Anyone excited for TASS 2016? Anyone thinking of applying? What are some alumni experiences with TASS? What is the application like?
I’m a little scared about applying, since they only accept 60 kids. I’m really interested in the topics for this year though. Does anyone know how low the acceptance rate for last year was? It freaks me out because this program is absolutely amazing and provides a very generous stipend. After hearing about it, I immediately started looking for a catch. (No housing, only for students from a certain area, etc.) Couldn’t find a single one. Looking at past threads, the essay/writing supplement looks like the biggest factor for your application getting accepted.
I’m scared as well but can’t wait for the application to come out in a couple days. Do you know what programs you want to go to? @Hamlon
Tbh, they all sound really interesting. I don’t think I would be disappointed with any of these courses. The Cornell 2 and University of Michigan topics both caught my attention first though. I’m also biased towards the Indiana University course because my favorite YouTubers went there and still live in the area. There’s a tiny part in me that thinks I have a chance at seeing them around campus. :))
I’m interested in Michigan as well but wouldn’t be disappointed with any of them @Hamlon
Hey guys, I’m not a TASS alum, but I am a TASP alum, so if anyone has questions, please PM me and I will try to help you out! I loved TASP and TASS looked like an equally, if not more, incredible experience.
@Smargent Thanks! How long is the application? I looked at the old TASP threads and it looks like the essays for that program were extremely difficult. I’m assuming TASS essays are the same way, right?
I got a look at the TASS application last year…yeah, the applications are very similar. It’s 5 essays (possibly a booklist), but I can’t be totally positive. The topics are similar to the TASP ones, but less about general intellectual inquiry, more closely related to African-American issues (for obvious reasons).
<3
The application just opened up. It hasn’t been posted on the main website though. I only knew because there was a related links section where you can make your own account. Good luck to everyone applying! 
Applications are finally available on the main website. Good luck to all!!! :))
im tass/p alumni! please apply! the seminars this year look Literally incredible
How would you describe your experience at tass? Overall did you enjoy the community and learning? Where was your program located? What was a typical day like? What are some activities people can do like exploring, going to the movies, shopping,etc. Sorry it’s a lot lol, I’m just really interested in this program. @aubreygraham
my tass (in ann arbor) was cool, really politically formative/radicalizing, had complex community dynamics that will probably be different at each tass but you’ll meet very smart + good people if you go.
a typical day includes seminar/lunch/reading/work/presentations/conversations/organized or impromptu outings but really no day is the same… ann arbor is fantastic and very fun to exist in / explore – the um campus has a million cool facilities too. one can go to an arboretum or library or park or theatre or record/clothing store very easily. i’m sure indiana/cornell are similarly accessible w/their own quirks
Hello! Do you need to be nominated to apply?
No. You can apply freely. Nomination is not required to be eligible to apply. @Kelvin82
@aubreygraham Can you help me figure out what to put down for the qualify for free/reduced Lunch question? I didn’t sign up for it because you have to use it pretty much everyday and some days I skip lunch to finish homework/projects. My parents also don’t believe in using it because of their childhood experiences. I am pretty sure that my family would qualify though. What do I put down?! Also, was the program free for everyone who attended? One of the counselors said you had to get a scholarship and now I’m a little confused.
it’s totally, definitely 100% free for everyone who attends. you can get a work stipend/other accommodations as necessary too: getting in is getting the scholarship, essentially.
not sure about the qualifying for free/reduced lunch - ask your school counselor if you would qualify maybe? if they say yes, then you can definitely put it. if not, then don’t, it won’t affect the program being free if you get in!
I posted on the TASS 2015 to ask for any advice so hopefully someone will help out. My immediate questions about the application are the book, film, art, etc list that is asked. I would also like to hear their experience with interviewing. There was a girl in my high school last year whom I thought would have gotten in and did not. This is somewhat discouraging but you’ve got to be in it to win it!
@magnetnh I’ve had questions about the media part too! Does anybody know if they are really picky about what counts because I’m interested in multiple genres that aren’t necessarily academic. I just wrote about what I got out of each book even if it was sci-fi fantasy or YA fiction. Are they looking for mostly classics?