[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Anjali -

I'm familiar with the NSLC. Just like you, I heard varying reports about it. In the end, I chose not to go.

1) Many alumni I knew felt it did not cover their interests specifically enough
2) It seemed like something that could not be as gauranteed-useful as other programs like WPI's, Stanfords, Carnegie Mellon's, or others. Not only do those programs give you incredible scientific insight, they also give you a view into many excellent college engineering programs, which is a view few students get unless they have the fortune of living right by a good engineering university.

Many FIRSTers go to WPI frontiers - it is considered an excellent program and very applicable to Robotics knowledge. I would speak to Lisa Perez on the subject if I were you, she can give you a view as both an alumnus and as a female one (high guy to girl ratio), and she is currently enrolled in U Mich's rigorous engineering program.

Joey Gannon (if you need contact info I can ask him about it) attended Carnegie Mellon's pre-college summer program before his Senior year, which I believe is the program Greg was referring to.

I'd recommend speaking to your guidance counselor as well, before you decide anything.