<p>I made both NJ Gov school of the sciences and the Telluride TASP program for talking about politics, democracy, etc in Austin. Which should I go to?</p>
<p>Bixiechick: Hi, congrats too! If I were you I’d be psyched about getting into the gov school! I went two summers ago (whoa, was it really that long ago?) and it was hands-down the best summer of my life.</p>
<p>I can’t even begin to describe every aspect of it, but you should know that there’s definitely no experience like it. I guess, first, the actual academic part is amazing. The professors taught us a lot but it was also very hands-on - we worked on a research project that before the summer I would’ve thought was way over my head. Also I really liked that we got to take different courses, you know, anthro, physics, etc, and weren’t just limited to one subject area. Before the program I had always hated physics and now I’m an engineering major, which I would probably almost completely credit with my experience at the njgss.</p>
<p>The best part though was easily the other participants. There’s really no match for the kinds of students who come to the program. Obviously they’re all really smart, but they’re just genuinely cool people. I still have so many good friends from that summer. One of the kids I met there goes to school with me now, and we just flew out to one of our other njgss friend’s house over spring break. Seriously I don’t know where I would be if it hadn’t been for meeting these great people.</p>
<p>Even if you’re upset about missing out on hanging with your friends this summer, having fun, or anything…DON’T PASS THIS UP. The NJ Gov school is so WORTH IT. I have rarely had as much fun in my life. I mean, yeah, sure, the program itself was great and really informative and everything. But honestly it was the other people who actually made it so fun. Madison was amazing and there is so much to do on campus, we got a fair amount of free time and we certainly put it to good use. </p>
<p>I obviously can’t speak for the TASP program since I’ve never done it, just as probably the TASP participants can’t speak for the NJGSS. But I would never recommend something as strongly as this, not even Chipotle or something, which is my favorite food. Seriously. Do it! You will be so happy afterwards.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about the gov school or anything, you can PM me.</p>
<p>bixiechik—congrats first of all. second both of the programs are amazing, but after two of my friends attended these programs i have come to a a conclusion that even though GSS is a good program TASP is way more selective and would look way better on college applications. i am sure that applying to these programs you would like to be accepted to a competitive school. i highly reccommend TASP because my friend that went is now at Yale.</p>
<p>if i may ask how are you still deciding on your choice because it seems as other people in this thread are saying you were required to make a choice by april 15th. were you waitlisted and then contacted?</p>
<p>I agree that TASP is highly selective and probably looked good on your friend’s app, apbiofreak, but the summer program can’t make or break the app. Also, many of my friends from the NJGSS got into similarly selective schools including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, etc. Personally I got into Princeton but ultimately chose Berkeley for the engineering program.</p>
<p>I would recommend choosing a program for how YOU want to spend your summer, since both programs will look great on an app.</p>
<p>This is kind of late, but I went to the science program last year at Drew. It is absolutely amazing and you will have a great time. If you’re interested, look at the NJGSS 09 facebook group. We have a list of where everyone is going to college. 14 people, including myself, are going to Princeton. It’s absolutely insane. If you were accepted to gov school, good luck and enjoy it! It will go by SO fast.</p>