New Jersey Scholars Program 2018

xbox678
Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:38:35 +0000

@hihelloheyhi what a dilemma! Honestly, in terms of college applications, I really don’t think the NJ Scholars Program gives a huge boost. Yes, it says online many places that it does, but I talked to my guidance counselor as well about it and she said that the Scholars Program, though it admits fewer students, isn’t as prestigious as the Governor’s Schools or selective summer programs offered by many universities and colleges for high school students. In fact, she tells me that some schools actually view the program as a bit flaky and that many high schools and colleges don’t even really know about this program (I certainly didn’t before my counselor emailed me about it.)

That being said, I believe that demonstrated interest is one of the biggest things colleges and universities look for, not just prestige. Say you were selected for a prestigious science program but wanted to major in literature. That program would really do no good on your application and wouldn’t really show demonstrated interest. In your case, the Iowa young writers’ studio seems to be a much better fit for what you are truly passionate about, and the experience of being an actual intern at NBC is extremely valuable. Plus, many kids would kill for the scholarship you’d be receiving!

You can always put that you got into the NJSP on college applications–colleges will be thrilled knowing that you got into a wonderful program like the NJSP! However, honestly, the NJSP really isn’t as beneficial college as it’s cracked out to be, and the experience of the Iowa program will definitely benefit you and your interests more than the experience of NJSP will. Someone else who got in from my school told me she actually regretted going to NJSP and not doing a different science program because the other program fitted her interests more and NJSP really didn’t help her show demonstrated interest in the sciences for college applications. The Iowa program would be much more beneficial–trust me.

No matter what, go with your heart. Don’t attend the NJSP just because you think it’d boost college applications, though. It really won’t help you as much as you might think it will. That boost will also only come from doing a program you really care and are passionate about, which you will find with the actual experience of the Iowa program. As someone interested in writing myself, I looked up your Iowa program and would much rather attend that than NJSP–it looks incredible! Still, do what you feel is right and do what you’re passionate about. Good luck to you and congratulations on your wonderful accomplishments!