<p>I would like to get a discussion going on this. I've noticed a plurality of kids from Gov school (especially Sciences) going to Princeton each year. Thoughts?</p>
<p>It’s a small ornament on your resume. Very few summer programs will seriously impress adcoms (TASP or RSI might make a bigger impression), but none will be a make-it-or-break-it thing, or a guaranteed acceptance to whatever university you want.</p>
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It’s simply because the NJ Governor’s School accepts intelligent and highly motivated students–people who would get into Princeton of their own achievements, not because they attended any summer program.</p>
<p>Idk if I agree with that. Because the program is so selective, it demonstrates that you can survive such a rigorous course and you have a real interest in science. I agree that it isn’t a make or break thing, but at the same token, the admission office will be impressed that you attended the program. From personal experience, all of the students who have went to governors school at my high school ended up at ivies.</p>
<p>Yeah I can’t agree with that either… I mean given the last 10 or so years around 20 kids have been accepted (some have decided to matriculate to other peer institutions) out of like twenty something. So like a 70-80% acceptance rate, I don’t think, is merely a coincidence. I’m sure Gov School has some clout in admissions.</p>
<p>Obviously, if the student performs well enough to “survive” such a “selective” program, then they would get into an Ivy League university regardless.</p>
<p>Seriously, you haven’t seen selective–I went to a governor’s school and it was academically worthless. I realize the NJ one is much more education-based, but it’s not that impressive in the long run. It is, as I said, a small ornament on a larger tree.</p>
<p>What might make more sense is that it’s not simply that you attended, but what you got out of it. I can get accepted into RSI and get very little out of it (though that would never happen); I could get into a small program at a local university and benefit immensely. The resulting “me” would apply this experience, open new pathways, write a compelling college application essay, etc., etc.</p>
<p>But returning to the first point, programs are, like grades, a small portion of what adcoms consider. I find essays to be infinitely more valuable at illustrating one’s personality. The fact that many program participants have gone on to attend highly selective institutions is a result of their achievements as a whole, not because of any single program. Therefore, while the NJ Governor’s School will obviously be considered by adcoms, it is not a major factor in acceptance decisions by any stretch of the imagination.</p>
<p>Just the way you are replying makes it very clear to me that you are egotistical about a summer program you have done. I don’t understand why you are attacking the actual program in general. The way you are describing the program makes it sound like a joke, when in fact, its 80 of the best juniors fighting for a bunch of very selective spots. And, yes, selective. I don’t know what the other summer programs are to you, but they apparently hold something to you.</p>
<p>In any case, there may or may not be validity to your statement. But, because of the way your acting, im not going to believe you in general. Sorry.</p>
<p>Egotistical, that’s a new one. Wrong, of course–I haven’t done any program other than the aforementioned governor’s school. I just write in this manner, so perhaps you should refrain from tossing around negative adjectives without considering the possibility that I am an anglophile.</p>
<p>Attacking the program? I’m doing no such thing, as should be clear. I think the NJ program is laudable (the only program I’ve “attacked” is the one I attended), but I was simply refuting the argument that it carries a significant weight on a college application. I’ve never implied that it is a joke, but I suppose you have again misinterpreted my general comments about the weight of summer programs.</p>
<p>I acknowledge the selectivity of the program; I was simply saying that it is not as selective as other more well-known names. In fact, much of the prestige is based on names, and I have not asserted that any summer program will be a make-it-or-break it deal.</p>
<p>As for your last statement, “In any case, there may or may not be validity to your statement. But, because of the way your acting, im not going to believe you in general”, I will only say that my “acting” has no relevance to my message and that I’m surprised that anyone would willingly blind themselves to a valid opinion due to the nature in which it is conveyed.</p>
<p>The U.S. Constitution allows unpopular views, such as those held by Westboro Baptist Church, to be expressed at funerals (Snyder v. Phelps, 2011) even through the means of group protests. However, one cannot discount their beliefs simply based on their means of expression (protests), but must use reason and logic lest they claim our ignorance. While I am opposed to that church’s views on homosexuality, among other topics, I think there are some parallels here that you should consider; namely, that you are choosing to disregard my viewpoint simply because you dislike the manner in which I write. I’m afraid that this is how many people write and I apologize for the tone of language of which I so adore.</p>
<p>Any other thoughts on this?</p>