<p>Hi, I am a junior and I am wondering whether I should apply to a TASP this summer. I was hoping to hear if anyone thinks that they greatly increase admissions chances to selective universities. I know that they are extremely selective so even if I apply there is a small chance of getting in, but I was wondering if they are worth it in regards to admissions chances. If I choose not to apply/am not accepted, I would likely try to get a job or volunteering opportunity in my community. I am going to apply to Ohio State, Miami (OH), IU, Michigan, Northwestern, UChicago, Richmond, Georgetown, American, NYU, Cornell, and BostonU. If it helps:
-ACT 34
-PSAT 219 (I live in Ohio and that is on target for NM Quarterfinalist status)
-3.96 UW GPA, 4.13 W GPA
-7 Honors classes, 3 APs as a sophomore (US History, Lit, Stats), 5 as a junior (Bio, Psych, Econ, Comp, Spanish), hopefully 3 as a senior (Spanish Lit, Calc AB, Government, possibly Euro) as well as English (and maybe a political science class) at OSU.
-President of my orchestra (violinist for 8 years), actor in theatre, Leader in Student Mentors, member of five-member Class Cabinet, Community Outreach Committee member in Spanish Honors Society, member of NHS.
-Essay earned a 100 in my English class and rec letters should be outstanding
-Comment if you need more information on my credentials...hopefully I included the most relevant ones.</p>
<p>Moral of the story...I am curious if applying to the Telluride Summer Programs would greatly increase my admissions chances at the schools I listed above, in the instance I would get accepted to the program. If you'd like to chance me for them otherwise, you are more than welcome to do that as well :).</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>TASP is godly. It will definitely help you considering that it is generally considered to be the most prestigious humanities program in the United States. (It takes int. studes too)</p>
<p>Thanks @sweetcornundrum :). I read on their website that it definitely helps…just wanted third party references as well! Do you think I stand a chance of admission?</p>
<p>It’s all about the essays. </p>
<p>@sweetcornundrum did you apply to the program/did you get in?</p>
<p>I’ve known multiple people who have gotten in, but personally did not. The stats matter surprisingly little for TASP, it really is all about the essays. </p>
<p>Thanks a bunch @sweetcornundrum . Do my stats look on target or subpar for the schools that I listed, and if they are subpar would applying to TASP be worth it?</p>
<p>TASP is also just a great program, you should definitely apply regardless if you’re willing to write the essays. I honestly have no idea how GPA works and if those numbers are high or low so I can’t really say for colleges. </p>
<p>You already have outstanding stats that will make you very competitive for top colleges. The “TASP Effect” has been debated in the past. Does TASP really have an impact on admissions, or are the students that are accepted into TASP already top candidates like yourself, and would have been admitted anyway?</p>
<p>A TASPer was just deferred SCEA from Harvard with a 2400/4.0/Val plus much more including TASP. I have no doubt that she will land on her feet, but I mention it to point out that NOTHING you do can guarantee an acceptance.</p>
<p>Thank you so much @ProudMomx3 . Do you think that there is an alternative to TASP that could potentially be a more effective use of my time? As to say, would potentially volunteering at a law firm (I plan to indicate pre-law on my application) or getting a part-time job be another effective booster to my application to round it out before senior year?</p>
<p>Apply and see what happens! Keep all options open. Have you considered applying to MIT MITES? </p>
<p>As you said, the odds are slim. Take a look at the application. Do you have the time and inclination to write compelling essays on the given topics? If it doesn’t seem overwhelming, give it a shot and see what happens. It seems though that you would prefer to do something else this summer. You mentioned prelaw, so MITES might not be your thing, and it is for minorities-not sure if you fit that category? Have you looked at the Notre Dame leadership programs? They are short and you could still do something else at home. </p>
<p>@ProudMomx3 this may seem like a dumb question but when I researched the programs at Notre Dame one of the talking points for the teacher recommendation is a commitment to faith which is something that I don’t think my teachers would/should be cognizant of and is not applicable to me, especially at a Catholic university. Would this inhibit my chance of admission or hinder my abilites at the leadership seminar?</p>
<p>The students who get into TASP are likely great candidates already for top schools. Go ahead and apply, but just like with colleges, you should have match & safety summer plans as well. TASP is a reach for everyone. The app is also a ton of work, so you should get going…</p>
<p>Thank you @intparent . I had begun the application prior to my post, and I will keep working on it. Universities don’t hold it against you if you are accepted to their summer program and do not attend, correct?</p>
<p>Can’t speak for all of them, but one of my kids turned down a summer program at a college and was accepted in the RD pool the next year.</p>
<p>Yes. TASP is special and TASP alums are seen very favorably by top colleges. I know this from experience with several kids who have attended the last few years.</p>
<p>@marvin100 would these candidates also have been considered top applicants without the TASP experience, or was this program definitely a key component to their admission?</p>
<p>The probably would still be considered top applicants, but TASP is a tremendous validation. It’s extraordinarily selective and, by all accounts, a remarkable learning experience.</p>