Thank you for the advice, I’ll try my best, and only time can tell if I get good enough scores.
What kind of things happen during the TAMS interview. I hear it’s group oriented? Please, if someone could enlighten me that would be fantastic. Thank you all again for the help, it is very much appreciated!!
That’s the harsh reality of it, but I’m sure you’ll do great as long as you give it your best. During interview day, the algebra 1 & 2 tests are first administered, and then there’ll be a break before the interviews. The interview process is divided into a formal and social interview where you are divided into groups. In the social interview, you are given several tasks to complete while those supervising the activities see how well you work with a team, and the formal interview is just where alumni/staff asks you as well as your group members questions. The alumni/staff might make have your group take turns answering questions or have whoever wants to answer be the one answering. The reason they make the formal interview group oriented is so that each person has time to formulate their answer before answering. You may have the formal interview first or vice versa.
@ryaanwong I am applying because I still am debating between staying at my current school and going to TAMS. TAMS has really good research opportunities and a college environment, and if it weren’t for the tuition, I’d go no questions asked. But it’s just disappointing that the dorm cost takes up most of the tuition, but the dorms are very small, cramped, shared by two people, and McConnell Hall looks very unkept. Other than that, the atmosphere of TAMS is amazing, but my high school also has a very good hospital rotation program which I am applying to, so I’m still on the border.
Oh, I see. You could still apply for financial aid, and the rooms actually aren’t too small. McConnell is also cleaned on a daily basis. Although it isn’t the best dorm at UNT, I don’t think it’s half bad, and I’ve grown pretty attached to it with everyone at TAMS living there. I’m sure it’s a tough decision, but I highly recommend TAMS. Good luck on your interview day!
So, I have information about me testing out of Geometry and Algebra 2. I could take a program that would cost 990 dollars because it’s accredited by the state of Texas, and be able to skip geometry next year if I get a 70 or above on the CBE. If I don’t take an accredited course then I’ll need a 90 or above to skip. This goes for both geometry and algebra 2. Since it’s a college test, it will be on my transcript but, no matter what I get it won’t affect my GPA. Will TAMS count against my transcript? My counselor said no one who’s ever done the CBE got higher than a 75. I’m worried that it might affect my chances. Also I don’t have 990 dollars lying around for this kind of thing. So if I don’t take an accredited course, I’ll have to get a 90 or above and that’s unheard of. Please, any advice as to what I should do?
@MyLifeIsTAMS, I think it’s crazy to pay so much for CBE. I took a bunch of CBEs just using Khan academy. It’s free and really helpful. It allowed me to take Calculus BC this year (I’m bragging a little because I’m the only 10th grader in my school taking that class, so I’m proud of it).
Khan was also my only study material when studying for SAT (I got a score in high 1400s).
Point is, try Khan, you have nothing to lose. I also think it’s more impressive to self study than to pay $990 for a CBE, which are supposed to be free.
Not saying it’s going to be very easy but if you put some time into studying very doable.
I’m an eighth grader in the Dallas area and I just wanted to ask if there is anything I should do extra to help my chances. I’m currently taking Geometry and I also got recognized by Duke Tip for Grand Recognition. Is there anything I should really do to differentiate myself?
Thanks!
Hi @reallywannagetin , that’s great that you got recognized by Duke Tip because they ask if about that on the application, and the only advice I have is to get involved in STEM extracurriculars.
@AndMeToo, what I’m saying is that the accredited by the state if Texas Highschool course is the thing that cost 990 dollars… not the CBE. Are you saying Khan is accredited? If it isn’t and I take the CBE, I will have to get a 90 or above. My counselor said that was unheard of, the highest anyone has gotten on the CBE was a 75. The problem is that, if I fail the test whether I had taken an accredited course or not, it would show up on my Highschool transcript. Failing the CBE from learning the material in an unaccredited course would be 89 or below. With an accredited course, it would be 69 and below to fail the CBE. Please tell me the scores you got on the CBE, and where you’re from because there might be different regulations in another state than Texas, where I live.
Hey, I understand that $990 is not for the actual CBA test. And no, Khan is not accredited, it’s just a study source.
Which class are you taking CBE for? If it’s Math there is no reason you can’t study on your own and get a high score. English is a little harder because you don’t know what questions will be on it.
For me personally, when my counselor told me something is not possible (like placeing out of English) I took it as a challenge and figured out a way to get it done (because I wanted to take more adviced classes). If no one at your school got higher that 75 on CBA (which I find hard to believe) be the first one to do it!
@MyLifeIsTAMS I don’t want to give my exact scores but I took a few CBAs, my lowest grade was a B. I was given an option to take the grade or just take the class and the CBA would not count towards my GPA. I decided to take the B because it was more important for me to take classes that I’m interested in than to worry about my a B.
Thank you for the information! I found a way to do it and no risk is involved… I just have to work my butt off. I am going to use Khan Academy but not for just one test. I’m going to take the Highschool online program that has multiple grades put in for the total grade. Thank you for helping me though and I might take a few CBE’s in the future… who knows. Lastly, I want to say to all of you who have helped me through this, thank you I really appreciate you all!
how much do Bs matter?
Hey, I’m an eighth grader who really wants to try for TAMS and I just wanted to know what I have to do (like courses or extracurriculars) that would help me to get in. I got recognized for the Duke TIP Talent Search in 7th grade and I scored a 1210 on the SAT (I know its not that much, but I didn’t really have time to study…). I’m currently in NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) and NJAHS (National Junior Art Society) and I’m taking Algebra 1 right now and I’m planning to double up on my math courses (by taking Geometry and Algebra 2) in my freshman year. By doing that, I can take pre-cal during my sophomore year. And so far I’ve gotten really good grades and I’ve gotten A Honor Roll the past two years. I know it really kind of depends on my grades and GPA in high school, but what else can I do?
Thank you!
hello, my dude! i just got my acception letter today so i’m gonna be in the class fo 2021, so i suddenly feel like i hav the authority to tell people about TAMS.
i think your SAT score is pretty good. dude i only got a 1280 as a sophomore so i think if you had more time to study you’d be exceptional.
if your hs offers any clubs related in the track you’re planning to apply for, i suggest that you join them. i applied for the computer science track and this year i decided to join the computer science student association and math UIL. i didn’t just do that for the application, but i actually enjoy these clubs.
i think it was really my essay that got me in though. and make sure you’re nice to your teachers next year the year after that.
that wasn’t such great advice but yeah. i’m still confused of why i got in and who the heck let me in but i’m not complaining