"With both my essays this semester, just like last semester, I feel like I'm pointing out the obvious to people who are supposed to know a lot more about the subject than me. And I got an "A" on each of those, so here's hoping."

Dude, there is a message here. And I think that message is: you are effing brilliant. If these things are just self-evident to you, they just leap out at you, there is obviously an affinity there. Not in the "Duuuurrrrr, that's why I'm at school," way, in the "You are destined for success and recognition" way. You're very lucky to be where you are.