Consider the following intellectual virtues:
inquisitiveness
attentiveness
begin careful and thorough in inquiry
fair-mindedness
open-mindedness
intellectual patience (being patient with yourself and others as you learn new things)
intelectual honesty and humility (being honest with yourself about what you really understand and what you still don’t fully understand)
intellectual courage
Write a 500-800 word essay on one of the two following questions:
(1) Pick two of three of these that strike you. What is striking about them, and why do you think they are important?
(2) Pick two or three of these virtues that you would like grow in yourself. Reflect on where you are in your journey through college: how has your intellectual character changed so far? How would you like for it to keep developing?
If you like, you are welcome to incorporate both questions into your essay; however, you are only required to answer one of them.
(NOTE: These prompt questions are intentionally broad so that each student has the opportunity to reflect on his/her own unique experience. Also, your essay should be about 500-800 words. However, the specific length is not very important. The important thing is to engage thoroughly in the topic.)