Hello,
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 high school 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.
I am a sophomore attending school in Plano ISD and am planning on applying for the early decision and would love to get feedback! Some questions: Do I have a chance at getting an interview? How many days before the interview do you get notified? Thanks!!
Stats:
SAT (on the new SAT): M: 690, R: 710
GPA: 4.28/4.43 or 4.0/4.0 unweighted
Rank: 27/215
Recommendations should be good (?) I don’t think I had any problems.
In my essay, I want to highlight that I would love to conduct research with a professor and learn things more in depth than I could if I stayed here.
There are at least 15-20 other people applying from my school though…
High School Grades:
7th grade: all a’s
8th grade: all a’s
Honors Algebra I: 99, 99
(CBE) Geometry - 96
9th grade (final semester grades):
PAP English I - 97, 95
Orchestra - 98
PAP Algebra II - 96, 93
PAP Biology - 97, 94
Debate - 97. 97
PAP Spanish II - 91, 95
AP Human Geography - 97, 95
10th Grade (So far on per nine week grading period):
Cross-country: 100, 100 (you don’t say…)
PAP Spanish III: 92, 89 (…)
European History AP: 90, 96
PAP Chem: 97, 93
PAP English II: 95, 100
World History AP: 95, 100
PAP Pre-calc: 87 (idk why…), 96
Extracurricular Activities Since 7th Grade :
General Activities:
NJHS: National Junior Honors Society (7th, 8th)
Student Council (7th, 8th)
Debate Competitions (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
Habitat for Humanities (9th, 10th)
Spanish Club (9th, 10th)
Annual Summer DFW Youth English Speech Contest (7th, 8th, 9th)
NHS: National Honors Society (10th)
UIL Orchestra/Solo and Ensemble Contests (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
Crosscountry/Track/Basketball (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
Math and Science Related Activities
Math Counts/math club (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
Whiz Quiz (7th, 8th)
Science Fair (7th, 8th)
Perot museum of science full-time volunteer (9th, 10th)
Computer Programming clubs/workshops (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
LASER:Learning About Science &Engineering Research (9th)
Awards and Honors:
Rayethon MathMovesU Finalist (7th)
Whiz Quiz 3rd place team (8th)
1st place Poetry Slam (7th)
Invited to National Student Leadership Conference (10th)
1st place in science fair (7th, 8th)
Honarable mention/special research grant ($100) (8th)
2nd place at CIE/USA-DFW speech competition (7th)
Duke TIP state recognition award (7th)
Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award (100+ hrs) (10th)
President’s Award for Academic Excellence (9th)
National Society of Highschool Scholar Recognition (10th)
Top 10 student (7th, 8th)
Solo/Ensemble - Superior + Excellent (8th)
Memberships and Offices:
Student Council President (8th)
NJHS secretary (8th)
Presiding Officer - COBALT (9th)
Great Beginnings - Co-founder/President (10th)
iTalk Gavel Club - Toastmasters Dallas - Secretary (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)