Are ENTPs Terrible Students?

The assumption that ENTPs, or Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving personalities, are terrible students can be both misleading and unfair. ENTPs are known for their unique strengths and challenges in the academic environment. Let's delve into the complexities of being an ENTP student.

Strengths as Students

Curiosity and Creativity:

ENTPs are naturally curious and enjoy exploring new ideas, which can lead to innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. Their creativity allows them to approach problems from unique angles, often resulting in novel solutions.

Verbal Skills:

ENTPs often excel in verbal communication, making them effective in discussions, presentations, and debates. This strength can be harnessed to engage with peers and teachers, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

Adaptability:

ENTPs thrive in dynamic environments and can quickly adapt to new information or challenges. This adaptability is a significant asset in the ever-changing academic landscape, allowing them to navigate even the most challenging subjects.

Challenges as Students

Disinterest in Rigid Structures:

ENTPs may struggle in traditional educational settings that emphasize rote memorization or strict rules as they prefer flexibility and creative exploration. This can lead to frustration and disengagement with certain subjects, especially those lacking in innovative or interactive elements.

Procrastination:

Their tendency to pursue multiple interests can lead to procrastination, especially if they are not engaged with the subject matter. Managing their diverse interests requires a structured approach to ensure that all assignments are completed on time.

Difficulty with Authority:

ENTPs may challenge authority and question established norms, which can create friction with teachers and structured environments. This assertive nature can be both a strength and a challenge, depending on how it is managed in the classroom setting.

Real-Life Examples and Strategies

Parental Perspective:

My ENTP daughter and her friend were flip-flopping between Valedictorian and Salutatorian this whole year. They officially settled on my daughter being the Salutatorian, despite neither wanting the title because it means giving the dreaded commencement speech. During the period of online learning due to the pandemic, she had the highest GPA in her entire high school. She is intelligent and diligent, and she has good relationships with her teachers. Similarly, my ENTP husband, who is also intelligent, was not driven at school unless he loved the subject or was competing with friends. He did well when he and his instructors had mutual respect for each other.

Personal Experience:

I'm an ENTP, and I wouldn't say I am a bad student. I consider myself to be a good student. This year, I only had one grade that was below 90 (88) and during class, I behave relatively well. I have a very effective method. During the first term, I behave very well in class, and when I get a good result on the first test, I start to behave the way I really am, arguings in class and not being able to stay still, but by then, teachers usually like me. My favorite subject is math, and I love my teacher because she is also very hyper, and we match each other's energy.

During the classes, I pay attention without really noticing, and I end up not even having to study until the day after the test. That is why I hate geography, it's not like math where you don't have to memorize things and you just know them; I actually have to study and memorize every single word. This can be quite challenging for me. Still, I find that relatively easy.

I have a feeling that next year things are going to get harder, and I don't know what I'll do about it, maybe I'll actually have to study now.

Despite facing these challenges, ENTPs can excel in academia with the right strategies and mindset. Understanding and leveraging their unique strengths, such as curiosity and creativity, can lead to significant academic success.