<p>I'm starting to write my supplemental essays and I am currently working on the Why Rice Essay. In short, I am writing about how I was motivated to apply because of a sense of intellectualism and community I feel is exhibited in the school. I am not necessarily saying I am an intellectual, as I feel it may be somewhat arrogant to call myself one (no offense to anyone why may call themselves an intellectual), but I enjoy thinking and studying various fields and subjects. I would like to talk about the fields I study such as linguistics (which I am currently assisting in research in). Would it come off as arrogant to talk about this in my essay?</p>
<p>I think that colleges would like to hear that their potential students are genuinely interested in learning. Definitely talk about your enjoyment of learning, and cite your research assistance as justification for that claim. I’ve never written a college essay before, though, so wait for more opinions.</p>
<p>I think that’s a perfectly fine topic for that prompt. The fact that you’re starting this early is also a huge plus for you as well, haha.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine that anything writing about what interests them would ever come across as arrogant. The problem is when you start comparing yourself to other people and they come out looking not so great.</p>
<p>OK example: As far back as I can recall I’ve always been very intellectual (or scientific, or artistic or community service oriented, etc.) For instance in fifth grade I …</p>
<p>Arrogant example: I’m the most intellectual person in the history of the world and that’s why Rice needs me and if you don’t accept me I’ll go to Yale and then you’ll really be sorry.</p>
<p>I agree with bird rock that how you approach the topic will determine how arrogant it becomes far more than the topic itself. Imagine a talented football player writing a “Why Alabama” essay:</p>
<p>I’ve always wanted to play in the NFL and Alabama provides a wonderful environment for working hard toward that goal. The success of the program proves both the attractiveness of the school as well as the commitment of its players.</p>
<p>As opposed to:</p>
<p>I dominate my school’s conference in high school and have broken every record possible. Alabama is the perfect place for me to continue to crush the competition</p>
<p>You don’t have to say “I’m an intellectual”. You talk about your interests. If you sound intellectual, that’s a good thing. If you think you sound arrogant, remember that you ARE trying to advertise yourself. You do not see companies giving commercials where they say that their product is not good. Because then, nobody will buy it.</p>
<p>College applications are one of those things where the goal is to sell yourself. It’s like a resume. You want to make yourself sound good–just don’t be snobby about it.</p>
<p>I think the focus here should be on talking about your interests and how they correspond to what Rice has to offer. Talk about relevant experiences you’ve had and any interest you might have in continuing them or pursuing something similar through a program or opportunity Rice offers.</p>
<p>You can say you like the sense of intellectualism without sounding arrogant. The previous posters have provided excellent examples of how it’s more about the tone you take and the particular angle you approach things from that will determine the kind of person you come across to be.</p>
<p>Also, make sure you have someone read over all your essays for you and tell you what they honestly think of them. Someone else will be able to tell what you sound like and whether your essay makes sense much better than you can (of course it makes sense to you–you wrote it and know what it’s supposed to say).</p>