<p>I am applying for computer science. But i did write a report on genetics in biology once ...and genetics is something that is of great interest to me.... Is it ok to write about something that is not relevant to the major you are applying to? </p>
<p>Also, when i think of other ideas, they don't exactly seem "Intellectual."
My question is "How Intellectual does the Idea have to be?" Does it have to be something related to science or technology?</p>
<p>For Stanford, you do not apply to a specific major. Stanford is wonderful because it encourages you to explore and, by your junior year, figure out what you'd like to major in and study in depth.</p>
<p>Putting your possible major isn't binding by any means. Once you get into Stanford, you can choose any major you like, and you're free to switch. (Some majors require an application, but I don't think this is the majority.)</p>
<p>As for intellectual ideas, I know someone who got in talking about rhythm and why they're intrigued by rhythmic patterns in drumming. Maybe this was a stretch, but it worked! So... write about something you really find interesting and makes you think. If you're confused, throw your ideas out here, and we'll give our opinions if you like.</p>
<p>You are not applying for a major. You can write about anything you find intellectually stimulating in that essay.</p>
<p>I also got a question.
for that same question, it says describe an intellectual idea or experience. so is it appropriate to write about an academic program that I participated in instead of an idea?</p>
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<p>That's my idea. I don't know if it worked yet.</p>
<p>That's right... okay, that was unfair of me to use that. I have faith though ;)</p>
<p>To quickflood, I think so, because that would count as an intellectual experience.</p>
<p>I've been having trouble with this prompt too. From what I've gathered so far, you can write about anything that makes you think? Could you list some examples so I have a better idea of what to write about because that drumming idea gave me some ideas of my own (since I'm musically inclined). I'm thinking of writing now about how important each element of a jazz trio is (piano, bass and drums), but I'm not sure how that would actually reflect my life. Anyways yeah, if you guys could list some examples of "intellectual ideas" that'd be acceptable for this prompt I'd really appreciate. Thanks.</p>
<p>I've noticed that a lot of these ideas are scientifc in some shape or form. Would it be appropriate to address say a political issue or something more fo the humanities nature?</p>
<p>what about racial issues? but not controversial ones, maybe like pearl harbor memorial?</p>
<p>Political or humanities or racial issues could all work very well. An admissions representive I met said you could even write about traffic and your thoughts on traffic (it's causes, results, ways to minimize it, etc.). Basically they just want to know what is interesting to you. Rhythm in drumming sounds like it could make for a great essay.</p>
<p>Could we write about poetry? Writing or analysing poetry and shape it up to be an intellectual idea? Any ideas on how to go about it?</p>
<p>"Any ideas on how to go about it?" - well, that's your job! (but it is a good topic)</p>