<ol>
<li><p>I know y’all are worried. But y’all need to stop. Stop sharing your topics; stop panicking. TA has a very defined policy about pre-TASP online networking, and it is of the opinion of this particular former TASPer that this kibitzing is slightly against the spirit of that policy. </p></li>
<li><p>In terms of the essays, I got the most out of the application process by making it as personal as possible. This meant I didn’t seek validation about my topic, my style, my message, what have you. I just wrote them. In my experience, the more intimate you make the process, the more you get out of it. </p></li>
<li><p>And honestly, if you think applying for TASP is bad, try applying to college.</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><p>I’m trying not to panic. I’m really not. I’m merely trying to commiserate with my fellow wannabe TASPers. This is one of the only ways in which I stop panicking, actually. I respect that we want no TASP networking prior to the actual program, which is why I’m trying to keep the topic either on mundane subjects (exchanging my glass-of-water analogy in no way seems like networking, IMO) or on TASP itself.</p></li>
<li><p>I agree. I’m trying to make the process as personal as possible. That’s why I’m refusing to share topics. </p></li>
<li><p>Haha, nothing to say about this because I’m not there yet.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Anyway, sorry if I’m coming across as a little too enthusiastic. I just am enthusiastic and I want to share my excitement. I’ll try to tone it down. Besides, I have 260 words to edit out of essay 2 and I’m already staying up late to do so. So this page should probably be closed out anyway so that it doesn’t serve as a distraction. (:</p>
<p>@CallistaHogan:
I don’t think it’s your eagerness that bothers people, I think it’s the fact you are a TASPlicant yourself and it feels as if you’re trying to give advice on the TASPlication process as if you had already gotten in or expect to get in.</p>
<p>Also, to the “Nation of TASPlicants”:
TASP alumni will not send you their essays, don’t ask for them, and then don’t get upset about not getting them when we deny you. It’s ballsy, yet offensive to ask for them.</p>
<p>@Antagonist I’m sorry if it appeared that way. I just spent a lot of time reading through past threads recently and I thought I knew what other people would have said in my stead. I apologize.</p>
<p>This is one of the reasons I think TASP has the no networking beforehand rule… Because I already have preconceived notions of you CallistaHogan. Now what those notions are, I won’t say but I just wanted to put that out there. </p>
<p>Juggling school, beginning to study for SAT Retake, finals, and TASP is gonna be insaneeee D:</p>
<p>@CallistaHogan I feel as if I’m obligated to offer a personal word of caution against getting too attached to this thread and the application process. Although I’m applying this year as well, I’ve found that becoming attached to the idea of attaining a certain “prize” only makes rejection that much more painful to bear (not that I am insinuating in any way that you won’t make it - simply because the odds of acceptance are so low for all of us and I know that you, too, will have poured your heart and soul into these essays). </p>
<p>That being said, keep posting if you so desire! Haha I enjoy having some TASP chatter to read on occasion and it actually helps relieve my own anxiety. P.S. Nice vocabulary everyone, I approve! TASP discussion has been shown to result in a 30 point SAT Critical Reading increase. Psych, hehe.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, I’ve only completed my last three essys! And essay #5 is roughly 1000 words, ugh. Too wordy! I’ll get them done before the deadline but, oh man, I will have to haul donk on these first three essays. I’m swamped already and life’s only getting busier with clubs and sports in full swing - in hindsight, I really do need to weed procrastination out of my system.</p>
<p>Edit: @youwrotethis Yes, I do agree. It’s inevitable that we will begin to form opinions regarding one another. And, likewise. January-May will be a hell of a semester. Good or bad, I won’t decide yet.</p>
<p>Even if you get accepted, overblowing TASP in your head may result in severe disappointment when you get there. Not everyone likes their TASP. Some that like it don’t see it as life-changing. Many of those that thought it was life-changing at the end of the summer quickly get over it. So don’t get overly attached to the idea of TASP. </p>
<p>Your essay 5 length is fine, especially if you’re saying something interesting. But don’t make it verbose if it doesn’t have to be.</p>
<p>I see it as something to just turn in, and forget about Interview? Yay! No Interview? Oh well, those essays were really insightful to write and rewarding! Of course… if I do get an interview I’ll be dying until the actual result is out >_<</p>
<p>I don’t see not doing TASP as that big a deal. At the very least, these essays give me good preparation (and a good template) for my college essays I’ll be writing shortly. Though I certainly wouldn’t mind attending. :)</p>
<p>Though I still have most of my essays to write. Yay.</p>
<p>Over Christmas break I have been doing TASP essays, RSI essays, an AP Literature essay, preparing for January’s SAT, preparing my debate cases for this upcoming weekend, and enjoying myself. While it took some time into the process, I have gained a tremendous insight and ability now on how to write essays, and be effective and interesting. If I never get an interview or acceptance, at least I have gained an important tool that can not be taken away and for that, I thank the essay writing process.<br>
However, I’m not sure how, now that I’m back at school, that I’m going to get my debate cases and RSI application finished (all by this weekend), along with my homework. Ugh!</p>
<p>Hi, I just have a quick question for a former TASPer. I was wondering if, after one gets an interview, whether or not TASP requires test scores in addition to transcripts and such, and if test scores are required, does TASP have a specific preference (i.e. ACT, SAT, PSAT)?</p>
<p>It’s so shocking that posts sprang up exponentially during my absence.
Well I’m so honored to be the original poster of this year’s TASP thread! But there is always burden behind privileges. Judging from the previous threads, there is actually a curse of the OP: None of the OPs got in, and some didn’t even end up applying. Kind of weird, considering their early interest in the program. So how am I going to break that? lol</p>
<p>For the section that states “Summarize your work or volunteer experience, if any,” how did you go about filling that out? Did you just list the names of the jobs/volunteering that you did and it was done, or did you write down the hours, dates, years, etc. that you participated in the job or community service event? Thanks for the help. :)</p>
<p>^^^ It probably does not matter if you read it it or out of school. But don’t inflate your list with books you don’t know; you might get asked about it during your interview.</p>
Interview? Yay! No Interview? Oh well, those essays were really insightful to write and rewarding! Of course… if I do get an interview I’ll be dying until the actual result is out >_<</p>