shewhoseeks Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 We just found out yesterday that my 16 yo DD has been chosen for the NSLI-y program in China! This covers all expenses for her to spend six weeks studying in China this summer, and she is beyond excited!! She has been studying Mandarin for seven years: through a Chinese school, on her own, with a local tutor, and now through the John Hopkins CTY online AP course. So this is certainly the culmination of many years of hard work, and an incredible opportunity for her. However, she is also a finalist for the very prestigious Telluride summer program. She's one of 140 finalists (from over 1200 applicants world-wide) for 64 slots. She'll have her interview sometime in the next couple of weeks. Now, this isn't a problem yet, but my question was whether the Hive has advice for which she should choose if she ends up getting into both programs? I think she'd be a perfect fit for TASP, and she would absolutely thrive on the intellectual atmosphere there. She also sees that as a once in a lifetime opportunity. But she's never traveled internationally, and the China opportunity seems like such a perfect next step for her. She is looking at very selective schools too, and I know TASP is very well regarded. Any thoughts? Thanks! ~shewhoseeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Congratulations to her! I don't think she could go wrong choosing either way. I'd let her pick which one she'd prefer to do as both of them would be impressive to colleges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 How exciting!! What a great problem to have! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Would either program let her defer for a year? I'd start by trying for that. But I think both would be great and she should pick the one she really wants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shewhoseeks Posted March 26, 2014 Author Share Posted March 26, 2014 She'll definitely be the one to make the decision, but she's really torn. I think she's leaning towards TASP, because you can *only* do that the summer between your junior and senior years, while there may be future opportunities for China. I'm a little worried that she may be making that decision based on the prestige issue, though, and I know that China would be such a different experience and build on so much that she's worked on. Has anyone done either? Or know if top schools would view the NSLI-y experience highly as well? That might help her just go straight with whatever she really prefers... She can't defer TASP, but it is possible to re-apply for NSLI-y. I kind of feel that they wouldn't give it to her a second time, though, if she turned it down this year. Or would they understand the other opportunity? Again, this is probably "borrowing trouble from tomorrow", but she's trying to think it through as she's preparing for her interview. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara H Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Impressive! No going wrong with that set of choices! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwen in VA Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 It's a fun problem to ponder. Don't worry too much about choosing, though, until she actually has a choice. Sometimes we worry about problems that don't come to pass! Also, if she decides on TASP and then doesn't get in, the let-down could be painful. Do tell her to enjoy the interview. I interviewed for TASP many man years ago and was one of the ones not selected. The interview was the most fun interview I've ever had, and it was great preparation for college interviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shewhoseeks Posted March 26, 2014 Author Share Posted March 26, 2014 Thanks Gwen! I know that's wise. I'll just remind her that she doesn't need to worry about that yet. She is VERY excited about the interview! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in OH Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 The program that will be the most beneficial for college is the one that she is the most passionate about and will help her learn about herself and the world around her. When applying for college, your dd will list this program on a form without much explanation. Both programs are very impressive, and colleges will acknowledge that. What will set your dd apart is what she gains from the experience and is able to convey through an essay. Colleges want to enroll students who grow through experience, which is hopefully what the college itself will do for a student. I forgot to add, "Congratulations !!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shewhoseeks Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 For anyone that's interested, my daughter DID eventually get accepted to TASP! She agonized over the decision. We were so impressed with how well-run the NSLI-Y China program was, and China has been her dream for years (she's been studying Mandarin for seven years). Ultimately, though, she chose TASP because it's such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She hopes to make it to China next summer or possibly for a gap year. She set high goals for herself and has worked so hard, so I'm beyond thrilled that these kinds of opportunities are coming through for her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 I hope that she'll have a wonderful time at TASP. Thanks for the update! Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elise Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 What an honor! Can't wait to hear about her adventures. :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Really wonderful!!! I know it is so hard to choose, but congrats on making both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 :party: Thanks for the update! Congratulations and may she have a great time this summer - and still make it to China another time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 For anyone that's interested, my daughter DID eventually get accepted to TASP! She agonized over the decision. We were so impressed with how well-run the NSLI-Y China program was, and China has been her dream for years (she's been studying Mandarin for seven years). Ultimately, though, she chose TASP because it's such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She hopes to make it to China next summer or possibly for a gap year. She set high goals for herself and has worked so hard, so I'm beyond thrilled that these kinds of opportunities are coming through for her! Would you mind coming back and sharing about her experience after she attends? I think it would be interesting to hear about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 Congrats to both of you! I would not have been able to be as unbiased as you about the decision - I would have been pushing hard for the opportunity that didn't involve going to China, lol! Simply on behalf of my motherly nerves :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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