The staff at the Kent State Student Advising Center has been using John Holland's self-directed search (SDS) since the inception of the Exploratory program. The SDS measures activities, competencies, and occupational interests as they relate to Holland's six personality types. We tested the utility of the SDS in advising, developed a profile of Exploratory students, and discerned if differentiation impacts major declaration and graduation. Increasing self-awareness, developing competencies, and clarifying values are keys to retaining and graduating undifferentiated, undecided students. By understanding student traits and levels of differentiation, advisors can develop intervention strategies and environments conducive to academic success.