<p>So, my friends, I've applied to the New Jersey Governor's School for International Studies, and I checked the box stating that I would attend the program over any other this summer, but just today I got a thing in the mail from the Telluride Association Summer Program, which looks (maybe) more appealing (it is longer, has very interesting topics, seems more prestigious).</p>
<p>If anyone knows anything about the NJ Gov School for Int'l Studies, it is very hard to get into. I am pretty qualified, and International Studies is (probably) what I plan on doing with my life. But if I do not get into it, I would like something to fall back on. </p>
<p>What I am asking is this: (for people who are familiar with Governor's Schools and TASP) </p>
<p>Should I apply to TASP (put all the effort into the application, and possibly get interviewed if I am selected) with all intentions of turning it down when (if) I am selected for Governor's School?</p>
<p>Have I made a mistake in applying to Governor's School over TASP? Is TASP a more worthwhile option for someone interested in history, sociology, and anthropology, someone who is planning on applying to highly-selective universities like Princeton, Yale, and Brown?</p>
<p>I just wish all these programs weren't strictly for the summer following junior year. </p>
<p>Thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>(ps: I might post this in other parts of the board if I don't get much response, so sorry if you see this elsewhere and are annoyed.)</p>
<p>I would suggest applying to both if both interest you. If you are fortunate enough to get into both, pick your favorite. I am sure that both programs have waiting lists, and some other student would be happy to take the spot vacated by you.</p>
<p>Thanks, Northstarmom, but the thing is that I checked and signed a box saying, if I remember correctly, that I had nothing that would interfere with Governor's School this summer and would go if I was accepted...</p>
<p>Anyone know the consequences if I "broke my promise"?</p>
<p>Oh, in that case, you should not apply to TASP. You need to stand by your word.</p>
<p>The consequences of breaking your promise is that you display yourself as a person whose word can not be trusted. I don't suggest doing that. A "me first" attitude at all costs will end up biting you in the butt.</p>
<p>The first place where it probably would hurt you would be that your GC would hear about it and would not be able to check the highest box on college recommendation forms when it comes to questions of character. The GC also might be rather ticked because your backing out of the program might cause future applicants from your school to be turned down. There are programs (including colleges) that do things like that to punish schools for the behavior of individual students.</p>
<p>I also wouldn't be surprised if the people running Governor's school have some ties with top NJ universities including Princeton. That's typically the case with those kind of programs. It is indeed a small world.
If you want to be assured of a summer program, there are plenty of other programs that you can apply to that don't require that kind of promise.</p>
<p>But I've already applied to Governor's school, the application was due December 17th. I wish I had known about TASP beforehand. :(</p>
<p>I am thinking of applying to TASP, also, since there seems to be nothing on the application about an agreement to attend, unlike the Governor's School application. Governor's School is highly selective so theres always the chance I would not be accepted, but I couldn't imagine going through the rigorious TASP admissions process, getting in, and not being able to go even though I ultimately prefer TASP over Governor's School...</p>
<p>When I get back to school after break, I'll make an appointment with my counselor. </p>
<p>Maybe someone on the board has had experience with this, and denying a Governor's School acceptance...</p>
<p>It's about a hundred per school, and that is only from New Jersey. TASP takes less than a hundred per school, I believe, and it's from the entire United States (plus International applicants). </p>
<p>TASP is certainly more selective, I'm pretty sure, but the issue is what I would enjoy more and learn the most from. I'd like to be able to make this choice after applying to both of them, but I don't want to set myself up for a let down if I cannot get out of the chance acceptance to Governor's School.</p>
<p>u serious...? it's 100??? man then i got a great shot... at gov's school, cuz i remember them saying the science school had 72 students last year and that was high...</p>
<p>"TASP takes less than a hundred per school, I believe, and it's from the entire United States (plus International applicants)."</p>
<p>There were almost 1000 applicants from around the world for last year's 4 TASPs. There are five TASPs this year, each with spots for 18 applicants. So that's 90 spots TOTAL for this year out of aout 850-1000 applicants. Definately more selective than Gov's School.</p>
<p>As for your question, at our TASP last year, there was a girl who had gotten into two PA governor's schools. Like you yourself said, there is no absolute certainty that you are going to get into either the Gov's school or TASP, let alone both. Apply to both and see what happens. As for your signing and checking the box, TASP did not exist for you when you signed. Realistically, I can't imagine there being any sort of "drastic" repercussion of declining the governor's school.</p>
<p>If you get into TASP and don't want to go to Governor's School, call them and tell them that you can no longer attend. They will probably just have someone else fill your spot then. I doubt that EVERY student that gets chosen goes</p>
<p>richard, I am in the exact same position... I'm from North Jersey and have been nominated for Gov School of International as well... the thing is, is it worth it to slog through six essays for TASP if I can't ultimately go if I get into Gov School? TASP sounds more interesting to me, but I don't know if I am bound to go to Gov School. Does anyone happen to know which is more prestigious/ well- renowned?</p>
<p>Well, I got rejected by NJ Gov School and got into TASP. TASP is far better, just think about it, Gov school is for one state: NJ. TASP is the whole freaking english speaking world.<br>
Too bad this is an old post, lol, what I think doesn't matter in the past. :)</p>
<p>I decided not to apply for TASP and got into NJ Gov School.. from what I've experienced and hear, they're both amazing programs. These things attract similar people, which is what really makes the experience what it is.</p>
<p>
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There were almost 1000 applicants from around the world for last year's 4 TASPs.
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</p>
<p>Funny: I checked out TASP's site, and I couldn't find any testimonials from international students anywhere. In fact, I couldn't even tell if internationals use the same application form as American students, not to mention if the former go through the same application process as the latter. I guess only a TASPer who is not originally from the US can answer my questions.</p>