TASP or internship?

<p>I'm having trouble making a decision so I'd appreciate any opinions or thoughts :)</p>

<p>TASP is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it just sounds amazing. But the internship is with a professor that I really like and I'd love to get the research experience :/ I just don't know which one to pick.</p>

<p>Opinions are welcome!</p>

<p>I’m not gonna lie… after all the nervous stomachaches leading up to the TASP notifications and the tears faced when I didn’t get in… It hurts to see people who did get in consider not going. Ha.</p>

<p>My advice, though, is this: Follow your heart. Do your research on Tasp. After seeing all the stories about others’ experiences, and after thinking through both your options… Just do what feels right. I would never give up a chance to go to Tasp, but it is your decision, and everyone is different.</p>

<p>Good luck choosing! :)</p>

<p>I faced the same dilemma last year and I ultimately chose TASP. I went into TASP a science-loving, research-oriented individual, but TASP ultimately changed my perception of what I enjoy and how I learn. The research experience can definitely be replicated in college, but TASP cannot. Allow yourself to be a high school student and choose a program that will allow you to grow the most. Choose TASP :)</p>

<p>Just my very, very biased advice.</p>

<p>Yeah I agree, college kids and stuff do internships with college professors all the time, it’s nothing spectacular. TASP is one of THE MOST HIGHLY regarded summer programs around. It compares with stuff like LEAD. There are honestly like thousands of kids who’d be more than willing to take your spot. </p>

<p>At the same time, if the professor’s a really nice fellow deeply into you, that may be just as good. Usually, it means a kick ass letter of rec. Try comparing the start/end dates of TASP and try doing both? Maybe if you really request nicely, you could work on a different time period with the professor to fit in TASP.</p>

<p>Up to you in the end.</p>

<p>Go to TASP.</p>

<p>Decades ago, it changed my life. I’ve had plenty of wonderful educational experiences (Ivy League education, topflight PhD program, internships, study abroad) but the intellectual and social intensity of TASP combined with WHEN it happened for me changed my sense of what I was capable of and my dreams for my future. </p>

<p>I went on to years of connection with Telluride Association, serving both as the chair of the summer program committee and the president of Telluride Association, and in addition, I’ve been married to one of my fellow TASPers for many years. So your experience might not be as decisive as mine was. But still. Go to TASP.</p>