{"id":37628,"date":"2017-06-11T07:30:19","date_gmt":"2017-06-11T14:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=37628"},"modified":"2017-06-11T01:53:28","modified_gmt":"2017-06-11T08:53:28","slug":"understanding-stanford-gsbs-core-value-of-intellectual-vitality-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/understanding-stanford-gsbs-core-value-of-intellectual-vitality-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Stanford GSB\u2019s Core Value of Intellectual Vitality"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Do you have the smarts that Stanford GSB is looking for? What are the qualities that Stanford GSB is looking for as they build their class? How do successful applicants stand out from the crowd? At a school as competitive as Stanford, it\u2019s a fact that many smart, accomplished applicants won\u2019t get in\u2014so how can you demonstrate that you have that \u201cit\u201d factor? Let us walk you through Stanford\u2019s evaluation criteria<\/a> and give you some advice.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Criteria #1: Intellectual Vitality<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019re smart. But this isn\u2019t about smart. Most of the people Stanford GSB<\/a> rejects are smart (usually 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:<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 They nurture and refine their raw intellect<\/span><\/i> to make it a powerful force that draws them to explore new and challenging territory; to question and probe. They turn it into <\/span>energy <\/span><\/i>(something vital, as in \u2013 yes \u2013 vitality). Now that\u2019s attitude! (Attitude being part of intellectual vitality, per the website.) No wonder Stanford wants it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s parse it further. Here are 5 key components (separated for discussion purposes only, as they\u2019re interconnected).<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Zest for ideas.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

2. Dynamic, engaged mind.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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. You never take things at face value!<\/p>\n

3. But why<\/em>\u2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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><\/strong> about something, to set off on thrilling learning journeys. (And you sometimes snag other people along for the ride!)<\/p>\n

4. The reasons behind what you believe and what you do.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u2013 and come to certain conclusions. Your thought process informs your decisions, beliefs, actions.<\/p>\n

5. Open, as in unafraid. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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 discerning what drives and underlies opposing ideas and beliefs (there\u2019s that curiosity again).<\/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

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

\"Cindy<\/a><\/em><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a> has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted to Stanford GSB? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Stanford School of Business Zone Page<\/a>
\n\u2022 Stanford GSB 2018 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines<\/a>
\n\u2022 Valentine\u2019s Day, Economics, and Stanford GSB<\/a>, podcast<\/p>\n

This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<\/i>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help\u00a0you\u00a0<\/i>get accepted<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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