For the intellectual vitality supplement, I’m planning on writing about how I self-studied AP Chem as a sophomore and got a 5. I don’t want to turn this essay into a bragging session but I feel like this topic is my best chance at showing intellectual vitality. Yes, I know you can write about literally anything (I’ve heard of people who talked about their ruminations on a walk through the forest or on a walk from school…) but I feel the most comfortable with this experience–I definitely don’t want to force anything. Do you guys have any suggestions at all about how I can turn this into an effective essay?
Studying for a test is not an example of intellectual vitality.
Intellectual vitality is about having inherent curiosity and taking the intiative to do something creative.
Studying for a test is like taking a shower and putting on deodorant so u don’t stink.
I’m not aiming to be hard here, but if you are trying to figure out how to show intellectual vitality, then you don’t have it to begin with.
Agreed.
To be honest, if you’re trying to figure out a way to show your intellectual vitality through AP chem, but you don’t know how. Then it’s probably not a good idea.
I used an idea of how seeing a gummy bear explode and change colors, shifted my view towards school.
Honestly, we can’t tell you how your intellectual vitality developed, because we AREN’t you!
This answer should come naturally to you, if you have intellectual vitality. Don’t overthink it, just write.
Unless you have a genuine interest in chemistry, I wouldn’t write about self-studying for a test that is probably easier than the final exam of Stanford’s freshman chemistry course. Even then, there are probably better things to write about. What really piques your interest?
There is nothing intellectual about studying for AP exam, tons of kids doing that every year.
If you use this topic, focus on a small piece of the curriculum and find a way to show how it intrigued you/inspired you/got you to think and act in a new way. Be specific not broad. And don’t write about studying
Thank you! The previous comments were definitely demoralizing…-___-