TASP: A Few Questions

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>So I really don't know if I have a chance at a summer program that admits 64/1200+ people, but I will still apply regardless of how competitive it is. I guess I'm used to rejection after getting the big no from PEA.
1. How much does your transcript matter? I understand that a passion for learning needs to be demonstrated on the applicant's behalf, but will they really care if you have a 5.66 GPA or a 3.5 GPA?</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Will PSAT,ACT,AP,SAT,of SATII scores matter? I've heard of a few kids in my school getting brochures (though we are only rising juniors) for high PSAT scores. I only earned a 171 on my PSATs and a 23 composite on my PLAN test. Will this greatly reduce my chances? Will some of my stick in the mud classmates who cheat their way to a 4.5 GPA gain admission rather than myself because of numbers? </p></li>
<li><p>Do extracurriculars play a huge role as well? What if you don't have the luxury of HRC'ing my school's entire list of clubs? </p></li>
<li><p>Do recommendations play a huge role as well? My GC is practically one of my few friends as school (pathetic, I know). </p></li>
</ol>

<p>I'm really nervous. While the experience of applying to boarding school has allowed me to do more and asses my capabilities, it has made me more aware of who I'm competing against. I feel as if I am incompetent compared to the big shots at Exover or magnet schools. I may LOVE learning and TASP could be the greatest experience for me, but it have no Olympiad awards and I am not the type who will compromise everything to kiss butt. Any advice? </p>

2

<ol>
<li> They never see your transcript unless you are selected as one of the 120 finalists.<br></li>
<li> The brochures are just marketing. You will never be asked what your test scores are, they are not interested.</li>
<li> Your ECs will be woven into the tapestry of your essays so passions of some kind will certainly be important, but that doesn’t mean you need a laundry list.</li>
<li>You will only be asked for the recommendation if you are a finalist and then the recommender will need to address your passion for learning, ability to handle a heavy reading/writing course load and an ability to work in a close social environment. It is not a typical LOR</li>
</ol>

<p>So take a deep breath, 1200+ applications will be narrowed down to 120 finalists based almost solely on the content of the essays. Worry about the rest when you get your finalist notification.</p>

3

<p>@planner03‌ Wow! Thanks for the advice! I almost forgot about this post. But I’m just so nervous. I really love languages and physics but I can no longer participate in clubs due to issues and having to get jobs. I’m just nervous (obviously haha) about competing against the next Hawking or Hillary Clinton with my stats. Thanks again!</p>

4

<p>The essays are far and away the most important aspect of your application. There were plenty of people at my TASP who were brilliant people but hadn’t won huge awards or anything. They made themselves stand out with their essays.</p>