<p>Hello,
I'm new to these forums; I've been a lurker for some time, but I finally decided to start posting. I have a conflict with summer programs that I was hoping some of you might be able to hlelp me with. A few weeks ago, I was nominated by my school (very competitive public in northern nj) to attend the governor's school for int'l studies. I submitted the app, all good. But I recently got an invitation to apply to tasp, which looks really incredible. I started on the application and all, but then I remembered that I'd checked a box saying I would go to governor's school if admitted. I'd prefer to go to tasp, and I wouldn't want to give up the work I've done on it so far, but is it unethical to apply to both, knowing that I'd pick tasp over governor's school (even if I already 'committed' to the latter)? In the tiny, tiny chance that I were admitted to both, what would happen if I chose tasp? Sorry for the long post, but this has been bothering me, and I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions or similar experiences.</p>
<p>My advice would be to apply to both and then, if you are accepted to both, worry about that later. Alot of things can change in the next six months -- not only might you not get into to either program, but the governor's school might not have the funding to be put on or the program might change, etc. </p>
<p>If you do get into both and it is time to make the decision (and only do this later -- after getting an acceptance into both) call the governor's school program and ask what would happen if you didn't go. </p>
<p>I would say it isn't really ethical to check the box that says you will go no matter what -- but then, I have issues with how ethical it is to require students that apply to check that box. summer is a long time off and alot can change for kids. they could easily have a waiting list or back-up list and those who don't accept a spot could be filled by others.</p>
<p>Thanks hsmomstef, that's really helpful advice. My only other worry is that the governor's school seemed to say that we get the decisions in early april & have to respond then (whether we were going or not), while according to threads on this forum, tasp doesn't seem to respond until may. Which kind of presents a conflict.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the chances of my getting into both (or even one) are very remote, and I'll definitely take your advice about waiting until after I hear from them. (I do believe they have a waitlist at govschool). But this whole april/may thing seems tricky.</p>
<p>Regarding the Gov School application - by signing that box, I believe it means that you are agreeing to attend all four weeks of gov school. I don't think it means that you are agreeing you will go no matter what. I think they just want to make sure that the kids that get accepted and decide to go will commit to staying the entire time. If someone is accepted and decides not to go, they probably have a "waitlist" they can pull another person from. I'm not sure about this, so if anyone knows more, feel free to tell, this is just my take on it.</p>