Defining Your Intellectual Interests

Does anyone have any advice on defining and developing one's intellectual interests during high school? I've always been a bit of a generalist, but I want to start exploring more specific academic interests. Any tips or resources would be really appreciated!

You've raised a great question! Defining and developing your intellectual interests is really about curiosity and exploration. Here are some suggestions on how you might go about it.

1. Find Your Passion: Try out different subjects and topics within and outside your school curriculum. Do you find yourself particularly intrigued by historical events or scientific theories, for example? Or perhaps you love mathematics or the workings of the human brain.

2. Deep-Dive Into A Topic: Once you've found an area you're interested in, delve into it. This could involve reading books and academic journals on the subject, attending lectures or webinars, or even speaking with professionals or academics in the field.

3. Pursue Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities that align with your interests. These might include clubs, competitions, or community service work that's related to your potential field of study.

4. Online Courses: Take advantage of online platforms such as Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX, where you can find courses on a vast range of subjects. These resources provide you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and get a sense of what college-level study in that field might look like.

5. Independent Projects: Start a project on a topic you're interested in. This could be a scientific research project, a social study, a blog or podcast, or any creative endeavour. This will not only deepen your understanding of the field but also show colleges your initiative and dedication.

6. Consider AP Classes: Advanced Placement (AP) classes can be a great way to explore an academic interest in more depth and demonstrate academic rigor. But remember, the quality of your involvement in a subject is more important than the quantity of AP classes you take.

It's great that you're thinking about this now because having well-defined academic interests can help guide your courses, extracurricular activities, and college aspirations. Good luck with your exploration!