<p>If anyone knows anything about TAMS (Texas Academy of Math and Science) will you give me some advice? I am a sophomore in high school and I have been wondering if going to this school will be the best thing for me. I have already taken an SAT and scored a little below my expectations. Should I take it again? Going to this school is a wonderful opportunity I must admit, however, I rank 1st in my school. Should I give that up? Also, if I take the SAT again this week (1/23) will it be worth it, because I heard some colleges look at how many times you have attempted the SAT/ACT. From personal information I also found that it is harder to get into college from TAMS considering the high competition and difficult college courses. Should I try my best to get into that school, or should I just stay at my current school and take dual credits? Please help me. I am completely stressed out about this.</p>
<p>TAMS is not for everyone, and unfortunately I have seen this principle at work. It was designed for people who want to forgo their last two years of the so-called high school experience and live in a rather sheltered college environment. Of course, we do not completely ditch some elements of high school as we are encouraged to participate in the clubs and social events. Most of the people who is here were either dissatisfied with their previous high school and/or wanted to take academics to a higher level. If this applies to you, by all means, apply.</p>
<p>As the current valedictorian who got that position after all her top ranked friends left for TAMS, I think I can say a few things about the program.</p>
<p>One of my friends scored a rather low SAT score (she wouldn’t tell me because she was embarrassed by it) and was involved in two school clubs only. She played violin but besides that, she wasn’t particularly remarkable or outstanding. I’m guessing it was the recommendations, but then again, I really don’t know. She got in but decided not to attend last minute, parent’s wishes. (An Asian, no less)</p>
<p>Another person from my school had a superior list of ECs (viola, GDYO, TSA, Student Council secretary, etc.) and already had a focused goal of being an engineer, which is interesting since she is a girl. She was waitlisted. She decided not to go to TAMS, and is graduating after 11th grade. All the power to her.</p>
<p>I’m not expert on the subject, but I can say that I’ve heard everything from “It’s a great place to meet people like you and advance in math/science!” to “You totally miss out on the social aspects of high school!” They do have homecomings, but…they are certainly NOTHING like a high school one. You can probably imagine what I’m talking about.</p>
<p>All I can say, do not go if you are not REALLY exemplary at quick learning (calculus and advanced chemistry comes very easily for you) and adapting to the college life. </p>
<p>And if you’re rank one, decent in your ECs, and your SAT score is not shabby, consider yourself a rather decent candidate, if not TAMS material. But I’ll repeat again - I always get worried when I get texts from my TAMS buddies at 3 in the morning, depressed and frustrated.</p>