<p>Hey guys. Is anyone applying to the helios program at Tgen? Do any past alumni have information about it? Any input would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>TGen… (Disclaimer to people reading this, this program is in Arizona and only for Arizonans I think so you shouldn’t spend your time looking into it if you are not from Arizona.)</p>
<p>Back to the topic. I have applied for the past two years. The first year I made it to the last round and was rejected, last year I was rejected earlier in the process. I know two people who were rejected and then proceeded to get into Harvard. I have no idea how they chose who gets into the program but am assuming that they are looking for something very specific. If I had to guess, I think the people who get in either have connections or are minorities. It seems a lot of PCDS kids get in too. I heard a rumor that they also like students with programming experience. Not sure on this as I have experience but still was rejected (with solid stats). I actually commented on the weird acceptance pattern at TGen to my Yale interviewer and it turned out his father is on the board so for all I know, it could be different this year. However, I would not entirely count on it.</p>
<p>Anyways, I feel like the program itself is very good. I mean you get paid and work in the lab doing real projects and then make and present a poster I think highlighting your research at the end of the summer. I think like 5 years ago, two students submitted their research to Siemens/Westinghouse and won first place so the research is really good. I would definitely apply and see if you get in.</p>
<p>(Reviewing my comment, I realize it seems like I am bashing the program a bit because I did not get in. This may have some truth… However, I think the program is very good and am actually attempting to get a school year internship with them now (I am a senior).)</p>
<p>As a side note, try contacting professors at ASU’s biodesign institute in case Tgen does not work out. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the response ender94! I am a high school sophomore applying to Tgen for the first time. I realize that it is very difficult to get in. I guess i’ll just give it a shot and hope for the best… You mentioned contacting professors at ASU’s biodesign program…could you please tell me more about that? Anyway, thanks for the advice and I hope you get the Tgen year internship!</p>
<p>Hm yeah ender, you sound a bit bitter:) lol. Just wanted to correct some stuff people seem to think about Helios. </p>
<ol>
<li>You don’t need connections to get in. In fact, I don’t know of anyone who got in based off of connections…I certainly did not have one single connection at tgen or any sort of research institution. Nor did I have prior experience.</li>
<li>I don’t know where programming experience came from…but I didn’t have any, and it doesnt seem like something they would look for, but idk. Also, I’m not a minority.</li>
</ol>
<p>But I got in! And it is seriously the best program ever in the whole entire world:) I encourage anyone and everyone who is considering to apply! Don</p>
<p>t think the only way to get in is through connections or going to pcds…they just take few high schoolers in general. Don’t be sad if you’re not selected as a high schooler. But people with connections and minorities are not the only people who get in. Just wanted to clarify:)</p>
<p>Also i was just an intern so I dont know about selection, just my personal opinions/thoughts here.</p>
<p>Point is, tgen is great and awesome and is an amazing program where you work with amazing and brilliant people. It was my first choice and I absolutely loved every second of it, and I’m sure all the other interns felt the same way:)</p>
<p>i got rejected from this last year as a high school senior so my dad told me to call and ask for details. basically, the lady said that they receive more than 150 applications from high school students and have only 9 spots max so they reject a bunch of good kids. and then she said that its not all about being super smart and getting a 4.0 and that everyone thinks its all about being the perfect student. then she talked forever about how the essay is the most important part and what they are looking for is students who are “hungry” and passionate and seem like they are not just trying to pad their resumes. i asked about recommendation letters because i know my teacher last year wrote an awesome one (he showed it to me) and they said that that is the second most important. grades are not that important as long as you are doing okay. i am a freshman in college now so hopefully i have a better chance. you should try calling.</p>
<p>True, I have heard from a former helios intern that the essay was vital to acceptance. Guess we’ll find out the results in a week.</p>
<p>It looks like they have decided on who goes to the next round. My son (a high school Junior) received a rejection letter today.</p>
<p>Just got the letter today also. Didn’t make it this year (as a sophomore)</p>
<p>Hey everyone! </p>
<p>I really want to apply to this program next year. Is there anything specifically that I should have? I’m not a minority and I don’t feel very accomplished in the field of research. Can you get in if you don’t have much experience?</p>