<p>It’s not all about prestige though. It depends on what kind of person you are. These two programs are on different ends of the spectrum- on one hand you have TASS, TASP, RSI, and those sorts of programs, where everything is highly competitive, very structure, and full of work. But it’s a great experience. On the other hand you have programs like Brown Summer Session, Harvard Secondary Summer Program, USC’s summer program, where you choose your classes and how to spend your day, you have plenty of freedom, you take fun optional trips, you roam the city. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s really up to what kind of person you are and what you want to do with your summer.</p>
<p>Personally, I was quite burnt out last year, and wanted to have a really fun summer. I acted in a play, I had a volunteer job, and I was able to spend 2 weeks at Brown, where I had the time of my life. I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy something like TASS last summer because I would have felt that I was missing out on so much. This summer, however, I’m focusing on college and the like, and I know that I need to show my strengths, so I’m planning on doing a full summer program like TASP (if I get in.)</p>