Chance me for TAMS ( Texas Academy of Math and Science) - Page 2

TheExpert1234 · 10-03-2012, 09:34 AM

I don't agree with the other two people. My older brother is in TAMS and all of my friends are applying to TAMS. You barely stand a chance to make it. People in my school(Plano West) have way more extra curricular activities than you. What do you spend your time doing? You barely do anything. I suggest you step it up if you want to be accepted into such a prestigious program.

jet418 · 10-03-2012, 04:27 PM

TheExpert1234 does have a point though. Ehh..I guess he is right. The more the better.

TheExpert1234 · 10-03-2012, 05:32 PM

Exactly Jet418. My brother had a better application than him and was put on waiting list for TAMS. I want to give you a heads up @iwanttogetin. Good luck

lmkh70 · 10-03-2012, 07:21 PM

Kids from Plano West have a harder time making it in. The admissions office even told us so. They have tons of kids from that one school applying so they limit the number they allow in.

The average SAT scores were about 1800 for those being admitted last year. I think you are fine. Just make sure you apply early decision and I think you will get in.

TheExpert1234 · 10-03-2012, 08:56 PM

lmkh70, There is WAY more competition this year to get into TAMS then any other year. An 1800 will not do... 2000 at least

TheExpert1234 · 10-03-2012, 08:57 PM

And I hear North Hills has a lot of applicants. Them and Plano West

jet418 · 10-03-2012, 10:22 PM

Alberto you need to do much more. Find everything you can participate in, trust me it works.

ijustwanttogetin · 10-04-2012, 09:59 AM

Well I'm currently working on getting a 1900 hundred on the SAT and I'm putting all the extra curricular I do which I would do more but my school is small and there is not a lot to do. I also have 150 more hours of community service that I haven't put in the resume I posted. Also there are about 10-15 people applying for my school this year. I would appreciate any other suggestions you guys can give me so I will have a higher chance to get in.

ijustwanttogetin · 10-04-2012, 10:02 AM

@ Imkh70
Thanks, do you have any more suggestions on what else can I do, and since I won four place in the Exxon state science fair, do you think they will take that into account? Will it make me competitive?

ScienceGirlMom · 10-04-2012, 10:23 AM

You are foolish to be putting your real name and birthdate on a public board. If you care at all about identity theft or someone sabotaging you, you should take your name and birthdate off immediately. Even having your high school listed is risky...it wouldn't be difficult for someone to figure out who you are.

goodbetterbest · 10-17-2012, 11:29 PM

My daughter got into TAMS this year. Based on my knowledge, which is not much, you have a good chance to get in based on your ethnic group. However, your school ranking is low. Your SAT score is not high. My daughter got 2100 in SAT and she was waitlisted before she got in. There were 60 kids from Plano West applied and 40 got in. So that school is a monster. You don't need to compete against them. As a boy, it is more competitive. How to improve your chance: 1. Involve in research (it maybe too late now); 2. Pull up your school ranking; 3. Improve your SAT score to over 2000. Good Luck.

DREAMBIG547 · 11-12-2012, 10:58 PM

wow, these people are harsh.
really, you should be able to get in with your stats.
@TheExpert, really? if this this guy doesn't have enough extracurriculars, I don't know who does.
Although the average SAT acceptance was ~2000, I am sure your score is good enough, as I know many people here with 1700s (although they are not necessarily doing well, but that is a different story).
And despite what people say, this school is not THAT hard to get into. the acceptance rate is a little below 40%.

and hey, don't listen to these people. it'll make you feel bad. I made it in with a lot less extracurriculars (but I dedicated A LOT of my time in certain ones). Good luck! (:

tdkeerthi · 12-05-2012, 12:51 AM

I am from CHS (Coppell High School). What are the chances of making in if I have an SAT of 1860 (700 in math), A+ in all math courses, all As, being in AcDec, and being a girl?

voyagersborg47 · 12-29-2012, 08:32 PM

I happen to be a TAMS junior (well, not anymore, but that's a long story). You're resume seems to be pretty good. Mine wasn't that good and I was automatically accepted. I'd suggest you apply as early as possible, and meet a lot of people at Interview Day.

Some helpful tips for when you get in:

1. You are probably like every single TAMS kid and haven't studied for a test in your life. That's about to change. Read the book (for bio, read it twice), do the homework, pay attention in class.

2. Get a decent amount of sleep. It's normal to be up studying til midnight or 1am, but get at least 5 hours each night. Trust me, you need it. Take an afternoon nap if you have to.

3. Don't go to Bruce Cafeteria. You will understand when you get there. It's worth the half mile to go to Kerr (plus Kerr is open later).

4. Join Academy Players, the theatre group. It's so much fun, even if you aren't interested in acting. The GAs are THE BEST (sword fighting with french bread, because we can)!

5. Get to know your seniors and RAs. I can tell you that your seniors (my class) are amazing people and will help you with anything. And the RAs are really nice.

6. Follow the rules. Common sense.

7. Make friends! I had never had any real friends in my life before TAMS, and now I can say I have 50 friends without exaggeration. The people there are awesome and friendly, and you'll find that you share many similarities and interests with others (hint: Doctor Who is a big thing right now).

8. If you're going to date, do it carefully. It is very easy to get distracted when you're too busy making out with your girlfriend/boyfriend. On the other hand, a significant other is also a good study partner if you can actually study. My boyfriend and I studied together in Mac with no problem, and friday nights were ours. There are strict PDA policies in McConnell, but every couple finds somewhere to go (just don't go to the music building because everyone goes there).

9. Go to see Dr. Turnock, the counselor, even if you don't have any problems. He's a really nice guy to talk to, and he sympathizes really well.

10. Bring a laptop. It's not required, but it really helps because you can do your homework anywhere. Also, bring an ethernet cable. Apogee (the internet provider) REALLY sucks (especially at 11pm when everyone is using it) and it helps to have a wired connection.

11. Lastly, there are two culinary phenomena you should acquaint yourself with: coffee and ramen. They will keep you alive.

Have fun, and good luck!

ijustwanttogetin · 02-21-2013, 12:46 PM

Thank you so much for the advice, and I'll find out if I get in next week.