Chance me for TAMS!

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

<p>I'm a freshman.</p>

<p>The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (at the University of North Texas) is a highly selective program for juniors and seniors living in Texas. Only about 200 sophomores (only from Texas) are accepted into it for their junior year each year.</p>

<p>TAMS students graduate in two years with an advanced high school diploma and 60 or more transferable college credits – enough to start their college junior year at UNT or other universities nationwide, two-years ahead of their age-mates. (copied from website)</p>

<p>Here's an admissions eligibility link:
Eligibility</a>, Admissions, TAMS, University of North Texas</p>

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>Rank: 7/1004 (Will prolly go to 5/500 because of the new high school being built)</p>

<p>Grades (7-10 are required):</p>

<p>7th Grade: All semester averages were A's, ranging from 92-100.
Accelerated Math: 95, 95
Science: 100, 100</p>

<p>8th Grade: All semester averages were A's, ranging from 91-100.
Pre-AP TAG Geometry: 93, 92
Science: 92, 94</p>

<p>Credit-by-Exams:
Algebra 1: 97, 100
Algebra 2: 100, 100
Precalculus: 90, 91</p>

<p>9th Grade (1st Semester Only, expect 95-100 in everything next semester):
AP Calculus BC: 97
Pre-AP Biology: 98
Pre-AP English I: 95
Pre-AP World Geography: 98
French II Enhanced: 98
Tennis I: 100
Art I: 98
Introduction to Electronics: 97</p>

<p>10th Grade (Nothing yet! Expect 93-100 in everything all year):
AP Statistics
Pre-AP Chemistry
Pre-AP English II
AP World History
AP Physics C
Pre-AP French III
AP Computer Science
Scientific Research & Design: Engineering
Calculus III (1st Sem)
Differential Equations (2nd Sem)</p>

<p>Standardized Tests
SAT Math IIC: 800
SAT Biology: 750
SAT Physics: 790
SAT I -- M: 780 (73% of applicants between 750-800 get accepted), CR: 630, W: 710
AP Calculus BC: Hopefully a 4 or a 5...
AP Human Geography: Self-studying it this year, definitely a 5.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars
National Junior Honor Society (8th)
Math Club (8th)
HS Solar Car Team (9th, 10th)
HS Chess Club (9th, 10th)
HS Astronomy Club (9th, 10th)
HS Poetry Club (9th, 10th)
HS French Club (9th, 10th)
Taekwondo (9th, 10th)
Piano (1st-8th)</p>

<p>Leadership Roles
Vice President of Research on the HS Solar Car Team
Will start a Mu Alpha Theta (math honors society) in 10th Grade with my Calculus teacher as my sponsor.</p>

<p>Awards and Honors
Will participate in AMC 12 in 10th Grade. Hopefully will qualify for AIME.</p>

<p>Prolly good recommendations/essays/interview</p>

<p>Please tell me how I stand!</p>

<p>I also have a question.</p>

<p>If I am accepted into TAMS, and get all the college credits I take there, can I still apply to colleges as a freshman (normal admissions process), and the credits (except for the AP ones I took in 9th and 10th and some of the ones I want, like English and French) don't get transferred? Because I really want to go into MIT as a freshman student, not a transfer junior over there.</p>

2

<p>Hey Just out of curiosity where did you get the statistic “73% of applicants between 750-800 get accepted” I am applying this year and I was curious as to the average score of a an individual accepted into TAMS.</p>

3

<p>

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<p>I would suggest that you contact MIT now and ask about this. The one disadvantage to the accelerated program you’re describing is that it’s generally more difficult to get into a school as a junior than as a freshman. Add to that the fact that you would be two years younger than the average junior, and it could be even more difficult. So contact MIT (and perhaps a few other similar schools) and see what they say.</p>

<p>But regardless of what they say, if this is the kind of academic challenge you want for the next two years, then go for it!</p>

4

<p>Like Dodgersmom said, contact the school and ask them because it WILL vary by school. You don’t have to worry about AP “credits” because they’re only hypothetical and most top schools don’t actually grant credit for the exams, just placement.</p>

<p>It can be an issue for students who rack up more than 12 actual transcripted credits before college. I have an accelerated child who is being very careful about the number of college courses she completes for the very reason that you are concerned about. She has no idea where she wants to go to college at this point, but wants to have as many options as possible when the time comes. </p>

<p>Are the college credits from TAMS via UNT? If that is the case, have you even checked to see if MIT will even accept transfer from there? I have spoken with one elite college about my child’s case and was told to go ahead and let her take as many college courses as she wanted. Because of her age, it wouldn’t effect her application status and they see it all the time. She wouldn’t get the credit transferred (which she doesn’t care about) but would be able to apply as a freshman. Another school said that it didn’t matter how old she was when the classes were taken or what university they were from, she would have to apply as a transfer student.</p>

<p>Since you have your eyes on MIT in particular, call them, explain ONLY the bit about TAMS and see what they say. Alternatively, if you are uncomfortable calling a college you are still pretty far from applying to, call the college counseling office at TAMS. If it’s a school for math and science, they’re probably pretty familiar with MIT’s and other institutes’ policies.</p>

<p>Even if someone on this board can answer your specific question with confidence, it’s still better to get the answer directly “from the horse’s mouth.”</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

5

<p>Dodgersmom and Neatoburrito are confused; they’re forgetting that TAMS credits are dual enrollment, which means you can count them as either high school or university credit. You can apply as a Freshman, or a Junior, whichever strategy suits you best. It’s entirely <em>your</em> choice (not the university’s). </p>

<p>The variety comes in how each university will treat these credits. Some want your full, four years of tuition $, so you won’t get credit for the courses, but they will allow you to take more advanced courses. (Sweet of them, eh?) Others will give you credit for a certain number of hours. </p>

<p>TAMS students get accepted into Ivies and Top Tiers. You’ve got a big advantage over the straight-from-high-school students, in that you’ve proven your ability to handle university-level honors courses, your maturity to live away from home, etc. You should be in an excellent position to apply any where you want.</p>

6

<p>This is a two year old post. ;)</p>

7

<p>Hello everyone,
I am in 8th grade and i really want to get into TAMS. What are somethings that i can do to work towards this goal?</p>

8

<p>ireallywantodoit, I suggest you take a lot of Math (Alg 1, 2, Geom), so you can make a near-perfect score on the Math SAT early in your Sophomore year. This year’s incoming Juniors averaged 720. That’s the average, so if you want to stand out, you’ll need to do better than that.</p>

9

hi I am going into sophomore year I really really want to go to TAMS. When I heard about TAMS I was truly captivated by the projects. Also I have never taken the classic SAT because I have preparing for the new one next year (its KD that’s why). Additionally, I didn’t really do well in 9th grade because I was one of the pioneers to this new program at my school and for the first time my school allowed 9th and 10th graders; so all the teachers were 11th and 12th grade teachers teaching freshman and sophomores for the first time. All the classes I take are honor classes and one AP class. Extracurriculars- I was secretary of my highschool LASER club, member of UNICEF, IBSSA, and MSA. I am also active in religious meetings- I started this orphan project and raise money for her. I also do ALOT of volunteer work- I volunteer at my mom’s daycare, the library, and I practically work at my doctor’s office from 9-5 in the afternoon.
Is this enough to get into TAMS or do I need more?
I would really like some help because this is the school that i really want to go.
Thank you
(oh i did Algebra 2 online through eschool would my credits transfer)

10

Hey, guys, I was wondering about my chances of getting onto TAMS this year (I’m a high school sophomore)

SAT:
Math:650
CR:610
Writing:620

Grades: All AP or pre-AP
AP Bio-A
AP Chem-A
AP Human Geo-B
WHAP-A
Algebra 1-A
Algebra 2-B
Geometry-A
Pre-Cal-A
AP Stats-(Still in course)

GPA-3.7
Class Rank- 150/950

Extra Curriculars:
TSA Robotics State Champion Biotechnology
Student Council President (7,8,9)
VEX World Robotics 3rd Place Team
UIL Science Regional 7th place (Freshman)
UIL Science 1st place (7,8)
Future Medical Leaders of America
UNICEF Club
Eagle Scout
INTERACT Club

11

** Aggiefreak,
Please read the posts above. The Math SAT is critical. The average score is 720, so you’ll need higher to impress. They do also look at the Reading portion, but the average is generally in the high 600’s.
“i did Algebra 2 online through eschool would my credits transfer”
There is no ‘transferring’ in TAMS. You begin earning UNT college credits, so high school courses don’t ‘transfer’. And, as a reminder they are Dual Credits, which means you can choose to apply as a Freshman (for scholarships) or as a Junior transfer student.
Case in point: because TAMS does not rank, it’s much trickier to get into UT-Austin, since the vast majority of their admits are from the top 7% of their graduating class. (Also, there are no Valedictorians or Salutatorians.) A year or two ago, several TAMSters were not admitted as Freshman, but applied again as transfers and were admitted.
** Deltastrike,
You need to get your SAT scores up, Dude. Try for a minimum of 680 reading, and 720 Math, which are roughly the average. They are trending upward, getting higher every year. Numbers count!!
~Mame

12

Thanks Mame, these were the last real SAT I took I have a projected math of 740 and CR+W at about 1350. Anyways, how do you think the grades and achievements are?

13

Your projected numbers look perfect; your grades and ECs are strong. Now it’s down to filing out the paperwork. In your essay, be sure to show that you really understand what TAMS is. (Do the overnight visit, go to the presentation.) You’ll need to show what you can do for them, as well as vice versa. And one last, very important tip - work the sample problems for the Math entrance exam backwards and forwards without a calculator. You’ll need a near-perfect score, but it shouldn’t be a problem for you. Best of luck!

14

Thanks again Mame, I was wondering what the coursework and student life is like at TAMS? What happens on an average day as a Junior? How many classes are there per day?? Which seemed the hardest? Also, what souces of inspiration did any of you current TAMSters use on your essays

15

Deltastrike, all of your questions will be answered in detail at an Information Session, and/or by taking advantage of Spend-a-Night. While you’re there, harvest some student emails so you can continue to ask them questions. The Information Sessions will give you the bare facts, but if you want to find out what it’s ~really~ like, ask several students. There’s a lot of marketing gloss about how helpful the staff is.

There used to be a lot more information on the website, but I couldn’t find it. I’ll give some summary information to get you started:

  • Coursework:
    What courses you take each year are pretty well lined out. It doesn’t matter what you’ve had before (even if you’ve had college classes). There is a very specific list of classes. It’s rigid, except each semester you’re allowed to add one elective (roughly), assuming your academic record there is good. No matter what course you take, TAMS provides the books.
    The Junior year has Biology (at 8:00 am, invariably after a midnight Wing meeting), Literature/Composition (same novels every year), Math (either PreCalc or Calc depending upon how you score on the placement test), Chemistry (Honors or regular, depending upon placement test), with labs for Biology and Chemistry.
    TAMS staff often take roll in the Biology class when they know you’ve had a late night, so you can’t sleep in. The class has assigned seating, so they stand in the back row and look at the back of the heads. Empty seat = cutting class.
  • StudentLife: Tons of clubs meet in the evenings, just make sure you have time. They have a Club Fair in the first week, or perhaps on move-in day. The students are warm, motivated, and help each other. (In stark contrast to the staff.) You are expected (required?) to volunteer your time on certain projects, which are generally manual labor out in the heat. Enjoy that part. :- ) Expect them to make it hard for you; they want tough survivors. Sometimes they present it as being warm and fuzzy, but you are definitely on your own to survive. Safety drills are always after 11 pm curfew, and often before a major Biology test (which everyone dreads). Bring your book, and study while the alarms blare, if you can.
  • average day as a Junior Except for 8 am Biology, it totally varies. Like any other university student, your schedule will have 'holes' between classes. Find a convenient place on your path between the classes where you can study. Sometimes the classroom is empty and you can go in early and read. It was never more important to read the material before class, and those 'holes' are the perfect time to do it.
  • How many classes are there per day? Like any other college student, it will vary. Hopefully, you won't have all your classes piled up on one day, but it can happen.
  • Which seemed the hardest? None of them are like high school, no matter how rigorous. This is the Big Time. You can't cram for these classes - no way. So work ahead, stay organized, start memorizing early, and never miss a class - not even for a doctor's appointment. Many people dread Biology the most, perhaps because it's the one class all TAMSters take. The literature/composition class can be difficult because the instructor wants it Just Exactly So. I recommend making heavy use of the English lab, because you don't always get what you need from the English Prof.
  • sources of inspiration ... essays When you attend the Information Sessions, be thinking about your essay and take notes. Then apply what you've learned about TAMS to your life. I've said this before, but the Admissions folks are looking to see that you ~truly~ understand what it's about, and can apply it to yourself as an individual.
    They want tough, tenacious, resilient (you'll see that word a lot), completely independent and self-starting. You aren't in Kansas anymore, Toto.
16

I was applying early decision for TAMS this year and was wondering what my chances are for getting in:

Grades:
GPA; 4.7/5
Rank: 40/962
SAT Scores:
720-800 math (usually around 760 or 780)
600-660 reading
660-700 writing

Extracurriculars:
Select Soccer with LFCA in Classic League
High school soccer
Interact volunteer club
Robotics Club
UIL Math and science
Volunteer at library twice a month
AP Biology Tutor
Middle school math tutor
Debate team
Math honor society
Middle school football, cross country, track, and soccer

My school is FMHS so that many people aren’t applying to get in, so it isn’t as competitive as Plano and some other schools. I’m also applying early so what do you think are my chances of getting in?

17

Your stats are all very good. They’re not after ‘well rounded’; they want STEM. Full stop. So on your application, push the Bio tutor, Robotics, Math honor society, etc. List everything else at the bottom, but do list it.

You need to Ace the Math test on the day of the interview. They give you two sample tests; use a textbook to find similar problems. The real test is almost identical to the practice tests. Just don’t think “this is easy - I had that two years ago”. That’s the point - you probably haven’t worked those kinds of problems in awhile, so brush up!

Your letters of rec need to push intellectual ability as well as tenacity to overcome adversity and obstacles. “Resilience” is their absolute favorite word. TAMS is a Darwinian situation; only the strongest get to go on to a university; they have a reputation to uphold at all costs. It’s ~not~ nurturing (the marketing is just to make parents feel better). You have to be able to overcome setbacks on your own; schedule your own time in the face of innumerable temptations. That’s harder than it seems until you’re actually there.

When you interview, make sure you have a clear path for your future in mind. Your reason for needing (not wanting) what TAMS has to offer needs to ring through. But for heavens sake, don’t come off as a conceited jerk. Confidence is good, but nobody needs a prima donna. Interact with the other students - ask them questions about themselves. Remember, they’re just as much of an achiever as you are, and they are awesome people with very interesting stories to tell.

The things that can hold you back are things you can’t change. They have more girls apply than boys, but they have fewer girls’ dorm rooms, so a smaller percentage of girls are admitted - and the gap is growing. They like to bring in teens from all over the state, so being local puts you at a disadvantage.

Is FMHS Flower Mound? It doesn’t really matter how many are applying from your high school, but not being a Plano Asian (especially Korean), what they call a ‘Plasian’, is also a big disadvantage. They get preferential treatment in admissions, as well as in the school (just sayin’, nothing’s perfect).

I’d say you’re well situated. Let me know if I can help you further. Best of luck!

18

Okay thanks for the advice. I put a lot of soccer and athletics stuff because according to a lot of kids at TAMS, they look heavily at sports because many of the students there do not play a lot of sports. On the sat, I think I got a 760-800 on math, which is fine. Yes, FMHS is Flower Mound, and what I meant is that many of the top ranked students don’t apply because it is not popular, so there aren’t many applying. Do you think that my extracurricular are enough to be considered, math and science oriented ones specifically, and how long before the interview call do you get the invitation?

19

I’m currently a high school freshman and I aspire to go into TAMS. I would like to know what kind of grades/GPA are expected and what they even look at. As of now my grades are so-so, I’m from Plano so there’s bound to be an up and down in grades and ranking especially because of the tough competition (also being that I go to Jasper HS). As for my ECs: Ive been doing Ballet and singing for about 8 years, I also have played violin for 4 years. I’m in HOSA and just entered in some competitions. As for SAT, I just started preparing over the summer, doing practice and stuff like that.
Pre-AP Humanities: A-
preAP bio: A-
PreAP Spanish 2: A+
PreAP Alg2: B+
AP Human geo: A-
Orch: A+
health: A

What goals should I be setting according to my grades now, and what SAT scores should I be aiming for. ALso I heard the interviews were a crucial part of admission into TAMS. What exactly are the interviews like and what do they look for in a student

Sorry for the overload of questions
just a clueless freshman
thanks

20

Because I don’t know how many people in your school are applying and the ranking system there, but obviously try to consistently stay in the top 10%.
On SAT, I know that the SAT is an important factor amongst admissions. It is used to as a way to level all the students applying, as many students come from different types of schools. The math average score on the test is a 720 so try to get it up to at least a 700 or higher.
From what I’ve read and heard from people the are in TAMS, the interview is very laid back, with you and a few other students answering questions from several people, some students and some adults. The interview is meant to make sure you are actually wanting to go to TAMS, so by then, your grades are considered on par.