@SatchelSF I can completely see how my posts paint me as some arrogant A-hole (emphasis on “A-”, haha) with a Steve-Jobs-type “edge”. It’s easy to imagine an arrogant dude flying through school by the seat of his pants and pssing off everyone around him with his horrible attitude. That would be a very, very risky edge and would probably only pay off in the corporate world once I’d already worked very high up the ranks. Luckily for myself and those around me, I keep my grade-clutching habits tucked behind an easygoing facade. I’m not a dck. People think I’m a pretty normal, jock-skater-rap guy, actually. I just enjoy making my classes more difficult by blowing off select busywork, rarely studying, and never taking notes (I’m still engaged during most classes, though). It’s a thrill and it eliminates the empty feeling that comes with having 40-60% of your grade determined by something your 10-year old sister could do with a little determination. Some of you are right though–part of it is probably some hidden ego issue. Thankfully, I’m an ultra-positive and happy person 99% of the time.
As far as college goes, I’m very unsure. I have a sinking feeling that Harvard would gleefully defer me if I applied early. I would really like to secure somewhere nice early and still have a chance to try my luck with a few others during the regular cycle. I can’t ask for much specific help in deciding where to apply early since I don’t want to reveal which academic area I dominate in. (By the way, I had a great time at the international competition–I felt right at home with the best in the world!) Thanks for all the advice you guys have given, by the way. Some of the discussions here are highlighting things that I will need to be very conscious of on my apps.