Common Experience

CliftonStrengths for Students
The Common Experience at NC State supports first-year students in engaging with CliftonStrengths for Students, an online assessment that measures students’ talents and sorts them into a unique rank. This tool helps NC State deepen student and campus engagement, enhance campus culture, increase retention, improve well-being, develop leadership skills, and help students consider postgraduation possibilities. Over 4000 members of the Wolfpack have taken the CliftonStregnths Talent Assessment!
With a focus on how first-year students can make the most of their talents to achieve their goals at work and everywhere else, CliftonStrengths for Students is a powerful starting place for understanding the strengths that shape the way an individual navigates life. Whether in the classroom, within a student organization, or amongst your peers, NC State believes this tool can be instrumental in your success on campus and beyond.
Assesment Priority Deadline
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the assessment by the first day of class to take advantage of various opportunities this fall.
Strength Stories

Students, faculty, and staff have all been impacted by integrating their top 5 Strengths into their everyday lives. Fill out this form to be featured on our website and social media!
Instructions for CliftonStrengths Assessment
If you have NEVER taken the assessment before:
- Visit the NC State Strengths portal at https://ncsu.gallup.com
- Log in with your Unity ID and password (what you would use to login to MyPack Portal)
- Select your language
- Choose “Take the CliftonStrengths assessment” and get started!
If you HAVE taken the assessment before:
If you have taken the assessment before, you can link your previous CliftonStrengths account/Top 5 to NC State by completing the steps below!
- Visit the NC State Strengths portal at https://ncsu.gallup.com
- Log in with your Unity ID and password (what you would use to login to MyPack Portal)
- Select your language
- Choose “Copy your results from a time you took CliftonStrengths under a different Access code or username/password combination.” You will be asked to enter that username & password OR the code you used. Finally, you will be asked to confirm the Top 5 Strengths results that the system has listed for you.
Get Involved

Student Strength Stories

Laila Mohamed (she/her)
Psychology 22′

Kathryn Zavadil (she/her)
Computer Science 24’

Taleek Harlee (he/him)
Agriculture Education 22’

Sara Simmons (she/her)
CNR 26′

Briley Bickerstaff (she/her)
CALS ’26

Arabella Colditz (she/her)
PCOM 26′
Emma Meyer(she/her)
COS 26′
Sophia Davis (she/her)
PCOM 26′
Spencer Houlden (he/him)
COE 26’
Leah Hoyek (she/her)
COS 26′
Camryn Thompson (she/her)
CNR 26′
Faith Gortman
COE 26′
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this required?
Participating in the Common Experience is not required by the university; however, your academic college/major or organization may require it. If you are required to take CliftonStrengths, you will be notified by your college or organization.
How long does it take to complete?
Keep in mind that the best results are obtained when the entire survey is taken in one sitting, which requires approximately 30-40 minutes for the average person. For this reason, please allow enough time to take the entire survey without interruption.
Can I retake the assessment?
Your first completion of the CliftonStrengths assessment will yield the purest and most revealing results. For this reason, we are asking that you only complete the assessment one time through the NC State portal.
What if I need accommodations?
Your first completion of the CliftonStrengths assessment will yield the purest and most revealing results. For this reason, we are asking that you only complete the assessment one time through the NC State portal.
Who has access to my results?
There is a 20-second timer for each statement on the CliftonStrengths assessment. However, it can be turned off if you need accommodations that require you to take the CliftonStrengths assessment without a time limit. If this is the case, please contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu for assistance.
Will I be put in a box based on my Talent Themes?
No. The StrengthsFinder assessment is a tool to help your own self-discovery and take action. Your Top 5 Talent Themes are not intended to box you in but rather serve as a platform for reflection and conversation to help you as you navigate opportunities related to academics, career, relationships, and getting involved on campus.