thornfield13713:

Ok, but am I the only one who really likes the idea that Spock not applying to the Vulcan Science Academy was a deliberate, calculated act of solidarity with his sister?

Because Spock’s bright, and so is Michael, but he doesn’t have Michael’s blinders, at least not about her. He knows damn well that his sister was good enough for the Vulcan Expeditionary Force, and he can probably guess why they turned her down, based on what we’ve heard about his childhood and the exclusion and bullying he endured. He might not know that Sarak had to make that decision, but he knows the reasons why that decision was forced on him, and he’s having none of it. If Michael can’t join the VEF, neither will he.