<p>Okay. I'm currently a freshman who has a wide variety of interests, which includes politics, government, and law. Right now I'm filling out my application for JSA (I live in Texas, by the way) and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Is it? Would it look good on your college application? Unfortunately, the last day of the program (June 2) is on the same date as an important medical appointment, so I'm trying to get the appointment postponed. And if I can't, then I need to try to get a scholarship for debate camp instead... (Though I was wanting to do both JSA and debate camp...)</p>
<p>Sorry for the clutter. I just feel really dazed today. Thanks for your future input.</p>
<p>I see this thread has fallen downwards. I shall "bump" it up...</p>
<p>I want to go there during the summer in a few years. :) I think it's pretty prestigous for being a summer program, but what do I know? lol.</p>
<p>Have you gone to any similar summer programs before?</p>
<p>Nope. And it's not because I'm lazy. It's a suck-a** homelife and I'm trying to break free as much as I can. I'm questioning it because it only lasts for about 4 days, costs $350 (which I don't have, so my school's most likely going to lend me a scholarship like they did with one of my friends), and is only open to kids who live in the states in which the programs are conducted. Also, students who graduate in June are not eligible, and most schools don't release students until June. And by looking at the application, I think I'll most likely get admitted, and there's open space for those who apply late.</p>
<p>i want to go there next summer, for the Georgetown one, becuase i love politics, and i think it will be a great experience. there are plenty of other prestigious summer programs, dont go just becuase u think it will look good on ur college app.</p>
<p>Coolness... you have Georgetown. I have the University of Texas at Austin, which is kind of "bleh" if you ask me. However, what caught my eye was the chance to meet Governor Rick Perry and the fact that I'd leave with a better understanding of politics. I'm not going for the primary reason of forming an impressive college application, though. I'm just asking if this is something worthwhile (as well as worth the cash).</p>
<p>if the JSA summer camp, is associated with the club and competitions of Junior Statesman of America, then i'd say no it's probably not prestigious. it's simply a camp that you go to learn and have fun.</p>
<p>However, don't not go just because it's not prestigious. Go because you want to and would like to be part of the program. If you're in to these types of things, I'm sure it will be a rewarding program. </p>
<p>Ultimately, even if it is a prestigious program, it won't make or break your chances to get into college, thus just go because you want to or don't if you don't want to lol.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind, I haven't attended JSA or even in the club, but our school has a JSA club and it really isn't that special, so this is just my somewhat uneducated opinion.</p>
<p>Yes, this JSA camp refers to the "Junior Statesman of America" franchise. I sensed that this thing wasn't anything extremely special, but I still wanted to do it because I am interested in politics. Note that I said "wanted" because it turns out that I can't postpone that aforementioned appointment.</p>
<p>So I guess I should plan for debate camp then. Yes, I will start planning... and thanks for your feedback!</p>
<p>debate camp???</p>
<p>i love debate and have been part of it since freshman year. I definitely think it's a rewarding activity no matter if it will or will not help my chances to get into college. However, I do believe it will help as I've read an article saying debate is the most highly looked upon activity by admissions officers. what kind of debate are you part of (Policy, LD, etc)? And what debate camp are you looking into? I can give you some recommendations if you want.</p>
<p>I'm just a freshman, and we didn't have a class this year (though we will this fall!), so I did Texas UIL competitions practically all by myself (which explains why I did not advance to Regionals) with little guidance. I'm an LD debater, by the way, but the speech teacher wants me to go to camp because she wants me to master policy debate. </p>
<p>Really? Debate is the most highly looked upon activity by admissions officers? Wow. I'd think it would be band or dance, both of which I simply could never afford. That's reassuring to know. </p>
<p>Well, the debate camp my speech teacher wants me to go to (or the one that's closest to my house) is at Texas State University at San Marcos, and it costs a whopping $1,000, though I can get a scholarship that cuts it down by $500 (though I'm certain I can find other ways to pay it ALL off). You get critiqued by your peers a lot, and it sounds like a fun experience. </p>
<p>What camps do you know of that are close to... oh, let's say, San Antonio?</p>
<p>well,</p>
<p>i've never heard of that debate camp probably since it does not do much of a "national circuit" style of policy debate which if you are unfamiliar with it is basically a really fast style of debate.</p>
<p>I am going to go to camp at the University of North Texas in Denton for policy debate which is very national circuit oriented. Other camps around Texas include The Championship Debate Group in Austin and UTNIF at the University of Texas, all of which focus on the national circuit style of debate.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, debate camps are REALLY pricey and $1,000 let alone $500 would be considered incredibly cheap. Most debate camps range from $2000 to $4000, however, I know University of North Texas does offer financial aid, so if you're interested in being able to compete in a more fast style debate than you might want to look into that.</p>
<p>So let me know how things progress and if you have any more questions, just let me know. Its great to see another debater on these boards.</p>
<p>btw, I'm not saying that this debate camp is by any means bad. It's just that I am unfamiliar with it. It probably just teaches a more persuasive style of policy debate. From my understanding of Texas debate, there are 2 leagues, one being the UIL and the other being the TFA, with the UIL focusing on more persuasive, slow debate, and the TFA focusing on a more national circuit, fast style debate. I would predict that the Texas State camp probably focuses more on the UIL style of debate that you are used to. Thus, I suppose if you are content with the slower debate than Texas State probably will be great.</p>
<p>i live in florida, which is one of the big debate capitals besides texas and calif., i'm not in debate but my friend went to a debate camp, 2 weeks, she loved it, it was at nova southeastern university which isn't UT, but it shows that not all debate camps are $2000.</p>