I have avoided this site because his school’s college counselors told us “College Confidential will make you crazy.” But, when I googled TASP, most of the search results came here (though the conversations seem a little overheated). So maybe you have some collective wisdom to share.
My rising senior (who I obviously think is a brilliant and amazing) is so excited about college, but I have been actively avoiding the frenzy and trying to guide him toward realistic expectations. He spent a lot of energy applying to TASP, which I had never heard about before. I thought it was like every other pre-college summer program, so I didn’t really give it much thought. I was ready to ask him if it was worth the money and I was surprised to learn it is free but competitive. Fast forward a few months and we get a letter saying he’s a TASP “winner.”
It definitely seems like a great experience. When I asked my son about whether it helps with college admissions, he said “That’s not what it’s about and it shouldn’t matter.” But, if it is as big a deal as posters here make it, will our fall be a little more stress free and less dramatic? Realistically, are his odds at the top schools really enhanced by being selected for this program? Bottom line, can I stop trying to sell the safeties to him?
Don’t stop selling the safeties - he will need to have some.
But, in general top schools do know about TASP. It’s not a golden ticket to any school, but it is well-known, extremely selective and will probably be a great experience for him. He wouldn’t get into a top school simply because he was a TASPer but the things that TASP looks for are likely what top schools are looking for as well.
Congratuations!
TASP is a great thing…and a big deal, on my opinion.
Congratulations!
Congrats to your child. My opinion is that CC keeps me sane. The college process itself is crazy, and thismsite helps people make sense of it. The Chance forum is a different kettle of fish. THAT can make anyone crazy.
TASP is a good/great thing, and CC is a great thing 
It used to be a bit of a golden ticket to the Ivies – whether it remains so, I don’t know. But it IS a highly selective, prestigious program and you should be very happy for (and proud of) your son, OP!
It is a big deal. The most highly regarded summer programs are competitive and free, and TASP is the top.
It is a big deal, but no golden ticket. My daughter received a TASP. She had many other awards, even at the national and state level, great SATs, grades, etc. She was accepted at a HYPS and two of the most elite LACs, but rejected by MIT and waitlisted at the two other Ivies where she applied. Fellow attenders had similar experiences. Keep a few safeties in play.
DD would agree with your son that TASP isn’t about college acceptances.TASP offers a intellectually intense experience and an opportunity to discover the pleasure of complex thinking. Like your son, she found the program and applied on her own. TASP is full of kids that are self-starters, true intellectuals. Your son will have a transforming experience.