Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Fully funded seminar at Cornell & Maryland
52 participants
TASS is a free six-week residential seminar at Cornell or Maryland for gifted high school students to engage in rigorous interdisciplinary study and democratic community living.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
6 weeks
Time needed
A 3-hour class each weekday
Eligibility
Open to high school sophomores and juniors (approximately ages 15-17) from any background. Selection is highly competitive based on intellectual merit, writing ability, and interview performance. No financial need requirement.
- Age range
- 15 to 17 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Intellectually gifted high school students; highly competitive selection based on written application and interviews
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Fully funded — tuition, housing, meals, US travel
The program covers all tuition, room, board, and domestic travel costs. There is no fee of any kind.
Opens doors to
TASS selection is widely recognized by college admissions officers as one of the most prestigious academic honors for high school students in the US.
Recognition
Most selective US high school academic program
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Oct 2026
- Registration closes
- 1 Dec 2026
- Dates
- 1 Jul 2027 to 11 Aug 2027
Application Portal Opens
The online application portal for TASS 2027 officially opens for submissions.
Application Deadline
All application materials, including essays, recommendations, and transcripts, must be submitted by this date.
Teacher Recommendation Deadline
Teachers must submit their letters of recommendation for applicants by this extended deadline.
Interview Invitations Sent
Semifinalists will be notified and invited for in-person or virtual interviews.
Interview Period
Interviews for selected semifinalists will be conducted during this period, typically spanning several weeks.
Final Selection Notifications
Final decisions on program admission will be communicated to all applicants.
Program Start Date
Selected participants begin their six-week residential seminar at the respective university campuses.
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
How to apply
- 1Submit online application including essays, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Deadline: early December.
- 2Semifinalists invited for in-person or virtual interviews in February 2026.
- 3Final selection decisions communicated March 2026.
Rules and guidelines
- Students must participate as full-time residential participants for all 6 weeks
- Community governed by participant-drafted honor code and democratic consensus
About this opportunity
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a highly selective, tuition-free six-week residential program for rising juniors and seniors in high school. Held simultaneously at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and the University of Maryland (College Park, MD), TASS immerses participants in intensive seminar-style study guided by university faculty. Students read primary texts, write analytical essays, and participate in wide-ranging intellectual discussions spanning philosophy, history, political theory, literature, and social sciences. A defining feature of TASS is its student-run democratic governance: participants collectively manage their community, make binding decisions by consensus, and live according to an honor code they draft themselves. All costs — tuition, housing, meals, and travel within the US — are covered by the Association. Selection is through a competitive two-stage process: a written application followed by in-person or virtual interviews. Approximately 26 students are selected per site each year from thousands of applicants.
What your child will do
- Seminar-style text discussion
- Essay writing and peer critique
- Community governance meetings
- Research projects
- Faculty lectures
Mentors and faculty
University faculty from Cornell, University of Maryland, and other leading institutions serve as seminar leaders
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
Seminar-based study of primary texts across humanities and social sciences; student-led democratic community governance
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare for the rigorous academic and community living aspects of the program?
Students can prepare by engaging in advanced reading, practicing analytical writing, and developing skills in collaborative discussion. Familiarity with democratic principles and a willingness to participate actively in community governance are also beneficial.
What is the typical daily schedule like for participants in the residential seminar?
A typical day involves intensive seminar sessions, independent study, writing time, and active participation in community meetings. Evenings often include informal discussions, guest lectures, and social activities, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
How does participation in this program contribute to a student's long-term academic and personal development?
The program fosters critical thinking, advanced writing, and leadership skills through its unique seminar and democratic living model. Alumni often report enhanced intellectual confidence, a broadened worldview, and a strong foundation for future academic pursuits and civic engagement.
What kind of support system is available to students during their six-week residential experience?
Participants receive guidance from university faculty leading the seminars and benefit from a supportive peer community. The program staff are also available to assist with residential needs and ensure a conducive learning and living environment for all students.
How are students encouraged to manage their time effectively given the demanding nature of the program?
The program structure encourages self-management and prioritization. Students learn to balance academic commitments with community responsibilities and personal time, developing valuable organizational skills that are crucial for success in higher education.
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