<p>I'm in a bit of a conundrum...applications for my state's governor's school (a six week summer program, pretty well known) are due in two weeks, and if you're accepted, you have to attend. Which I unfortunately just found out. I'd planned on applying to that as a sort of backup (which sounds awful, since it's fairly prestigious and hard to get into in my state, but I have nearly identical stats to everyone from my school who's attended in the past, so I'd say there's a good chance I'd get in) and apply to TASP when the topics come out in December. The whole mandatory attendance thing for Gov's School has kind of thrown a wrench in my plans.</p>
<p>With Gov's School, I'd apply for French, English, or Social Studies (I'm a decisive one, I know). I've heard really good things about it from people who've gone in the past, and it ends in July (a month before school starts), so I could still go on the summer trip my friend and I have been planning since like seventh grade. But there is a chance I'll qualify for Debate nationals, since I almost qualified last year and my state's biggest competitors graduated, and Gov's School starts before nationals. And if we qualify, I'd screw over my partner.</p>
<p>Then, TASP, which I've only heard raves about on here, though I've never met someone who's attended. I love the idea of essay-based admission, and the topics from last year sounded incredible. The dates of the program would allow me to go to nationals if I qualify. But there's the wildcards: topics (which I'm sure will be just as amazing as last year, but you never know), and admission, especially since they dropped UMich, seems almost impossible.</p>
<p>Help, please? I'll give you a cyber-hug :).</p>
<p>Are you sure Governor’s School is actually mandatory? If they don’t make you sign a legal contract to attend if accepted if you apply it’s not mandatory no matter what people say.</p>
<p>The contract requires you to pay if accepted (used to be free, now it’s 500 dolla thanks to the economy). And thanks to some fender benders I’ve been in recently, I’m not exactly in the position to shell that out (my parents will pay if I go). Not to mention how rude it would be to take a spot from the many other people applying from my school, or to ask teachers to write me recs for something I’m only <em>considering.</em></p>
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<p>I’m in the same dilemma. I would gladly go to Governor’s School if it was free but the fact that there are other great summer programs that are free makes it a tough choice.</p>
<p>Luckily, the 500$ isn’t a problem for my family (I’m really sorry if that sounds conceited, it’s just that my parents prioritize things like this). And the transportation to TASP would likely be about the same. So cost isn’t the issue. It’s hedging my bets on a program with a ridiculously low acceptance rate (TASP) and on qual’ing for debate nats that scares me… I’m a lot more likely to get into Gov’s School (though maybe not, since my school’s val wasn’t accepted last year, so admissions might be more essay-based than I know).</p>
<p>If it were only Gov School vs. TASP, I would be torn as well–but you have a reasonable chance of qualifying for debate nationals, which I presume is important to you. Find another summer backup plan and let someone who REALLY wants to go to Gov School have your hypothetical spot.</p>
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<p>Just a sidenote, but Telluride will actually pay for transportation and basically all you have to do is ask (provided you have a reason).</p>
<p>I attended NC Governor’s School this past summer (2009) to study French and I had a good experience. I wouldn’t say it was life-changing or absolutely one of a kind, but I did learn a lot of “out-of-the-box” things and got a taste of college life. I met a lot of diverse people that I am still in touch with. </p>
<p>I feel awful that they’re charging a tuition this year, but I’ve heard that the Governor’s School Alumni Association is trying to conjure up some sort of scholarship for students who can’t afford it. It’s a shame that such a great program can no longer be offered to everyone who qualifies because of financial reasons. Also, I don’t believe once you say you’re going to attend Gov. School it’s absolutely mandatory. This past session, people left campus within the first week for some reason or another and I know at least one student just didn’t show up at all. That policy may have changed though since the tuition has been added…</p>
<p>Anyway, Governor’s School was a good experience and I feel lucky to have attended but I do see your dilemma about the tuition. I’ve never heard of TASP but it seems to be on equal playing ground as Governor’s School, so if they don’t charge a tuition, it seems like a good alternative. Best of luck with your decision and congratulations on your Governor’s School nomination!</p>