Does anyone know if it’s OK to include the real names of people and places? Will the application readers know our basic info anyways when reading our essays, or are we supposed to remain anonymous?
@010323026877 I’m thinking of doing the same thing and I have the same concern. I hope it’s all right, but can anyone else give some input?
@serendipitousli thanks for the advice! would you be willing to share the main idea of your essay #1? it’s okay if you don’t, I understand
@candylover1005 I focused on one of my weird interests, haha - hopefully they don’t think I’m stupid ._.
Another question - for Q1, when it says we must discuss the formal and informal education we received, must we discuss both by virtue of the logic operator “and”?
How long was everyone’s essays? Is it ok if all our essays are on the shorter side?
@potterworld my longs essays seem to be 1000-1500 characters short.
Fellow TASPers, is this okay? I’m thinking quality over quantity but who knows…
@PotatoStorm Thank you so much for your advice for us! Even though I’m still working on my essays, I can completely see what you mean about discovering more about ourselves as humans. I’ve had some aha! moments in writing these essays where I make really interesting connections and really do learn about myself. That’s made this whole stressful shebang worth it for me so far 
@thejoe @potterworld From what I understand (again, as a fellow applicant!) is that yes, quality matters much more than quantity. And just 1000 characters shouldn’t be anything to worry about in terms of development 
Thanks! Im really stressing because I see myself as a capable person with potential but then sometimes, I get too overconfident. I don’t know why and this is part of my essay, too. Like @PotatoStorm said, I really did discover a little bit more about myself; it was quite enlightening if not also a bit frightening. I really hope I get in because i really do like to be around bright people!
I hope I get in and can meet some of you there! How cool would it be to have a college confidential reunion there!
Im putting Michigan II as my first choice, even though I want to be on the Cornell campus, what about you all?
My essays are around 1000-1100 words or even shorter. Should I try to elaborate a bit more on my essays?
@potterworld I’m also an applicant, so don’t take my word for it, but personally, I think you should, just to reach the limit. But if it sounds like you are rambling if you add more, then you shouldn’t.
@potterworld i remember on the 2016 thread several others asked the same questions. It’s quality over quantity so don’t stress it!
Also, regarding everyone’s worries over transcripts, I thought the first round was only essay, no transcript?
@Rookieh I suppose it’s just that last question about if there have been any extenuating circumstances/things you’d like them to know about which def can include a not great semester.
Also everyone, I’m a fellow applicant and because January has been insane and I have my Academic Decathlon competition on Saturday (which I still have to write and practice my speech for and read the book for) and I thought these were due Friday I’m currently very very stressed out haha I only have one essay mostly done but I’m determined to do this because I’m in love with TASP.
Just curious, because I haven’t really taken a look at the courses offered, which ones are you guys most interested in?
Also, my older sister goes to Cornell so I’ve been there several times, do you guys think I should prioritize U Michigan sessions to get a fresher environment? I know it’s more about the content than the environment but assuming you liked them all equally what would you guys choose?
@divastar6 so no transcripts for this round? Also, if you feel the same for all four then by all means choose something different from the norm. Good luck!
@divastar6 As a CU TASP alumna, I really, really don’t think that should matter even a smidge. Believe me, if you’re going to be sitting in a tiny room for three hours a day learning about ONE thing–make it the seminar you’re most passionate about. The university didn’t color our experiences nearly as much as the community did. Looking at this year’s courses, I can’t imagine liking them all equally. You’re going to have as many as six to seven hours of work on some days learning about a topic related to your seminar. Don’t discount that, IMO.
Would any TASP alumni be willing to look over perhaps 1-2 of my essays? Obviously, I know this is cutting it /very/ close and totally understandable if nobody can. Good luck all!
Same, if there’s a TASP Alumni that is willing to look at two of my essays, that would be great!
lol good luck to you all speed writing essays, I feel your pain!
Also, I probably missed this, but when do we get interview notifications?
@hope469 early March, I believe
@serendipitousli Depends- for the second essay, I talked about a specific person in my life but to maintain their integrity I only used their first name. So depending how you portray the person in your essays and how close they are to you, you might want to only use their first name or even use a fake name if you really feel you need it. I don’t think it’s a huge deal though, so up to you