This study considers the predictive value of adolescents’ (Mage = 16.8 years) robust and mid-level personality traits in explaining academic achievement (GPA). Personality data was obtained through self, maternal, and peer report using the Inventory of Child/Adolescent Individual Differences. The four robust personality traits according to self, maternal and peer report predicted 11%, 27% and 18% of the variance in secondary students’ GPA, respectively, with conscientiousness (across the informants) and low extraversion (maternal and peer ratings) as significant predictors. When the constituent 15 mid-level traits were accounted for, the prediction increased to 30% (self-), 34% (maternal-) and 27% (peer ratings). Subjectively perceived students’ intelligence consistently contributed to their GPA, along with self- and mother-rated low antagonism, while other significant predictors were observer specific. The reduced models considering the significant robust and mid-level traits only decreased the predictive power of self-reported robust traits and peer-rated mid-level traits but they slightly contributed to the accuracy of all other models. The study provides support for the predictive utility of mid-level personality traits over the robust traits in the prediction of GPA for self- and maternal personality ratings.

academic achievement, adolescents, multiple informants, personality traits