What is Your American Dream Score?

Spend five minutes taking this quiz, and you’ll find out what factors were working in your favor and what you had to overcome to get where you are today. At the end, you’ll receive an overall score and a personalized summary of the results (and probably a big dose of pride and gratitude).

Before we get started, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Please select your age

What kind of “superpowers” would your friends say you have?

Click all that apply.

• Kindness
• Resilience
• Gratitude
• Self-Control
• Competitiveness
• Ambition

Tell us about your family.

Click all that apply.

• Both parents lived together when I was growing up.
• At least one graduated college.
• They had enough money to buy what we needed.
• They stayed together (at least until I left the house).
• They were pretty engaged and active in my life.
• They did a good job of shielding me from, or making sense of, the difficulties we faced.

Describe where you grew up

Click all that apply.

• Most of the families had enough money to buy what they needed.
• We had really good schools.
• Our neighborhood was safe.
• There were people from different classes, race or backgrounds.
• I never felt discriminated against because of who I was.
• Neighbors helped each other out.

As a child did you have to deal with either of the situations below?

• - A parent or other adult in my household often swore at me, insulted me, put me down, or humiliated me.
  - A parent or other adult in my household was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or used street drugs.
• Yes No

What about your health?

Click all that apply.

• My health is good, compared to others my age.
• At one point, something major knocked me out for a while, but I was able to recover.
• During the last month, poor physical or mental health has kept you from doing your usual activities for 4 days or more.
• I've racked up significant health care expenses that set me back.
• I or someone in my family has or has had a disability or serious health issue.
• I've had to cut back hours or switch jobs for health related reasons.

Tell us about your work.

Click all that apply.

• In school, I was among the kids who worked the hardest.
• I had a regular job in high school and/or college.
• For long stretches, I’ve worked two or more jobs at once.
• I have mostly done shift work.
• I belong to a union.
• I have an office job.
• For most of my adult life, I’ve worked 50 or more hours a week.

Which best sums up your school days?

Click all that apply.

• I graduated high school.
• I graduated college.
• I had some teachers who really made a difference along the way.
• I didn’t have any learning disabilities to overcome.
• I went to a good pre-school.
• I earned good grades in school.
• In school, I was always able to find at least one or two things that held my interest.
• I was taught how the world works and how to best present myself in different situations.

Life Happens.

Click any of the scenarios below that have impacted your life.

• I read, watched, or heard something that inspired me to take action in ways that really changed things for me.
• I randomly met someone who ended up making a big difference in my life (like a mentor, partner, or friend).
• I’ve never had a major life event that set me back.
• I’ve caught my share of breaks that have helped me along the way.
• When I was younger, we moved to a better place to live.
• The odds have generally been in my favor.

Tell us about your friends.

Click all that apply.

• I had some great friends who were there for me growing up.
• I have some great friends who support and encourage me now.
• Most of my friends are in good health and happy.
• I’ve had or have friends from different social classes.
• Most are pretty well-educated.
• I don’t have many friends who are struggling.
• A friend has helped me get a job.
• My friends have helped make important connections for me.

What benefits have you ever received?

Click all that apply.

• I went to public school (elementary, middle, high school, or college).
• I participated in Head Start.
• I received state or federal student aid.
• I regularly watched public television or visited public libraries.
• I collected unemployment benefits.
• I received severance or a company buyout.
• I received employer health insurance or retirement benefits.
• I enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or affordable care coverage.
• I claimed a home mortgage tax deduction.
• I lived in subsidized housing.
• I relied on public transportation or Internet for work.
• I received a veteran’s benefit, including the GI Bill.
• I was awarded a government contract or grant.
• I received earned income tax credit, food stamps, or welfare.