How do I decide what job is best for me according to my ACT scores and
high school grades? Is there a survey I can plug in my strengths and
weaknesses?
I will be a high school senior. Thank you.

Hi there,

From my research I got the distinct impression that grades and ACT
scores should not be used to determine a career path, although good
grades are important for getting into college. You should use
personality, interests and psychological traits to determine a career.

Basically, if you have very high grades, you can choose any career you
want. If you have very poor grades, your career choices are limited.
The best way to approach your task would be to find a career that
suits you, and then do some research and see what level of grades or
ACT score you would need to get into the appropriate course.

Act.org has a device called the World-of-Work map which helps you to
pinpoint a career category based on whether you prefer people or
things, data or ideas:
http://www.act.org/wwm/index.html

They also offer a Career Planning Survey which sounds like it would be
of use to you:
http://www.act.org/cps/index.html

MAPP have free assessments, provided your school has signed up:
http://student.assessment.com/StudentArea/default.asp

Online tests

I tested myself using CareerXact and the results were very good, and
free. A number of current job offerings were listed that I would be
suitable for, as well as an overview of my personality characteristics
and interests, which was several screens long. The test takes 30
minutes:
http://www.careerxact.com/

Another free online test that is much shorter can be found here:
http://www.myfuture.com/career/interest.html

Google Directory lists dozens of web sites that provide similar
reports for a fee:
http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Employment/Careers/Skill_and_Personality_Assessment/

Here are some which have a sample report to view:

JVIS:
http://jvis.com/report/default.htm
JobShark:
http://www.jobshark-profile.com/
CareerStep:
http://www.hresolutions.com/careerstep/Sample.htm
SDS:
http://www.self-directed-search.com/sdsreprt.html

Queendom has a number of tests for free:
http://www.queendom.com/tests/alltests.html

After determining the type of career, this site can help you narrow it
down to a specific job title:
http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/

Google search used:

"ACT score" career
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&q=%22ACT+score%22+career

I trust that this answers your query. Feel free to request
clarifications on any aspect of my response.

Thanks for using Google Answers, and best wishes,
from robertskelton-ga

This is an easy question. Take the myers briggs and the strong
interest inventory exam. They should both be offered at your local
college(career coulseling office). I did it at age 30 and it worked
great. By doing this, you'll be ahead of over 90% of everyone else.

Ahhh...choosing career ...what an incredibly difficult decision! 

I second LordCyber's recommendation ... the Myers Briggs Type
Indicator  (MBTI) is undoubtedly the most valuable tool you can
possibly employ for understanding your personal strengths (and
weaknesses) as it relates to your future career and life choices.

As a high school student you don’t want a tool that provides specifics
such as: “you would be a good car mechanic” or “consider a career as
an accountant.” This narrows your choices too much. What you need is
to understand your own motivations (what fires you up?!) and the
general types of things that will use your natural attributes to their
best advantage.

The MBTI will help you identify your natural orientation towards the
world – and from this you can start working towards a field that will
be fulfilling.

If your school doesn’t offer the “real” MBTI, there is a shorter test
available online, which is based on the MBTI. This is the Keirsey
Temperament Sorter, developed by David Keirsey who has done an
admirable job of bringing his interpretation of the MBTI to the
public. This test is available on his website at:

http://www.keirsey.com/

His book, “Please Understand Me” is available in pretty much any
bookstore or through his site and Amazon.  However, it’s a rather
in-depth explanation which may be more than you’re looking for at this
point in life.

A simpler book, also based on MBTI as it relates to career, is “Do
What You Are” by Barbara Barron-Tieger & Paul Tieger   It is available
on their website (below), at Amazon, and in most large bookstores.

http://www.personalitytype.com/

Finally, the words of advice I wish someone had given me way back
when: Remember, the major you choose for college is just a jumping off
point. You are not tied to this for the ominous sounding "rest of your
life!" Choose a general direction based on your personality (say,
science or business or the arts) and then narrow it down as you go. Be
open and the perfect opportunity will find you.

Good luck in your quest …

K~

There is a great book based on Myers-Briggs called "Do What YOu Are"
by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger.  I highly recommend it. 
I used it to make changes in my career.

Also, check out http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm