I don’t remember there being a place on the application to mention volunteer work, and I wouldn’t mention it unless it relates to STEM (mention it on the essay maybe) because everyone volunteers. Securing an interview shouldn’t be too difficult at all, so you should worry about the interview and algrebra tests more. They still look back on your application after interview day though, but getting a couple of B’s won’t affect your chances too much as long as they see that you’re a well-rounded and dedicated student.
@ryaanwong hey I have a quick question, if you remember, out of your interview group were there any other students who got admitted? Thanks!
@AndMeToo There was four people in my group including me, so it was one of the smaller groups. Three of us made it in, and I’m pretty sure the fourth person did too but decided not to go.
so i’m in 9th grade and i’m going to apply for tams next year. i’m very worried i have no chance of getting in because while i was looking at the application, i realized i haven’t gotten any awards and the only STEM related club i’ve done was math/science club. do i have a chance of getting in? i plan to do a lot more things next year but that’s just one year.
@temitturner You’ll be fine. For awards, I just had honor roll awards, and the only STEM related club that I was in was Mu Alpha Theta. Yes, it it important to have an impressive application, but the personal responses/essay and interviews mean a lot in the process as well.
@ryaanwong Hi, I’m a freshman in high school, and I’m looking to apply to TAMS. I’ve been told my numerous people that TAMS is a place to further your interests in STEM and gain AP credits as well. However, I don’t know my chances to make it. I’m in the top 10% of my class, but there’s only about 950 kids. I had good grades in 7th grade, but got 2 Bs (one in math) in high school courses in 8th grade. This year, I got all As, but a lot of my grades are very clutch (especially in math). However, I’ve been regularly excelling at science.
In middle school, I’ve always taken PreAP or AP courses, and I am going into Pre-Cal next year. I’m on the debate team, will probably make NHS next year, and in a Medicine/Doctoral Club. I most likely will become president next year. I also plan on starting my own club next year. I haven’t taken the SAT yet, and I haven’t studied much for it. I took a practice test and I got a 700, but I am not sure if that is good. I’ve also volunteered several times at hospitals, and am planning to organize a blood drive. I have pretty good relationships with my teachers and there’s not much competition at my school (at most 4-10 kids will apply).
Do I have a decent chance, an iffy chance, or no chance?
**I also have gotten a 1-hr detention for tardies, but have no discipline issues in general.
Sorry, I meant 600, but I have taken another one, and scored 650 ~ 675.
@HSisarip You earn college credits not AP credits, so TAMS kids that go to college out of state opt to take AP tests since TAMS credits are only guaranteed in Texas (not Rice though and maybe more but idk). I think you have a pretty solid application, but keep your grades up and show your passion for STEM in your essay and interview. Don’t worry too much about middle school either, but they can see that you improved from then.
Oh ok, I see. Thanks for the feedback!