In a study conducted at a public urban university in Johannesburg, South Africa, twenty eight first year pre-service secondary mathematics teachers volunteered to take part in two online personality surveys. The one was constructed to determine the more prominent personality traits in each student among the five traits tested for. The second online questionnaire was constructed to determine the students’ work habits and operational values. In addition, examination grades from the first year mathematics subject were obtained. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between exam performance and the personality traits openness and extraversion. The results suggest that the traditional teaching approach in the mathematics classroom with high lecturer to student ratio, rigid curriculum, paper based tests clearly disfavours students who can be characterised as creative and independant. This group includes students who are out-of-the-box thinkers who have talents that can really make a difference in the workspace and the economy. Disfavouring these students prevents the right people from entering positions where their skills are needed. It is also acknowledged that there are other factors beyond the scope of this study which also have an influence on academic performance.