Harvard Supplemental - branching out from my academic comfortable zone

I chose to write on a topic of my choice, but it sort of falls under the prompt asking about "an intellectual experience that has meant the most to you". Is the content intriguing enough? Is it all over the place or does it have a sense of structure?

The Value of Academic Diversity

Moving across the country at 17 was daunting in itself, not to mention the frustration that would come with maintaining stability in my education. If I wanted to remain an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidate and continue my intriguingly challenging course load, I was going to have to pick up a new Higher Level (HL) course, requiring me to pack two years of learning into one. I knew that this was going to be extremely strenuous, and even had second thoughts about continuing to pursue the IB Diploma because of it. But there was no way that I was going to let the work I'd already put in go to waste, nor give in to the temptation of relaxing my course load. So I began laying out my options: HL Biology, HL Math, or HL Film. I have some background in biology, and even more thorough experience with math, but I'd never taken a film class, nor given a second thought to filmmaking in my life. Thus, HL Film naturally seemed to be the most fitting journey to embark on.

Admittedly, coming into the class I felt intimidated by the fact that I was the only one with zero film background--I didn't even know how to hold a camera, let alone perform the actual filmmaking process. However, I love English, and figured that film is nothing more than literature in a cinematic context. I wasn't completely wrong; my strength in English class did help me understand fundamental cinematic concepts. For instance, framing and lighting techniques in film are similar to literature devices in that they both can convey a greater message than what's perceived directly through dialogue. I owe my success in my film class primarily to this interdisciplinary mode of thinking.

I've never considered myself an artistically creative person; from painting to creative writing, the arts and I have never had any sort of harmony.To take a visual arts course, especially at the most advanced level offered in my school, is something I never could have imagined myself doing. Nonetheless, I grew to truly enjoy films and filmmaking, and turned out to be fairly decent in the subject despite my inexperience. Contrary to my previous experiences with creative arts, what I found appealing was that, in film, you're working with the real world, telling a story through a camera lens that captures what already exists.

In hindsight, I'm so glad that I took the initiative to diversify my education and branch out from my academic comfortable zone. I discovered a new interest, and perhaps a new hobby if I ever get my hands on my own camera and editing software. My experience with my first semester of IB Film has shown me that academic diversity is truly something to cherish. That's why Harvard's system is so appealing to me--its academically flexible liberal arts curriculum makes academic diversity a reality. At Harvard, I know I'd be able to pursue my vocational interests in global relations/health while also dabbling in other academic interests that allow me to be a more well-rounded student.

As for my film class, perhaps my new interest made transferring schools a little less daunting.

Breonna, don't worry about the structure. The essay has a solid foundation that clearly shows a sense of logic and determination to succeed in order to assure yourself of a better chance at college admission. The discussion is logical and depicts the clear method by which you decided to leave your comfort zone. However, the end discussion as to how the class turned out for you turned out. I think that it would be best to deliver the information of how you did in that class in order to create a better foundation for academic diversity on your part. For example, you can indicate what kind of final grade you got in the class. The information about your final GPA will help to create a strong discussion in support of a student who sought academic diversity and accomplished his goal. It does not matter if the GPA is the highest in the class or not. What matters is that the GPA reflects the reason why this class is one of the most important in your life. It better supports your claim of success beyond your comfort zone.