<p>So I got the er, TASPplication in December and I've been procrastinating, obviously. I wasn't sure what the program was going to be like, or what kind of people TASP accepted, if they were a super-liberal or super-conservative organization or anything. I wasn't sure if I really wanted to apply, if I'd be happy there... Until I read 32Flavor's velociraptor comment a few dozen pages back. Unless velociraptors are much more common in pop culture that I could have imagined, I think I like the people who go there and I definitely am going to apply. </p>
<p>Is there any kind of bias against more science-y people? I'm probably going to do Biochem or Chemistry in college, and it seems like the previous TASPers have a more liberal arts bent. I'd actually much rather do the Cornell I and II programs than the one about global climate change. Of course, I'm not going to get in, as I'm pretty sure my writing skills have actually depreciated throughout high school and I never have time to read anymore. I'd really love to go though. It seems like so much fun, and I'm really interested in the Cornell II program.</p>
<p>Alamode: I wrote about instant messaging and how it's destroying the world. It was a fun essay! I used it for my Emory application. </p>
<p>Earl: No, there is no bias towards more science-y people that I know of. At our TASP, there were plenty of people more interested in science than the humanities. Apply! Apply! It was ridiculous fun.</p>
<p>Hen G: call and ask about age, if you want. :)
Disneyguy: You can do an excerpt, methinks.
Marimare: Apply, really. If Telluride thinks you're good, you'll advance onto the next rounds. Don't worry about taking up a space. Maybe for the first round, yes, but for the interview/final round, there are waitlists in case kids decide not to go or whatever, so other kids WILL be given the opportunity. Since you don't plan on going for the sciences for now, I think TASP would be the way to go. I mean, if you were dead-set on majoring in science, research would be wonderful, but...you're not. And as far as how it looks for colleges: DO IT FOR YOURSELF. TASP is prestigious and Intel is prestigious. Just do what you feel would be more fun and more productive for your growth as a person (coughcoughtaspcough). =) In fact, I'd say apply to both JUST in case. It never hurts to have a backup ;).</p>
<p>What type of conflicts have people written about in the past? Hm. They've been all over the map. I don't know if these were for the topic of interest one or for the personal conflict (have the essay topics changed, btw?), but anyhoo. My interviewer wrote about certain problems with the education system and I wrote about the bias toward rock and metal because they're linked in the popular imagination to senseless acts of violence. I talked about Columbine and certain artists and lyrics, and made my argument and blah blah, basically about that and how it's kind of bull, how music does not randomly cause kids to become killing machines. In fact, I think my conflict essay wasn't that one...it was one about coming into my own. A big "I am woman, hear me roar" talking about how women had to stop defining themselves in terms of the men in their lives, how lots of girls had self-esteem problems, blah blah.</p>
<p>Earilmadith: I'm not a Telluride official or anything, but I daresay there isn't a bias against sciencey people. A lot of past TASPers have been SUPER SUPER sciencey, BUT they like discussions and fun and interaction and learning. AND AWESOMENESS. <em>cough</em> True, a lot of TASPers have a humanities bent, but they're all rounded-out anyway. That's one of the good things about TASP. People from all different walks of life can get stuff out of it. Honestly, it's a wonderful experience. I'm an '06 TASPer (Cornell II, whee!), and I tell you this from experience. Science, culture, people, and all that lovely stuff are inextricably tied together, so it doesn't matter if you like the hard sciences and plan to major in them, you'll get something out of the seminars anyway.</p>
<p>Okay, um, this has honestly been nibbling at my brain for quite some time now, and I don't think anyone has asked this yet:</p>
<p>Are my chances completely terminated if I'm considered "socially awkward" (and this is what my friends call me)? Should I even bother? My public speaking isn't the most horrible thing in the world - granted, it was really bad a few years ago - but it's definitely not one of my strengths. I stutter, come to awkward halts, turn monosyllabic for several seconds at a time; generally, it's bad. <em>cough</em></p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any answers. I appreciate it. :)</p>
<p>Thanks musechick! You and foreverfree have convinced me that applying to TASP will be a great course of action. I have one question, about "Essay" #6, where it asks you to list some of the books/periodicals you've read in the past year: Are they looking for an exhaustive list to see how "well-read" you are, or are looking into what type of books you like? Also, by "list", do they automatically imply "list and give a brief statement"? Thanks~!</p>
<p>Hm. I think it would still be worth it to give it a shot. If anything, you'll get to write some nice essays that you could reuse later on for college apps or scholarship apps. :)</p>
<p>Marimare: I'm not really sure what they're looking for. I think it's a little bit of everything. :) Some people choose to make little statements, but that's up to you. I definitely didn't. My list was actually really...not that well-made. I just included titles, not even authors. D'oh. XD But I suggest author and title--it makes more sense, y'know? Just list everything you've read this past year. If you think something is too "fluffy" you can leave it out, but I don't think they'll say OMGSZ, SHE READS TEEN FICTIONS ***S!!?!?! DON'T ACCEPT HERR!!! YARRRGH! ^_^ Also, about statements, if you feel strongly about a particular book/books/periodical(s)/etc, you can make a little note.</p>
<p>last year i had "sloppy firsts" on my list (aida, XD) and a lot of pop nonfic lit, so definitely don't worry too much about it. they'll understand that you're teenagers (as long as your booklist is not entirely composed of gossip girl, enquirer, and cosmo, i think you should be fine).</p>
<p>Hey everyone,
So I started my application late and I have only written one essay. How far along is everyone else?</p>
<p>Also, another question,
does Telluride put any emphasis on diversity? Less vague: while I am a white male, I'm from Mississippi. Does that increase my chances at all?</p>
<p>Neltharion: A girl from my TASP was a fantasy QUEEN. It was INSANE. We made fun of her for it a little (in a sweet, joking way, mind you, we weren't mean). :D it was excellent.</p>
<p>Zach: No one here can answer that last question. :) They DO put an emphasis on diversity, but there are no set rules for it as far as we know, and anything can happen. All the TASPs have been different. :)</p>
<p>I've got a quick question about the actual application.</p>
<p>There's a section to list school and community activities, and I'm under the impression that they really only want current activities. Is this an error on my part? </p>
<p>Also, I'm debating whether or not to write that I am fluent in Spanish. I got a 5 on the AP Spanish Language exam as a sophomore, but I don't want to encourage a really vindictive interviewer to force me to respond in Spanish or something of that nature. I'd probably cry if that happened. Am I just being paranoid?</p>
<p>Sorry about all the questions, but here's another about the critnal:</p>
<p>Would it necessarily be <em>bad</em> to analyze a fantasy or teen fic? Or should we really stick to the more conventionally analyzed texts? I personally feel that nearly everything written can and should be analyzed, but I don't know if TASP would rather see something more formal...</p>
<p>i have two of the like three substantial essays done. whoo for vietnam class and chilling out with my ex math teacher.
anyone else think an essay on western society is cliche??? im dong it anyway but i sorta feel like im copping out. : (</p>