<p>If you’re reading this, you’re probably going to be the valedictorian of your graduating class (or close). You’re probably in the process of completing all the AP courses in your school. You are probably considering going into some intense career, like becoming a doctor, an engineer, or a lawyer. You’re either a genius who breezes through school effortlessly or a genius who works for their A’s. If this is you, read on.</p>
<p>Rule 1: Do NOT think you are amazing because your GPA is above par.</p>
<p>A 4.0 unweighted and 4.5 weighted is, indeed, an impressive accomplishment. So is being rank four in a class of 899, and having a 98 in AP Calculus BC. But these are numbers—emotionless, depthless numbers. A quantitative measure of skill is one thing, but the ability to effectively apply what you learn is even more important. You have bragging rights when you find the cure for cancer or prove mathematic equations.</p>
<p>Rule 2: Do NOT be rude just because someone does not understand complex derivatives. </p>
<p>Your friend says she hates Algebra II because she cannot understand it. In your head, you’re laughing ridiculously, because you know Algebra II is one of the EASIEST maths around. You’re ready to insult her and call her an imbecile—stop! People excel in different areas; what comes easily for you may not be easy for anyone else. Some people are logistically disinclined while their talents lie in the fine arts. Instead, offer your friend some help.</p>
<p>Rule 3: Do NOT think your grades are an automatic ticket to Ivy League schools.</p>
<p>Besides pleasing your parents, the biggest reason you’re doing so well in school is to enter a prestigious, selective university. Unless you have extra credentials, like a published book and superior extracurriculars and a 2300+ SAT score, your chances are still low. Don’t treat state schools like they’re some kind of disease—you can earn just as good of an education as you can in those snotty New England universities. Do activities relevant to your field of interest. At the same time, explore what you can. Colleges want to see you dedicated and well-rounded.</p>
<p>Rule 4: DO understand how intelligence alone isn’t everything.</p>
<p>Einstein wouldn’t have been the genius he was if he just took an IQ test. Knowledge is not memorization, rules or aptitude—knowledge is what you make of it and how you apply what you know to your life. Additionally, being smart isn’t the only trait that will get you far in life. Sincerity, openness, and helpfulness are equally important traits. A brilliant but ill-mannered person is not as pleasing as a struggling but generous person.</p>
<p>--My AP Language teacher told us to write an informal essay about a satirical "rule" list. The people I've shown it to have called me judgemental, jealous, narrow-minded... all those. I didn't mean for this to be an essay saying all smart kids are cocky and overconfident, but to prevent it from happening. It's not meant to categorize all smart people into one group, but to expose a behavior seen in some smart people.</p>
<p>It's kind of similar to how people can act pompous because they're attractive or something... the same thing exists for people who are intelligent. SOME people act this way, not all.</p>