Hi, I’m currently an 8th grade who really wants to get into TAMS. The purpose of this thread is to see if I can do anything that could potentially improve my application.
I’m from Frisco Texas and I go to a pretty big middle school.
Ever since 7th grade, my grades have always been above 95.
I’m currently taking 2 grades of accelerated math and 1 grade of accelerated science which
means that I do Geometry and Bio as an 8th grader.
My GPA with the few high school classes I took is a perfect 4 so far.
I scored a 1400 on the practice SAT and I’m planning to take the real thing next year.
STEM: I did UIL in 6th grade and I got 2nd as an individual and 1st as a team.
EC’s: I’m a NTX certified referee, Made NJHS, 2 years of professional speaking experience, 1 of the winners of the WRD Art Contest, and I have 50+ hours of volunteering. Also played the flute and have awards for Best Soloist, All District Finalist, and All Region stage 2
I feel like I need more science/math oriented extracirriculars and I was hoping that somebody could suggest some that I could do over the summer.
My mom went to TAMS, and she’s heard through the alumni grapevine that it’s almost impossible to get in now.
You definitely need tons more math and science-think AOPS and 1st place in large math competitions, NASA programs, as many internships as possible for an 8th grader, taking multiple grade levels above in all subjects.
Also, since you’re technically applying to college, think of ways that you can make a direct impact in your community.
Something to consider about TAMS is that you will be so focused on STEM for the entire time you’re there, plus you’ll face insane competition from your peers. It’s definitely a pressure cooker environment. Maybe think about some boarding schools like Choate, Hotchkiss, etc. They have amazing well-rounded programs. (Although very expensive and relatively far away. I got a full ride minus 2000 dollars)
Good Luck! (PS: My mom also played the flute and she LOVED being in the University of North Texas concert band while at TAMS)