@annagrace18 Quality; they look at the strength of ideas and how you present those ideas.
thanks so much 
@univbound101
Just started drafting my essays. On the second one I provide like five full minutes of backstory before I get into what I used to believe, which irks me but it’s also important and revealing context that I can’t condense. Arghh
I wrote the essay and scrapped it because if I got bored writing it, the person reading it is definitely not going to have a good time. Now I’m writing it on a very niche topic which I hope won’t hurt my chances.
Do you think talking about a change of mind after an internal conflict, rather than “genuinely engaging with others’ positions” (quote from the prompt) is appropriate?
Honestly as long as you explain it well and frame it in a way that puts it in context of the question you should be fine. (hopefully, at least, since I’m doing a similar thing lol)
They are primarily looking for how you think and how you write and what you can bring to a diverse community of bright and dynamic young people.
Did anyone get an email invite based on PSAT? What PSAT cut off is TSAP using to send out an invite? D18 busy on essays for application.
@sekere62 I didn’t even take the psat this year… I forgot about it altogether :)) , but I still received a letter from the Telluride Association encouraging me to apply. It was just the brochure, but I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that I am the highest achieving student of color in my school. I’m not sure exactly how the mailing list works, but I didn’t even take the psat junior year (I did sophmore), and still received a letter in the mail.
@sekere62 I got an email based on my PSAT score which was 1470.
Anyways, I’m excited and scared for applying to this program!
I always attend science summer programs so this is a big change for me, but I really want to experience the more philosophical/literary world!
For part c, what kind of stuff is considered “relevant” activities, because I have a lot of science based activities, and not much literary stuff like debate?
Re: PSAT - they don’t look nor care. If you got a 400 on the PSAT, you’d have the same chance as someone who got a 1600. They blast email anyone in the top 1% of PSAT scores about the program, but don’t care if that’s how you found out about them. Most kids at my TASP of the 32 didn’t get notified from the PSAT. (Similarly, Telluride doesn’t care about grades so much unless you’re really bombing — we had people with straight As and people with Cs at our TASP.)
Re: conflict essay - TASP is very intentional with how they frame their questions. If they’re asking you to talk about engaging with someone else’s ideas and arguments, they’re looking for that, not a purely internal conflict. They want people who can admit that they were wrong and see others’ points of view. If you can’t admit you were wrong in an argument or if you’ve never changed your mind about something (which obviously has an internal conflict component but is still about engaging with someone else’s ideas and arguments), TASP might not be for you. I changed my mind about a lot during TASP, as did all of my fellow TASPers.
Re: activities - whatever interests you! If you’re interested in science stuff, list it! They aren’t looking for a bunch of future philosophy majors (though if that’s your thing, list away); they want smart, engaging people who are going to make an impact on the world in any number of fields, science included. Being yourself is the most important thing for a TASP application.
Good luck, everyone! And remember that this process (and the college admissions process) is so subjective, and regardless of what happens with this application, your life will be full of amazing experiences. <3
@eawtammany I know you talk about why you think it’s a bad idea to talk about internal conflict for the conflict essay, but would it be an awful idea to write mine about moving? I was going to write about how I originally hated my new home but eventually was able to see the good in it/change my mindset and attitude towards it.The prompt says we can write about a “life experience” and yes, the conflict was mostly internal, but I really can’t think of any other experience/discussion that is strong enough to use as the basis for the essay. Sorry for asking, I just thought it couldn’t hurt to ask for your opinion.
It’s obviously up to you. I’m not an expert. When I applied, the question was worded differently (though it was very similar/looked for the same kind of thing). It depends on how you do it. Whatever you do needs to demonstrate you “genuinely engage with others’ positions.” Basically, something needed to change your mind/persuade you to change. Just don’t fall into the trap of ignoring that aspect of the prompt and just talking about randomly switching positions without something or someone persuading you.
I’m having trouble thinking of ideas to write about for the reflecting on your education essay. Any advice? thanks!
Hey guys!! I read thru the TASP 2016 thread and by comparison, this one is pretty lame…let’s change that! We should support each other, right?
I’ve “finished” all three short answers and the conflict essay thus far. I’m trying to think of ideas for no. 1 right now, but nothing I think of is substantial enough to write a well-developed essay about.
As for no. 2, I know what I want to do, but I have disgusting writer’s block.
@candylover1005 I feel for you, pal. I’m focusing on what I know.
TASP mainly wants people who are eager and impassioned. So as long you convey that in your essay, you can write about most any experience(S) that showcases that trait.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself!
@peaceprincess how long is your finished essay? and do you mind if I ask you what you’re planning to write for no 2.?
All of my essays are on average 1000 words and not 1500… Is that bad?
@WinnerWannabe imo I don’t think it’s bad as long as you’ve said everything you wanted
I have finished essay #2 and am very proud of it! Currently working on #3 and have a vague idea of what to write for #1