<p>I was wondering about the second essay. Does it have to be a completely innovative idea that you have synthesized by yourself or is it okay to talk about a pre-existing concept and talk about how you find it interesting and your personal insights on the subject. Also if the latter, what is a good balance between describing the actual subject and relating your feelings towards it. For example Im doing an essay on psychology and I wanted to describe the basic psychological principles that im interested in but didnt want the essay to sound like a report. Could someone suggest how to find a good balance? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys! :)</p>
<p>Hm. Well, what I did was something a little different than what most people would do, and I thought it was alright. I took an experience I had and showed how I got insight out of it (like what you said). It's really open ended. I would say, just make sure that it's not too literal, like, "This is psychology rawr rawr blah bleh blah srsly and it makes me feel smart." :P Describe why it demonstrates your intellectual vitality. Don't just say; show.</p>
<p>I wrote about my forays into game design and the appreciation I attained for the process.</p>
<p>I thought the intellectual one was essay 1?</p>
<p>oh well i counted the one on the common app as essay number one, kk well when i wrote my essay i briefly discussed the basic principles of psychology and then expanded on why i thought each was so interesting and the thoughts that were provoked by those concepts, also i related it to my life a little bit, so yea now that i look at it i feel more confident thanks guys!</p>