{"id":20275,"date":"2013-08-18T10:20:03","date_gmt":"2013-08-18T17:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=20275"},"modified":"2013-08-18T03:07:17","modified_gmt":"2013-08-18T10:07:17","slug":"understanding-stanford-gsbs-core-value-of-intellectual-vitality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/understanding-stanford-gsbs-core-value-of-intellectual-vitality\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Stanford GSB’s Core Value of Intellectual Vitality"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Stanford_Arch\"<\/a>You\u2019re smart. But this isn\u2019t about smart. Most of the people Stanford GSB<\/a> rejects are smart (often very smart). A person of average IQ may have enormous intellectual vitality, while a person with a stratospheric IQ may have scant intellectual vitality. Pretty much everyone uses their raw intellect, whatever its degree, in practical application \u2013 to get things done. People with intellectual vitality do that and more \u2013 they nurture and refine their raw intellect to make it a force in itself, one that draws them into new and challenging territory. No wonder Stanford wants it.<\/p>\n

So what does intellectual vitality consist of? Here are 5 key components (separated for discussion purposes only, as they\u2019re interconnected).<\/p>\n

1. Zest for ideas.<\/strong> When you encounter a new or challenging idea, you\u2019re tantalized. You have to find out more. What does it mean<\/em>? Where did it come from? And how, and why? You relish ideas for their inherent meaning; they\u2019re alive to you. You value them as a new lens to see through.<\/p>\n

2. Dynamic, engaged mind.<\/strong> You\u2019re always mentally comparing and contrasting, probing limits and boundaries, seeing overlaps between disparate points and differences between similar ones. To you, an event is not static, but rather part of a continuum, with a history to explore and future ramifications to consider. And you never take things at face value!<\/p>\n

3. But why<\/em>\u2026?<\/strong> When you were a child, you probably were told you\u2019re too curious. But curiosity underpins intellectual vitality. It drives you to learn more and more<\/em> and more<\/em><\/span> about something, to set off on thrilling learning journeys. (And you sometimes snag other people<\/a> along for the ride!)<\/p>\n

4. There\u2019s a reason for what you believe and for what you do.<\/strong> Back to ideas \u2013 they animate you. Whether you\u2019re politically conservative, moderate, or liberal, you\u2019re not that way because your family or friends are, but because you\u2019re interested in and think about the issues \u2013 from multiple angles. Your thought process informs your decisions, beliefs, actions.<\/p>\n

5. Open, as in unafraid. <\/strong>So, you have your beliefs, your ideas. But you don\u2019t hide behind them. You welcome them being challenged \u2013 it\u2019s actually \u2026 fun. Intellectual fun. And you challenge back thoughtfully. You\u2019re a skillful devil\u2019s advocate, able to argue from multiple perspectives, even ones you personally disagree with. You relish learning what drives and underlies opposing ideas and beliefs (there\u2019s that curiosity again\u2026).<\/p>\n

Hopefully the above points make clear that intellectual vitality is not something ponderous \u2013 it\u2019s a thrill! Yes, it engages matters of seriousness and gravity. But it\u2019s fundamentally invigorating. It fuels you. And it scintillates others.<\/p>\n

Now, how do you let Stanford know you have it? The application essays<\/a> are the perfect venue for showcasing this quality \u2013 integrate it into anecdotes, details, and reflections. If you are invited to interview<\/a>, that\u2019s an ideal place to demonstrate intellectual vitality.<\/p>\n

\"SteerYourWayToStanford\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Cindy<\/a> By Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>, author of numerous ebooks, articles, and special reports. Cindy has advised hundreds of successful applicants in her fifteen years with Accepted. She can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses and develop a winning MBA admissions strategy. She is a member of the Association of International Graduate Application Consultants.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Accepted.com's experienced admissions consultants<\/a> can help you create the most impressive application possible with comprehensive packages<\/a>, <\/i><\/b>or provide targeted assistance from picking perfect programs<\/a> to designing a dazzling resume<\/a>, constructing engaging essays<\/a>, or preparing for intense interview<\/a>s<\/a>\u2026and more! Accepted.com has guided thousands of applicants to acceptances at top MBA programs since 1994 \u2013 we know what works and what doesn't, so contact us<\/a> to get started now!
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on the Accepted Admissions Consulting Blog<\/a>, the official blog of Accepted.com.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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