<p>I know what you guys gonna say. But I’m not being conceited. I know TASP is regarded one of the most selective program in the country, and I was accepted to my first choice. Yet I have dilemmas too.
I’ve been selected to go to Western Europe and Israel this summer for two local scholarships. I’ve never been to Western Europe, and would like very much to go there. But the dates of the two programs overlap: Western Europe from June 20- July 2. Then TASP June 6- August 6. I want to do both programs ( I guess I can leave Israel out), but is it possible to ask TASP to let me come late several days?
In the worst case, I don’t know what program I should choose. My order of preference is Western Europe-> Tasp-> Israel.
Thanks</p>
<p>tasp is a fine program. you should follow your heart and go Europe and Israel. it would be a great experiences. you can experience tasp at a selective college (which you’re likely to get in) seminar class (it’s not the same, but can come close!)</p>
<p>But at the same time, I also don’t want to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity. How much will TASP help in college admission?</p>
<p>OMG belly… “how much will TASP help in college admission?”. How many times are you going to ask this question? Congrats on your acceptance to many great choices. I would travel first… that is an experience beyond imagination and one that will give you great material to use for college application essays, as well as lifetime memories and experiences that can never be duplicated. TASP indeed as itsme124 said, is more an introduction to college. </p>
<p>YOU need to decide what YOU want to do, based on what your heart tells you, not based on asking the college admissions question 50 times or so. Talk to your parents and see what they think.</p>
<p>if you’re so concerned about college admission, there is room in application and/or essays you can mention that you got in tasp, but chose to pursue other option.</p>
<p>if you’re good enough to get in tasp, your application will be strong enough to merit selection to any college.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yes, but this is the first time I mention its benefit. Before I did not think of it much, but now I got into it, and have many options, shouldn’t I consider each program’s benefit? Thank you for answering, minus the OMG part… My parents allow me to choose whatever. My heart says I should attend both the Western Europe and TASP
@itsme: Thanks, are you by any chance a past TASPER?</p>
<p>TASP expects you to attend full time/all days. So you may have to make a choice… either/or, not both.</p>
<p>Belly, I got into TASP as well and understand your uncertainty. I had a similar problem, but reconciled my decision before I even knew that I would get into TASP. I recommend that you choose TASP; traveling the world is an aspiration that any human who wants to experience cultural diversity and exposure, but in my opinion, that time will also be available to us later in life. </p>
<p>TASP, on the other hand, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I turned down a full ride to a science research institute over the summer for TASP. Even though it would have been my dream (as a science/engineering geek), and I’d like to participate in the ISEF/Siemens competitions, TASP is too great to miss out on. And if you have further reservations (regarding your college applications), don’t forget that you can always mention that you were invited to other countries with scholarship.</p>
<p>Congratulations on TASP! First, I’d like to agree with sMITten…you should really, as cliche as it sounds, follow your heart. You listed Europe first–that says something. Before anything else, without thinking, you wrote that. Again, follow your heart. (:</p>
<p>I agree w/ georgeorwell, do what you want to do.</p>
<p>and as a sidenote, to have the power to turn down tasp may look good on college apps (it shows you had something even BETTER in your mind to do that summer!)</p>
<p>belly, i know i’m waitlisted and everything but i seriously promise you im not saying this because of that. i just wanted to say that last summer i had a similar oppurtunity where i went to europe for a month. it was truly the best experience of my life and i wouldnt trade it for anything in the world. the people (other highschoolers from around the country) i went with became some of my best friends and i cant imagine not knowing them! so i guess what im trying to tell you is that if you really feel like you want to to to Western Europe more, which you seem like you do, i’d say go for it. it would be different if you felt like you’d enjoy TASP more but it doesnt sound that way. i know TASP is really prestigous and selective and all that, and EVERYONE seems to say that it changed their lives and was really meaningful and everything, but honestly everyone in my group said the same thing. i know i definitly felt like traveling changed my life beyond just giving me meaningful material for college essays (which it will by the way, as an added bonus 
) i guess what im trying to say is that something doesnt have to be an impessive college admissions booster for it to end up being the best summer of your life. trust me. i mean i know you can always travel, this is one of the only times in our lives we will be free of jobs/spouses/internships/etc. and you can just enjoy it (for free in your case!) also, as others pointed out, you got into TASP already. That’ll look great on its own on a college app and turning it down would show colleges that you really do have passions and interests. and once again, pleaseeee dont think i’m saying this just to get off the waitlist. i honestly wouldn’t do that and i meant everything i said :)</p>
<p>well my family is really poor, and now the opportunities to go to places, (around $8000) is really tempting to me. But yet, TASP, the most competitive summer program in the country looks really excellent as well…</p>
<p>True, and i don’t really think you can go wrong here. It’s a good problem to have! Look at it this way: if, for some reason, you were not allowed to put TASP on a college application, which one would you chose? Because TASP really isnt going to make or break you when it comes to getting into super competitive colleges. If you come from a poor family, maybe this oppurtunity to travel is one that you wouldn’t have for many years. From my experience, it was well worth it :)</p>
<p>Former TASPer (and not a particularly high-income person) : TASP will help you with college apps. It’s one of the factors that helps differentiate applicants, or tip them over the edge. Especially if you’re ‘hooked’ by being first-gen, URM etc. (maybe a future QB scholar), TASP helps. </p>
<p>More importantly, you’re likely going to have plenty of travel opportunities in the future. Colleges throw money students who want to study abroad, and top schools like Harvard and Yale practically beg kids to go overseas.</p>
<p>Can you do TASP this year and travel next year?</p>
<p>I’m also on the waitlist, but I second what Mentos said.</p>
<p>hey, I got accepted to the AAJA camp as well. 4 this summer, hahaha, too funny</p>
<p>Lol belly you’re so lucky! enjoy your success 
I only applied to one backup, it was this essay competition in my school district and the prize was a free 2 week trip england this summer but sadly i was a finalist for that as well and was rejected haha. But if you’re still trying to decide, it sounds like you’re obviously very smart and are already pretty much “hooked” when it comes to college admission. You probably have some idea of which one you want to do the most- whatever that is, just let yourself do it!</p>
<p>thanks. I know hahaha. Now because all the dates overlap, I’m thinking of rejecting TASP :(</p>
<p>Well maybe this is just a preview of the win-win decisions you will be making this time next year! but since I have never been to TASP, I can only offer you advice on my experiences, which is that i dont regret them one bit even though i had to suffer through an excruciating mall retail job to afford my own trip! Haha it was soooo worth it though and I’ve never regretted it for a second! Whatever you chose, I’m sure you won’t either.</p>