<p>thanks. But still, turning down the most selective summer program of the country makes me feel kind of guilty…</p>
<p>TASP can provide a real boost to your college applications, and your chances for merit aid. Which could total a lot more than the scholarship money you have been granted to travel this summer. And… you can study abroad during college; at most colleges your financial aid can be used for many study abroad options.</p>
<p>I agree with the poster that says TASP is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but Europe will still be there in the future.</p>
<p>Go travel–that is where your heart is. Don’t give up the travel opportunity to do TASP because you think it is selective or because it may or may not have an admission bump. (Leave TASP to someone who would go even if they never got to mention it on a resume or in an interview.)</p>
<p>As a former TASPer, I’m heartbroken that this is even a decision you have to make. I ask you to read this blog post, which many a TASPer has read and wholeheartedly agrees with: [TASP</a> | Culture | The American Scene](<a href=“http://www.theamericanscene.com/2008/01/24/tasp]TASP”>http://www.theamericanscene.com/2008/01/24/tasp)</p>
<p>TASP is in no way an “introduction to college.” It is a formative, wacky, incomprehensibly life changing program that has provided me with experiences that I would never have had in college or otherwise. Europe will be available to you in your youth for several more years, but TASP cannot be rescheduled. I urge you to accept a place at TASP, but if the argument made above does not appeal to you, then I implore you to give up your spot to someone who will appreciate it.</p>
<p>Of course yalls argument appeal to me greatly. Yet at this time, I know too litle about either programs. Would any Tasper like to talk to me personally thru IM? Ill need to confirm my decision this weekend
Thanks</p>
<p>You’re welcome to PM me if you need more info! These are also great resources: [Telluride</a> Association: Our Programs: For High School Students: Summer Program for Juniors (TASP): Ask a TASPer](<a href=“http://www.tellurideassociation.org/programs/high_school_students/tasp/ask_a_tasper.html]Telluride”>http://www.tellurideassociation.org/programs/high_school_students/tasp/ask_a_tasper.html) [Telluride</a> Association: Our Programs: For High School Students: Summer Program for Juniors (TASP): FAQ](<a href=“http://www.tellurideassociation.org/programs/high_school_students/tasp/tasp_faq.html]Telluride”>http://www.tellurideassociation.org/programs/high_school_students/tasp/tasp_faq.html)</p>
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<p>It’s like you’re asking one of us to make the decision for you. Don’t allow yourself to be swayed by skewed and/or biased opinions. None of us know you. This website, after all, is hooded by the cloak of anonymity. If you need guidance, talk to someone in real life who knows you and your predicament. Ultimately, however, the choice is yours, not anyone else’s. If you’re only considering attending for a college admissions boost, however, you should consider giving your spot up to someone on the waitlist who wants to go for the genuine fun of the endeavor.</p>
<p>I agree with the above poster and I would also like to add that if traveling is what you really want to do, you shouldn’t feel guilty. YOU wrote the essays, YOU were offered a spot in the program. You have nothing to feel guilty about for turning it down if that’s the choice you want to make. And keep in mind what ive been telling myself… although this website makes TASP seem like the most awesome summer program in the world, and im sure it is really cool and everything, we are kind of getting a skewed version of it. Weve only heard from people who felt stongly enough to actually go online and write about it and tell others about it. There are hundreds and hundreds of TASP kids who probably had different experiences that we don’t know about.</p>
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You’ve got a good point there</p>
<p>hey, if I reject TASP and list it on college app, how would colleges know I was actually accepted?</p>
<p>You wouldn’t put it on a college app if you never went. Colleges are looking for the experience you get from attending the program, not the fact that you managed to qualify for it.</p>
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What if I list that under scholarship/ award, then qualify that I was selected, but chose not to attend?</p>
<p>Why is this such a concern for you? Interesting that TASP might not be good enough for your summer but is good enough for your college application.</p>
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<p>Oh, it is not that. Sorry, I’m too tired to explain now, but I’ll PM you soon</p>
<p>Only you know what you need to do.</p>
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<p>I think this is really important to keep in mind and can be applied to college searching as well…only students who are especially enamored and/or disillusioned with their experiences feel passionate enough to talk about them online. We’re only seeing a small facet of the TASP community. In fact, during my interview, I asked if most formers TASPers had stayed involved with the Telluride Association and, to my surprise, was met with an almost immediate “no.” </p>
<p>Quite frankly, if you’re having second thoughts about going, it’s probably not for you. And I’m sure you can put it on your college app, but once again, if that’s the only thing keeping you from going to Europe (which seems irrational because plenty of TASPers with excellent scores still get rejected from their top choices), you’d probably be better off giving the spot to someone else who doesn’t have a second choice. Besides, getting worldly experience can help you write a kick-ass college essay.</p>
<p>Time like this I wish there were an official TASP facebook, so I could go and ask. Since the board only has a small number of Taspers, I figure I’d need more to talk with me thru it. Gah, this is heartbreaking</p>
<p>Just travel and give the spot to someone who really wants it.</p>
<p>TASPers are going to tell you to go to TASP. Math teachers are going to tell you that math is the best class. Your mother is going to tell you that you were the most beautiful baby on earth. It’s all subjective. You have to be objective and make your decision on your own, not based on someone else’s opinion or experience. Do what you WANT to do, not what looks best to someone else.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Sorry if I missed the reply to my earlier question, but again–can you do TASP this year (because it’s your only chance, ever) and travel next year? Surely there are other travel opportunities/scholarships out there.</p>