<p>I received the invitation letter last year (I'm a sophomore now) and I REALLY want to make it.
I'm just really thinking I won't.
I don't have any of those awards everyone talks about. I don't have a completely clean behavior record. The only thing I have is a 3.9 GPA and good test scores. I don't even know what my SAT scores are, I haven't taken it yet, but what scores are considered "competitive" for TAMS?
I just want to talk to someone who was accepted, or even someone who wasn't.
I don't even know why I recieved the initial letter. Apparently someone thinks I'm smart enough for it, but I'm worried. What are some things I need to do to increase my chances? I really want this.
Thank you. Please reply if you have any idea what TAMS is..</p>
<p>For the people who are not familiar with TAMS, it stands for the Texas Academy of Math and Science. It is a residential program for high achieving kids. The kids take their junior and senior year of high school at the same time as their freshman and sophomore year of college.</p>
<p>Several of my daughter’s friends are currently at TAMS. I can tell you that they are all very high achieving kids, but I don’t know their stats. </p>
<p>If you’ve had behavior issues in the past, I would think that would be a concern to the admissions officer. You would be living in a dorm without parental supervision, so you would have to convince admissions that you could handle the situation responsibly.</p>
<p>Where do you live in Texas? That maybe the reason you received invitation letter. I knew one girl got the invitation letter because she lives down south. There was one student from her school went to TAMS before and they want to encourage diversification (for region) so she got the letter (I believe). Your location maybe a factor that will help you. However, you still need to have high SAT score (she had 2000+). You need to make sure you submit all the forms to TAMS on-time. You also need to take SAT before the deadline. TAMS is tough and very competitive. The students need to be able to take care themselves. Keep up the grades and not get into trouble. They accept 200 students. By the time they graduate, there are only about 150 students left. So it’s hard to get in and harder to stay in. If you want to try, good luck.</p>
<p>I’m a former TAMS student (I left for financial reasons, not academic or behavioral), and I’m telling you first of all that you will never regret applying to TAMS. It stands for the Texas Academy of Mathematics ad Science and it’s a two-year residential program at the University of North Texas in Denton. Basically, you apply as a sophomore, and if you get in, you’re there for 11th and 12th grade. You take classes at the University, some of which are with regular college kids (which is no big deal). </p>
<p>As far as the social life is concerned, it’s awesome. You have to live at McConnell Hall, which is really fun because it’s always a-buzz with different things going on. There are a lot of clubs (Academy Players is the best, just sayin’) and activities. There is zero bullying, and very few loners. Everyone is accepted and has at least a few friends. There are cliques, such as the Plasians (Asians from Plano) and the white group (the only group that’s predominantly NOT Asian), but they don’t compete or anything. You become very close with your wing and your RA, and it’s really nice that your best friends live 10 seconds away. And Fridays are never used for school after 12pm (unless you have a class in the afternoon). The Denton Square is within walking distance, and there’s a train to go into Dallas. There’s plenty to do.</p>
<p>Academically, you are very challenged. Believe me when I tell you that YOU WILL STUDY. Biology is the worst, especially the first semester. The material is interesting, but the course is really hard (Don’t EVER yell “bio grades are out” unless they really are. Just don’t). Chemistry is good and you can be put in GenChem or HonorsChem. In math, most people start out in PreCal, but it’s possible to be put in Cal I or Cal II. English is easy, but it takes up almost as much time as bio. And labs are really easy, but some TAs aren’t the best. You have to have at least a 3.0/4.0 GPA to stay. But let me tell you that when it comes to your grades, your standards will change. There was a time when I cried if I got a B. At TAMS, I was happy to get a C+. </p>
<p>The benefits of TAMS are great, if you’ve completed it. You graduate with a high school diploma and around 60 credits of college. If you go to UNT for the rest of your college, they will accept all of those credits and pretty much guarantee a scholarship to their honors college starting as a junior. But TAMS also has connections to the big schools like Harvard and MIT. They won’t accept many of your credits, but hey, at least you’re there. Also, you have friends that you will have forever, and there have even been TAMS marriages.</p>
<p>So, as far as increasing your chances, I would say just apply as early as possible and seem really mature. You have a really good GPA, and as long as you seem capable of handling TAMS life and you have good SAT scores you’re pretty much set. But be warned that TAMS may offer more independence, but they can also be pretty strict if you get caught doing something. They offer a clear description of the rules in the handbook.</p>
<p>Over all, TAMS is a really great place. I only spent 3 months there, but I can honestly say it was the best 3 months of my life. I really recommend it, but only if you are willing to completely dedicate yourself to it.</p>
<p>Can someone that has been to a interview day explain to me more about the questions and how the math tests are? Plus it would be helpful if you can tell me how TAMS accepts people at the point of interview day and further? Thank you so much, any help is greatly appreciated!!</p>