<p>Hey guys, finally read all 14 pages of this thread (yes..). Really interested in TASP -- one of my schoolmates went to one of the Cornell ones this past summer.</p>
<p>Question: What was the interview process like? What questions left an impression? How far did you have to travel to your interview location?</p>
<p>Merry Christmas btw ^_^</p>
<p>psycam, who was your friend? I went to cornell tasp too.</p>
<p>I have 25-30 books on my list; I put down a wide sampling of what I read--classics, modern lit, biographies, philosophy, and a couple of feminist anthologies, just for fun. </p>
<p>Annnnnnd I'm pretty much stuck on the other essays. Bummmmm.</p>
<p>Psycam,</p>
<p>I had to drive up to the University of Washington campus in Seattle (I live about 60 mi south) and I was interviewed there by 3 people. I prepared for your standard "describe yourself" type deal, but it was really different.</p>
<p>One of my interviewers was Cornell Telluride House alum (and current biology professor at UW), another was Deep Springs alum, and another was TASP alum. On the way up the stairs, the bio professor talked to me about Olympia oysters and which I prefer. :P I live in Olympia. It was pretty cool.</p>
<p>I can't remember any specific questions. They adapt all their questions off your essays. So if you wrote about world trade or something, they'd have questions about that. If you wrote about yourself, they'd have questions about that. I didn't encounter any cookie-cutter questions.</p>
<p>They spent a disproportionate amount of time on one of my essays, I guess because it had the most to talk about.</p>
<p>In short, it was really casual and relaxed. I liked it alot. Be aware, though, that not all the other TASPers had the same deal.</p>
<p>Later,
Jim</p>
<p>Thanks Jim :) That doesn't sound so stressful or crazy. Provided I can get to the interviews first :P What was it like having three interviewers? </p>
<p>RichardCory: Her name is Jenny Chang. If you know her, you might also know Bansi Shah. They both are seniors at my school.</p>
<p>John</p>
<p>Hmm. Actually, it was better having more than one interviewer. With 4 people at the table, it felt a lot more like a discussion than an interview. </p>
<p>It wasn't like 3 suits on one side of the table and then me on the other--it was just like 4 guys in a room talking about whatever came to mind. </p>
<p>...not really, but when you go in expecting a hardcore interview and get something different, it sorta does. :P</p>
<p>I dunno. A lot of TASPers had only one interviewer--some had two--others had three. I liked having 3. More people = more ideas = more latitude for speaking.</p>
<p>I had two, and believe me, this is much better. As Jim/gogurt said, it takes the pressure off, especially when they talk to each other. I was fortunate in that I was interviewed by two Princeton juniors, so it was much more like a friendly discussion (that did, admittedly, spiral into an intense debate) than an interview.</p>
<p>One horror story from my TASP was someone who was interviewed by 6 people! I know. That's more like being interrogated by a tribunal in the Hague than an interview.</p>
<p>But don't worry, if you make it to the interview, you must have some pretty amazing and interesting ideas, so be confident.
(Worry about those essays for now!)</p>
<p>Ok, sounds good. Now I have to do those essays.</p>
<p>Regarding TASP itself, what part of your time spent there made it worth the most? The people, community, etc... or time spent in the three hour sessions (the things they teach in general)...</p>
<p>What was your opinion going into TASP, and coming out of it?</p>
<p>You could probably find an answer to your question somewhere deep in the recesses of this massive thread, but I would say the people.<br>
I thought our seminar was, while interesting, kind of pointless. The amazing conversations and fascinating people with backgrounds and interests make it an incredible experience.</p>
<p>I agree with pianoking completely. It was definitely the people. They kicked ass. I don't even know where to start with that.</p>
<p>The seminar was... yeah... :P</p>
<p>Straight up, no doubt, the people.</p>
<p>wait, do you need a teacher to nominate u in order for u to apply? Cuz the nomination deadline for teachers is over and I was wondering if I could still apply by myself or is that too late?</p>
<p>can your teacher send in his or her recommendation and the school send in the transcript before you submit your application online? sry about the double posting.</p>
<p>also, nowhere on the application does it ask for SAT or ACT or PSAT scores? Is there something I'm missing here?</p>
<p>No, you're not missing anything. </p>
<p>They don't want your SAT/ACT scores. They want your essays and your ability to talk about them.</p>
<p>The people! </p>
<p>OK, so I'm parroting, but it still had to be said.</p>
<p>And you can certainly apply by yourself. I'm guessing nominations are simply meant to raise awareness of the program.</p>
<p>I had a brilliant plan to work on my TASP essays today, but it was sadly derailed by the presence of a comfortable couch, rented movies, and chocolate. Maybe not sadly so much as gladly. But I will finish these things, I really will:)</p>
<p>my interview had one person, but she was really nice, so i had a good time. coincidentally, she was one of the factotum at the cornell tasp. we also spent a very long time discussing one specific book on my booklist.</p>
<p>Omg I have been procrastinating so much these past few days, I really have to get started on the essays. How long did you guys spend on your essays last year?</p>
<p>I have already spent 5 hours on the essays and I am only on question 2(almost done with it), if that's any indication...</p>
<p>Is anybody else having issues with the Telluride Association webpage? Grrrrr.</p>
<p>I'm done with the conflict essay and the book list (lol), halfway through the issue essay and the future educational plans, and have yet to start the literary analysis and the course selection justifications. That little issue with procrastination....yeahhhh :)</p>