note that positions on our waitlist and invitations we send are not transferrable, as they are specific to the person to be assessed.
