<p>I was wondering about the second essay. Does it have to be a completely innovative idea that you have synthesized by yourself or is it okay to talk about a pre-existing concept and talk about how you find it interesting and your personal insights on the subject. Also if the latter, what is a good balance between describing the actual subject and relating your feelings towards it. For example Im doing an essay on psychology and I wanted to describe the basic psychological principles that im interested in but didnt want the essay to sound like a report. Could someone suggest how to find a good balance? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys! :)</p>
<p>Hm. Well, what I did was something a little different than what most people would do, and I thought it was alright. I took an experience I had and showed how I got insight out of it (like what you said). It’s really open ended. I would say, just make sure that it’s not too literal, like, “This is psychology rawr rawr blah bleh blah srsly and it makes me feel smart.” 
Describe why it demonstrates your intellectual vitality. Don’t just say; show.</p>
<p>I wrote about my forays into game design and the appreciation I attained for the process.</p>
<p>I thought the intellectual one was essay 1?</p>
<p>oh well i counted the one on the common app as essay number one, kk well when i wrote my essay i briefly discussed the basic principles of psychology and then expanded on why i thought each was so interesting and the thoughts that were provoked by those concepts, also i related it to my life a little bit, so yea now that i look at it i feel more confident thanks guys!</p>