<p>@kpalm1111, Any tips?</p>
<p>Interview today</p>
<p>@unproductive</p>
<p>Let us know how it goes! Tips are appreciated too <3</p>
<p>Yes!!! ^</p>
<p>Well, I can honestly say that despite the fact that I had been told that this interview would resemble an interrogation more than a conversation, it really was not bad. My interviewer was very friendly, and his questions were fairly challenging; however, it was not significantly different than a critical conversation you would have with a classmate about an academic topic. The focus was almost ENTIRELY on the essays! He did not touch my interests or my book list, and he did not make an substantial attempts to trip me up. The interview was about one hour and ten minutes long, but it felt as if it lasted for only a few moments because it really was enthralling. If you enjoy having discussions during which your ideas are really challenged and you gain a more nuanced perspective (as you would at TASP), this interview should be an enjoyable experience. It seemed to help when he told me that he was from a low-income background to tell him that my circumstances were similar; making connections with your conversational partner is always advantageous. Historical references, metaphors based upon scientific principles, and real soul searching and genuine dialogue about my adversity seemed to be met with real interest from my interviewer, but do not incorporate those things in if that is not something that you do typically. A piece of advice I received from a previous TASPer from my town, Lawrence, KS, was to really be genuine. He said that many interviewers had admitted that they rejected students because their entire interview seemed to be acted out in some kind of perfectly refined facade. Whatever is truly you should shine, just like it did in your essays, and that should be an adequate cause for admission. Additionally, my interviewer told me that the interview is a smal factor in admission in comparison to the actual essays. It is simply a check to make sure that you are a functional, thinking, and eloquent human being. It may make the difference when it is very close, but it is generally not a major aspect of the whatever decision is made. I hope some part of this rambling description is valuable to you guys!</p>
<p>I agree with what ^ said. Also, I don’t really think this is an interview you can prepare for. If you are used to having intellectual conversation then you will be more than fine. I don’t know current events for my life and I was too lazy to look them up and I was fine. Just talk. It’s not that bad</p>
<p>@kpalm1111</p>
<p>What type of questions did they ask about your literary analysis? That is the only part I’m truly worried about.</p>
<p>guys… I had to reschedule my interview because I was so nervous over the phone while scheduling it that I completely gave my interviewer a time I wasn’t free.
WOW I need to breathe.</p>
<p>How many people apply for this program? </p>
<p>@Foodlover001</p>
<p>Every year, ~1200-1400 apply. Around 140 are then chosen for finalists, of which ~64 are picked from to attend the program</p>
<p>@SineSquareNaw</p>
<p>Thanks! I want to apply next year, but it seems vey competitive. I also looked at the essay topics, and I’m confused about the critical analysis one. How did you approach the question?</p>
<p>How are everyone’s interviews going? </p>
<p>There’s not a whole lot to talk / speculate about at this point.</p>
<p>Just got back from my interview. Both the most riveting and difficult conversation I’ve probably ever had.
I kept thinking I sounded like an idiot, though! My interviewer was incredibly nice but the questions were not easy and it definitely felt like I was just flailing at times.</p>
<p>Yeah, I had my interview. For future applicants, don’t let the interview intimidate you. It was super chill, and the questions are not set up to screw you over- most of the questions are legitimate attempts to better understand your thought process. Think of it as a fun opportunity to speak with an interesting, engaging person. </p>
<p>i had my interview yesterday and i think it went really well! the guy who interviewed me seemed really chill and laid-back–it was super informal. he started off with questions about my essays, mainly asking me to expand on points i’d made or topics i’d discussed in them, but we kept going off on tangents about politics and television and social activism and other cool stuff. we talked for about an hour and a half longer than we were supposed to, which i guess is a good sign? idk, i’m really nervous 
also my interviewer told me that next week is when the telluride association committee is meeting to make their final decision. so i guess we’ll be finding out our results really soon! good luck to everyone!!</p>
<p>@hagakure
I wouldn’t so really soon.</p>
<p>A week from now they start final decisions, which will take about a week on top of that.</p>
<p>I would say at least two weeks, which is pretty much on-par with what their webpage says.</p>
<p>@hagakure my interview also took 2.5 hours, which I hope to take as a good sign! I have heard that there is not too much importance placed on the interviews anyway, in that its mainly the essays they go back to anyway, but I could be wrong. Did last year threads indicate that results came out May 1st or 2nd? </p>
<p>Last year the results emerged late April. God I can’t wait! </p>
<p>anyone have any back up plans if they don’t get in to TASP?</p>