<p>on this unusual page, it says “Texas IP Fellows are Natural Science and Liberal Arts majors who design interdisciplinary minors on topics of personal interest.”
[The</a> University of Texas at Austin | Know Video Podcast](<a href=“http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:nUsuYodpdHEJ:www.utexas.edu/know/podcast.php+tip+fellows+site:utexas.edu&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a]The”>http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:nUsuYodpdHEJ:www.utexas.edu/know/podcast.php+tip+fellows+site:utexas.edu&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a)</p>
<p>Last Monday, I walked into the room where TIP scholars hang out and talked with Madison Searle. I was not too impressed by the atmosphere of the room. people building puzzles and discussing homework. I don’t think you get this feeling that TIP scholars is for top students at Utexas; I don’t know why. Make an appointment with Madison (the guy in charge of the program) and you will know that atmosphere I am talking about here</p>
<p>Did it look like they were being dummed down or something?</p>
<p>I am very confused as to the true purpose of the TIP Scholars program. My daughter, an incoming LA freshman, applied and was recently rejected. We were a little disappointed but now I’m wondering if it was right for her in the first place. What are they looking for and what will TIP Scholars be offered that others won’t?</p>
<p>Confused mom!</p>
<p>TIP is starting to confuse me too. I don’t like the idea that they might of picked me because I’m demographically prone to failure. I’m Hispanic and I have a single mom, but I don’t agree with TIP if that’s why they accepted me. </p>
<p>Apparently, it’s going to offer mentors and free tutoring with some organized seminars. </p>
<p>I don’t think it would hurt to be in it though. I just hope this isn’t - well not a scam, but like false encouragement - calling us ‘‘scholars’’, that we were picked very selectively, etc…I hope I’m not being too cynical about the program. </p>
<p>In any case, there’s going to be all sorts of programs for you daughter, I’m sure of it! During orientation, there’s an event on the schedule that says “Liberal Arts FIGs”. I’m going to try to join that!</p>
<p>Does anyone know when we get a reply from the TIP program?</p>
<p>And I too am wondering what exactly TIP takes into consideration when choosing. 
My friend is number one in our school with great SAT’s and all that and they didn’t accept her. I found it really weird. The only thing that maybe could’ve hurt her is that she was really rich. But I don’t see how that should hinder her chances with TIP.</p>
<p>Hmm.</p>
<p>Yes, sascha, the room does look “dumb down”, well suited for the kind of students they attract into the program. Go meet with Madison and you will know what I am talking about.</p>
<p>And MaineLonghorn, the advertisement they said was not all correct. I had transferred from another university with a good enough department in medical anthropology, and I said I wanted to do something with that aspect of anthropology.I knew they do not have medical anthropology here, so I asked him if it was possible for me to do that through TIP. He winced at me and gave me a pointed answer. He said if I could email and find professors interested in that field, then yes I could design a minor around that issue. But you yourself will be the one to email and ask professors to find courses that match your interest and the interest of that professor. Finally, the TIP advisor have to “approve” the minor.</p>
<p>@xtra: MaineLonghorn? I didn’t post anything - did you mean someone else?</p>
<p>I’m really confused about the TIP thing now.</p>
<p>The Texas IP Fellows things is where I can design my own major, and they give you an opportunity to be published, and possible $$$ to study abroad. But that Searle guy is in charge of the IP thing too…</p>
<p>I don’t have anything that would make me “prone to failure.” White, EFC almost 15000, high SAT/ACT score, AP classes…</p>
<p>Should I not do it? I’m really confused. :/</p>
<p>I don’t think TIP is for people “prone to failure”.
I know a bunch of people , who are legitimately smart, who are in TIP whose parents make well over 100k, wear top brand names, etc. The TIP name/acronym meaning is misleading…</p>
<p>@iambored10 “I think they are choosing students with great grades but due to some “demographic” characteristics, the students are statistically at higher risk of failing.” <– someone said this earlier and it’s throwing me off, that’s all. </p>
<p>I don’t know. I just emailed Searle and asked for more information on the program. I’ll see what he says and post it here.</p>
<p>My teacher is friends with one of the people in charge of the program, and today he told us the pick is completely random and not to get a big head if you were chosen and not to be upset if you were rejected. (Someone was bragging about it in class which is how it came up)</p>
<p>Which is why some highly smart people get rejected and some people NOT so smart get in. So there is no telling who will and will not get in. Because if you look there really isn’t a consistent patter with the type of students chosen.</p>
<p>@BrittanySchray- I wouldn’t exactly believe that… TIP Scholars are WELL OFF</p>
<p>Man! I will not be dummed down. If it’s going to be like that and turn into some spoon fed college material 101, no thanks. I’d rather work harder and seek help elsewhere. :(</p>
<p>@iambored10- I’m not concerned about the demographics, I just don’t want to be a part of a program that is targeted at people who are at risk of failing. I mean, reserved seats in classes is nice, but I don’t feel like I would need it if the whole point is to save people from potentially failing. I have quite a bit of confidence in myself academically, and I don’t want to take a spot in a program that would be otherwise pointless for me. </p>
<p>@sasha2014- That’s kind of what I’m worried about. ): I’ll let you know what Searle says.</p>
<p>Oh no, madison said that texas IP fellows is different from the Texas Interdisciplinary program. So if you get into texas IP fellows, yes that would be an honor.
But as for the Texas interdisciplinary program, it what I say.
But only freshman meeting “their criteria” gets picked to be the Texas IP fellows. At least that is what madison said. Furthermore, only Texas IP fellows get access to all of the classes Marked for the IP program. If you were coming to UT after freshman year (like me), then the TIP scholars would NOT give you access to all of the reserved classes. at least according to him.</p>
<p>and my previous remark was direct to midwest mom, not mainelonghorn, sorry.</p>
<p>If you get chosen, you should do it. It will help as far as classes go. And about being ‘spoon fed’, YOU DON’T HAVE to go for all that advising or let them tell you what to do. It’s just there if you need it. You can be in TIP and still be independent.</p>
<p>Even if this program targets students of certain demographics, you should give it a shot. Its a program that is going to help you succeed in college.</p>