<p>
</p>
<p>I think watching Star Wars makes me want to be an Ewok. I don’t understand why it has any different effect on you.</p>
<p>On the other hand, an inspiring, well-articulated physics book gets me interested in physics. The baby step between seeing cool physics and working within the framework of a formal system to see what interesting things you can state within that framework is actually really fun with a good teacher. Later on, one can worry about how assumptions might have been too idealized, etc…and consider whether your language and axioms need be broadened, as well as whether the model for your physics theory takes values in the wrong sort of mathematical object.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>They probably will think it matters anyway, but sure I see the need for the formality :)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I would refine this to “with <em>ONLY</em> being exposed to fundamental skills” and add that <em>without</em> fundamental skills, you are getting nowhere. It takes hard work to realize why fundamental skills are even fundamental, and I think that work is worth doing. Nobody is saying you have to stop there, obviously. But the contrast drawn between mastering school subjects and doing what you love itself is a little meaningless, because a solid understanding of the former is usually necessary for the latter. </p>
<p>In fact, “fundamental skills” extend beyond what is taught to you in an average high school - usually one would do well for oneself to pick up a serious book and try going above and beyond.</p>
<p>"Sure. I cant think of many other colleges that would have accepted such (in hoity-toity voice) ‘lack of professionalism and seriousness.’ I was rejected from Dartmouth and Amherst. I think I belonged at MIT and thats why they took me in and now my dreams come true. "</p>
<p>I think that’s why Princeton turned me down…I was very humorous in my application, and in the part of the supplement in which we were asked to list our favorite movies, I included WALL-E. Definite hints of the irreverent…</p>
<p>Excellent post. 
Good luck at MIT. I also entertain hopes of transferring there after a while, and it isn’t for the prestige or the name, etc. Based on the things you wrote on your application, I think you probably know what it was that DID attract me! If it turns out that my soon-to-be college’s science department is stronger than it looks from a distance, maybe I will continue to go there after the first year, and just wait for Grad school to apply again to MIT (Media Lab, here I come!!), but on the other hand…we’ll see.</p>
<p>Just the entire process of MIT, even the EA deferral and rejection, was such an inspiration to me…I’ve felt (and still feel) this huge new motivation to learn and drive and innovate and create! And I think on my transfer app I will, as you suggested, “be myself” a little more, though. I think I was scared on the last one, and was trying too hard to push my accomplishments, and I think it probably showed. Everything happens for a reason–whatever happens, I think it will be good in the end. :)</p>