Chance me for TAMS

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

So I’m currently applying to be a TAMSter and I’m graduating in 2020 so what are my chances?

Info about TAMS:
The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) is a unique residential program for high school-aged Texas students who are high achievers and interested in mathematics and science. While living in McConnell Hall, students in this two-year program complete a rigorous academic curriculum of college coursework at the University of North Texas (UNT). Instruction is by regular university faculty. There are no high school courses taught, but students enjoy many of the activities of highschool and the company of age-mates who are intellectual peers.
About 200 Texas residents are admitted to TAMS each year. Admission is competitive, and students are selected from schools large and small, public and private, and from every region of the state. Successful applicants must present SAT scores, grades, and teacher references suggesting a capacity to succeed in college-level work. Computer programs or formulas are not used in student selection. Every applicant will be evaluated holistically, and no specific SAT score or grade average will guarantee admission. Aside from academic credentials, students will be judged on apparent maturity, motivation, behavioral record, and career interest. The TAMS Selection Committee is comprised of experienced individuals including alumni parents and representatives from academia and from scientific, mathematical, and engineering professions.

Currently in Allen Highschool (I know about 5 people who are applying but there probably are more in our class of 1500+)
All my grades are semester 1 then semester 2 because we don’t have a final grade but I’ll just average them and put it off to the side with an A (for example A:98)
We don’t have GPA or rankings yet but I think I’m hovering around 5-10%

Alg 1: 98,94 (96)
Geom: 89,95 (A:
Alg 2: 94,94 (A:94)

9th grade:
Spanish 2 Pre-AP: 85,91 (A: 88)
Human Geography AP: 85,85 (A: 85)
Orchestra: 97,96 (A: 96.5)
Alg 2 Pre-AP: 94,94 (A: 94)
English Pre-AP GT: 91,94 (A: 92.5)
PE: 100,100 (A: 100)
Geometry Pre-AP: 89,95 (A: 92)
Biology Pre-AP: 95,97 (A: 96)

10th grade: (in 10th right now so only 1 semester has been completed)
Spanish 3 Pre-AP: 88
Pre-Calc Pre-AP: 91
Chem Pre-AP: 98
Prob & Stat AP: 85

World History AP: 97
Biology AP:91
English: 90

SAT:
Math:750/800
Verbal:700/800
Total:1450/1600

Are my grades fine? How about my SAT scores?

Extracurriculars+Awards:
Made TMSCA State: 8th
UIL: 9th
NJHS: 8th & 9th
Alg 1 Tutor: 9th
Select Basketball for Plano Sports Association: 7th-10th
Worship for Church: 9th
Church Student Council: 9th & 10th
DukeTIP State Recognition: 7th

Yeah, my extracurriculars aren’t that strong but I’m hoping to power through with my science grades and my SAT score.

A few questions though,
-What are they looking for (skills, attributes, characteristics)
-How do the Interview and deferral work
-What can make them look at my essay and go like, yea, I want this kid
-What are some things I can include in my essay to make me stand out (in general)
-Any extra things I can do other than my application to catch their eye

Sorry that there are a lot of questions but I want to make this application look as good as possible so thanks!

2

Hi @seanstert , I’m a junior at TAMS right now and your SAT score as well as grades seem fine. For what they’re looking for, they want people that are passionate about STEM and just want to see that you’re a good person overall. In the interview portion, there’s a social and group interview. The social interview sees how well you can work together by completing certain tasks while the group interview is where Alumni/Staff ask you questions. If you applied for early decision and you’re deferred, you have another chance at regular decision. If you apply for regular decision, you can update your application (grades, awards, etc.) and you can also write a letter of continued interest to improve your chances of being accepted. I don’t really have any advice for the essay other than to make it unique to yourself. Your application seems strong enough to me, and I’m not sure what else you can do to stand out. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions! :slight_smile:

3

I’m in 8th grade and I really want to get into TAMS. I’m currently taking Geometry and I got DUKE TIP Grand Recognition. Is there anything I really need to focus on to help my chances? Thanks in advance.

4

@ryaanwong are these grades similar to the other applicants’ grades?

5

@wierdshark I would say your grades are fairly average, but it’s kind of on the lower side. They look at the difficulty of the class too, so it kind of balances out I guess. @reallywannagetin You might want to focus on SAT, getting leadership positions, and becoming involved in STEM related activities.