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===During the Summer===
 
===During the Summer===
Some of you might have applied for summer research, but most of you will hopefully be enjoying your last summer before TAMS. In a few months, you won’t be living with your family anymore, so spend time with them while you can! If you haven’t already, join the 2022 TAMS Facebook group and add your future classmates. Summer is a great opportunity to get a head start in getting to know people. Feel free to post and comment on the TAMS Facebook page!
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Some of you might have applied for summer research, but most of you will hopefully be enjoying your last summer before TAMS. In a few months, you won’t be living with your family anymore, so spend time with them while you can! If you haven’t already, join the TAMS Class of 202X Facebook group and add your future classmates. Summer is a great opportunity to get a head start in getting to know people. Feel free to post and comment on the TAMS Facebook page!
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You’ll also have some summer homework to do. It’s not that bad, just a bit of note-taking for Biology and Chem and a light summer reading assignment. It’s not for a grade, just for your own benefit.
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You’ll also have some summer homework to do. It’s not that bad, just some forms and get-to-know-you's and a light summer reading assignment. It’s not for a grade, just for your own benefit.
    
'''We highly recommend having a Facebook account'''​, so if you don’t​​have one already, summer is a great time to get one and figure it all out. It’s a great way to keep in touch with both your old and new friends. During the school year, Facebook can help you with your classes – letting you know what your homework is and whether or not class is canceled.
 
'''We highly recommend having a Facebook account'''​, so if you don’t​​have one already, summer is a great time to get one and figure it all out. It’s a great way to keep in touch with both your old and new friends. During the school year, Facebook can help you with your classes – letting you know what your homework is and whether or not class is canceled.
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Most professors will communicate through Canvas (canvas.unt.edu - bookmark it!), but some will use Blackboard (learn.unt.edu) because UNT is trying to switch over to Canvas from Blackboard. Your username is your EUID that you should get through paper mail. Typically, it is your three initials (2, if you don’t have a middle name) with four numbers (ex abc1234 or ab1234). You will get lots of information (like how to apply for housing) so try your best to keep it all together. Also, you will be receiving an ID number (This should be 8 digits long), different than your EUID which you will basically only use to log into things. Try your best to memorize both your EUID and ID numbers or at least save it somewhere (screenshot and favorite it for easy access) because you will use them frequently. There will be lots of other things that you will have to do over the Internet, so if you can’t quite figure it out, either call the department in charge or ask another student (benefit of Facebook).
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Most professors will communicate through Canvas (canvas.unt.edu - bookmark it!), but some will use Blackboard (learn.unt.edu) because UNT is trying to switch over to Canvas from Blackboard. Your username is your EUID that you should get through paper mail. Typically, it is your three initials (2, if you don’t have a middle name) with four numbers (ex abc1234 or ab1234). You will get lots of information (like how to apply for housing) so try your best to keep it all together. Also, you will be receiving an ID number (This should be 8 digits long), different than your EUID which you will basically only use to log into things. Try your best to memorize both your EUID and ID numbers or at least save it somewhere (screenshot and favorite it for easy access) because you will use them frequently. There will be lots of other things that you will have to do over the Internet, so if you can’t quite figure it out, either call the department in charge or ask another student (benefit of Facebook). '''DO NOT MAKE YOUR ID A PASSWORD.'''
    
Over the summer, about mid-July, you will get your roommate assignment. Contact your roommate and try to get to know them – maybe have lunch together if y’all live close. At the bare minimum, figure out who is going to bring what appliances. Usually one roommate brings the fridge, one brings the microwave depending on who already has what and maybe how far they live from TAMS- people that live farther away will usually have more stuff to bring/take back on move in/move out days, so keep that in mind. Once the rooms and roommates are decided, you will be assigned to two senior mentors that will cover your wing. We’ll talk in detail about this later in dorm life, but they will reach out to you and maybe make a wing Facebook group to bring everybody closer. Finally, the roommate assignment will say your room number and what type of room (community, suite, or private) you will get. You can look up your room and the location on the TAMS website under Student Life and then Dorm Info. You can also look up the staff, get to know them, and learn their names. This is under Student Life then Student Life Staff.
 
Over the summer, about mid-July, you will get your roommate assignment. Contact your roommate and try to get to know them – maybe have lunch together if y’all live close. At the bare minimum, figure out who is going to bring what appliances. Usually one roommate brings the fridge, one brings the microwave depending on who already has what and maybe how far they live from TAMS- people that live farther away will usually have more stuff to bring/take back on move in/move out days, so keep that in mind. Once the rooms and roommates are decided, you will be assigned to two senior mentors that will cover your wing. We’ll talk in detail about this later in dorm life, but they will reach out to you and maybe make a wing Facebook group to bring everybody closer. Finally, the roommate assignment will say your room number and what type of room (community, suite, or private) you will get. You can look up your room and the location on the TAMS website under Student Life and then Dorm Info. You can also look up the staff, get to know them, and learn their names. This is under Student Life then Student Life Staff.
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===General Info on the Dorms===
 
===General Info on the Dorms===
Well, it’s finally time to move into your very first dorm. This first week will be exciting yet busy. It can be a bit crowded, but the staff at TAMS tries really hard, especially on move-in day, to make it as painless as possible. Now, if you packed a ton of stuff, I recommend going earlier in the day. This is because there will be a bunch of TAMS student leaders, consisting of senior mentors and execs, who will help you move all of your things if you get there early; however, as the day goes by, they will get more tired. And, if you brought a lot of things, then you will need more time to unpack. With that being said, if you live a good distance away, do yourself a favor and simply spend the night in Denton the day before moving in. While you are moving in, leave the door open. For one, the dorm will be hot. Really hot. Also, if you have your door open, people like your senior mentors feel more welcome to drop in and introduce themselves. However, the doors usually don’t stay open on their own - you have to secure it with a hook that’s attached to either your closet door or higher cabinet door. Some doors don’t have hooks, so in that case you’ll just have to use your textbooks or something as a doorstop. They also tend to slam, so be careful! You can attach a piece of tape onto the hook and the door to help keep it from slamming. Your room will either be community, suite, or private which generally make up the different wings. A wing is suite, B wing is community & private, C wing is community, and D wing (for mostly seniors) aka Siberia is private. I’ll go over the basics of each room, then the pros and cons.
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Well, it’s finally time to move into your very first dorm. This first week will be exciting yet busy. It can be a bit crowded, but the staff at TAMS tries really hard, especially on move-in day, to make it as painless as possible. Now, if you packed a ton of stuff, I recommend going earlier in the day. This is because there will be a bunch of TAMS student leaders, consisting of senior mentors and execs, who will help you move all of your things if you get there early; however, as the day goes by, they will get more tired. And, if you brought a lot of things, then you will need more time to unpack. With that being said, if you live a good distance away, do yourself a favor and simply spend the night in Denton the day before moving in. While you are moving in, leave the door open. For one, the dorm will be hot. Really hot. Also, if you have your door open, people like your senior mentors feel more welcome to drop in and introduce themselves. However, the doors usually don’t stay open on their own - you have to secure it with a hook that’s attached to either your closet door or higher cabinet door. Some doors don’t have hooks, so in that case you’ll just have to use your textbooks or something as a doorstop. They also tend to slam, so be careful! You can attach a piece of tape onto the hook and the door to help keep it from slamming. (This works with varying levels of effectiveness depending on where you live) Your room will either be community, suite, or private which generally make up the different wings. A wing is suite, B wing is community & private, C wing is community, and D wing (for mostly seniors) aka Siberia is private. I’ll go over the basics of each room, then the pros and cons.
    
The community rooms share a big bathroom with the twenty or so other people in your wing, although people not in your wing will sometimes use this bathroom as well. The bathroom has 5 toilet stalls, 5 shower stalls, and 2 sinks (you also have a sink in your room). One pro to having a community bathroom is that you get the largest room with the largest closet. Another is that you don’t have to clean it at all – a janitor will clean it every weekday. A minor setback is that the bathroom is cleaned every day during a set time, so if you gotta go, you have to use another bathroom (but that is no biggie). The last drawback to having a community is that, well, it is community and in the hallway, so you would have to wear a bathrobe or clothes to go shower. This can be awkward for some people, but it also makes it weird to shower late. You’re not supposed to shower after 12 AM, so remember to get in before then!
 
The community rooms share a big bathroom with the twenty or so other people in your wing, although people not in your wing will sometimes use this bathroom as well. The bathroom has 5 toilet stalls, 5 shower stalls, and 2 sinks (you also have a sink in your room). One pro to having a community bathroom is that you get the largest room with the largest closet. Another is that you don’t have to clean it at all – a janitor will clean it every weekday. A minor setback is that the bathroom is cleaned every day during a set time, so if you gotta go, you have to use another bathroom (but that is no biggie). The last drawback to having a community is that, well, it is community and in the hallway, so you would have to wear a bathrobe or clothes to go shower. This can be awkward for some people, but it also makes it weird to shower late. You’re not supposed to shower after 12 AM, so remember to get in before then!
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Eventually, the party will end and you will go to class. Be sure to bring, at the bare minimum, some paper (maybe a spiral) and pencils/pens. Don’t worry about your first day of class. Just make sure you actually show up and go to the right class. Before class actually starts, you will have some free time that you should most definitely use to locate all of your classes to avoid being late/lost. It also helps to find at least one person in the same class as you for every class before school starts so that you aren’t alone. Sometimes professors lecture during the first class instead of just going over the syllabus; math professors especially tend to get going right off the bat.
 
Eventually, the party will end and you will go to class. Be sure to bring, at the bare minimum, some paper (maybe a spiral) and pencils/pens. Don’t worry about your first day of class. Just make sure you actually show up and go to the right class. Before class actually starts, you will have some free time that you should most definitely use to locate all of your classes to avoid being late/lost. It also helps to find at least one person in the same class as you for every class before school starts so that you aren’t alone. Sometimes professors lecture during the first class instead of just going over the syllabus; math professors especially tend to get going right off the bat.
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===TAMS Dictionary===
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===TAMS (Urban) Dictionary===
 
'''[[Lucky|Albino Squirrel]]''' – An urban legend of UNT. If you see it (the actual animal or squirrel), be sure to snap a picture! It’s good luck and will help you ace your exams :-)
 
'''[[Lucky|Albino Squirrel]]''' – An urban legend of UNT. If you see it (the actual animal or squirrel), be sure to snap a picture! It’s good luck and will help you ace your exams :-)
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'''Closed Weekend''' – Sorry, but you can’t stay at TAMS forever. Scheduled once to twice a month, this is when we go home for a weekend (or for some simply off campus, maybe with a host family). It’s a great opportunity to get some shopping done, spend some time with the family, and hang out with friends from back home. @Houston people: we have a coach bus (we call it the Houston Bus or H-Bus) that takes us to Houston every closed weekend. It has chargers and crappy wifi but it’s honestly not too shabby.
 
'''Closed Weekend''' – Sorry, but you can’t stay at TAMS forever. Scheduled once to twice a month, this is when we go home for a weekend (or for some simply off campus, maybe with a host family). It’s a great opportunity to get some shopping done, spend some time with the family, and hang out with friends from back home. @Houston people: we have a coach bus (we call it the Houston Bus or H-Bus) that takes us to Houston every closed weekend. It has chargers and crappy wifi but it’s honestly not too shabby.
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'''[[Clubs]]''' – There are probably over 50 clubs and committees at TAMS, so it’s kind of impossible to explain it all here. However, there will be a “Club Bonanza” at Fall Orientation where you will get to know the clubs a little better. Definitely try out all the clubs you’re interested in in the beginning of the year (you never know, it might surprise you!), but try to eventually narrow down the clubs you participate in throughout 1st semester. Most clubs hold GA s (general assemblies) at a set time and location each week, so be sure to go to those for information on events, fun activities, volunteering opportunities, etc.
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'''[[Clubs]]''' – There are probably over 50 clubs and committees at TAMS, so it’s kind of impossible to explain it all here. However, there will be a “Club Bonanza” at Fall Orientation where you will get to know the clubs a little better. Definitely try out all the clubs you’re interested in in the beginning of the year (you never know, it might surprise you!), but try to eventually narrow down the clubs you participate in throughout 1st semester. Most clubs hold GA's (general assemblies) at a set time and location each week, so be sure to go to those for information on events, fun activities, volunteering opportunities, etc.
    
'''[[Community Service]]''' – There is no community service requirement for graduation; however, volunteering is highly encouraged. Many clubs at TAMS like HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere), Ambassadors, RO (Research Organization), TMS (TAMS Medical Society), and JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) have frequent service opportunities. If you want to be in National Honor Society you have to do 50 hours over the two years, with 25 by the end of junior year. To graduate with an honors diploma, one of the requirements is 80 hours over two years (40 by the end of junior year). Finally, there is Gold Cord, where you must do over 100 hours (50 by the end of junior year), but it is only given to a handful of people who apply.
 
'''[[Community Service]]''' – There is no community service requirement for graduation; however, volunteering is highly encouraged. Many clubs at TAMS like HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere), Ambassadors, RO (Research Organization), TMS (TAMS Medical Society), and JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) have frequent service opportunities. If you want to be in National Honor Society you have to do 50 hours over the two years, with 25 by the end of junior year. To graduate with an honors diploma, one of the requirements is 80 hours over two years (40 by the end of junior year). Finally, there is Gold Cord, where you must do over 100 hours (50 by the end of junior year), but it is only given to a handful of people who apply.
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'''[[Documentation|Docking]]''' – This term is used in terms of discipline. Our discipline system is based on a 100 point scale (points are not good) and once you reach 100, you are kicked out. The handbook gives examples of things and their associated point value. Docking itself is a term of receiving points (Docking is short for documenting). However, you may be able to get the points reduced or removed by going to JBoard (Judicial Board)- it depends on the severity of the offense.
 
'''[[Documentation|Docking]]''' – This term is used in terms of discipline. Our discipline system is based on a 100 point scale (points are not good) and once you reach 100, you are kicked out. The handbook gives examples of things and their associated point value. Docking itself is a term of receiving points (Docking is short for documenting). However, you may be able to get the points reduced or removed by going to JBoard (Judicial Board)- it depends on the severity of the offense.
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'''[[Executive|Exec]]/[[Committee Head|Committee head]]''' – An exec, or executive, is a person who has a leadership position in a club like president or secretary. Only seniors can have exec positions, but juniors can apply during “Exec Season” around February-March. Committee heads are pretty much found only in HOPE & TMS and they are in charge of their own specific committee, such as HOPE’s Pet Shelter.
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'''[[Executive|Exec]]/[[Committee Head|Committee head]]''' – An exec, or executive, is a person who has a leadership position in a club like president or secretary. Only seniors can have exec positions, but juniors can apply during “Exec Season” around February-March. Committee heads are found in a couple clubs such as TCS, CSO, and HOPE, such as HOPE’s Pet Shelter.
    
'''Grand Senior''' – This is one of your senior’s seniors. They are two years/grades older than you and are typically now in their first “real” year of college. The seniors’ seniors are your grand seniors.
 
'''Grand Senior''' – This is one of your senior’s seniors. They are two years/grades older than you and are typically now in their first “real” year of college. The seniors’ seniors are your grand seniors.
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'''[[Kitchenette]]''' – A kitchen on the second floor where students bake or cook. It has an oven/stove, pots and pans, and some cooking supplies as well. This room can be checked out for two hours at a time from the Front Desk.
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'''[[Kitchenette]]''' – A kitchen on the second floor where students bake or cook. It has an oven/stove, pots and pans, and some cooking supplies as well. This room can be checked out for two hours at a time from the Front Desk. Please do not burn the kitchenette down.
    
'''Lofting Beds''' – Because dorm rooms are so small, especially considering you are sharing it with a roommate, lofting beds are highly recommended. You can either bunk your beds together, or raise your bed and put your desk under (more common). Common mistake to avoid: slamming your head on the bed while getting up from your desk.
 
'''Lofting Beds''' – Because dorm rooms are so small, especially considering you are sharing it with a roommate, lofting beds are highly recommended. You can either bunk your beds together, or raise your bed and put your desk under (more common). Common mistake to avoid: slamming your head on the bed while getting up from your desk.
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'''[[Smitty Study|Smitty]]''' – This is the other common room found on the first floor. It has a piano, a ping pong table, and a pool table. Because it is known as “Smitty Study,” quiet hours are observed and no piano, ping pong, or pool can be played. Smaller clubs have meetings here.
 
'''[[Smitty Study|Smitty]]''' – This is the other common room found on the first floor. It has a piano, a ping pong table, and a pool table. Because it is known as “Smitty Study,” quiet hours are observed and no piano, ping pong, or pool can be played. Smaller clubs have meetings here.
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'''tams.club''' – tams.club is a website maintained by CSO that clubs will use to schedule their events, GA's, volunteering, competitions, etc. You can use it to make room reservations and van requests.
    
'''TAMSiAM''' – This is a website that you can use your EUID/password combination to request privileges (travel), view disciplinary points, and record community service hours, etc.
 
'''TAMSiAM''' – This is a website that you can use your EUID/password combination to request privileges (travel), view disciplinary points, and record community service hours, etc.
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====<big>Buildings & Cafeterias</big>====
 
====<big>Buildings & Cafeterias</big>====
 
[[File:UNT Campus Map 2021.png|alt=UNT Main Campus Map 2021|thumb|UNT Main Campus Map 2021]]
 
[[File:UNT Campus Map 2021.png|alt=UNT Main Campus Map 2021|thumb|UNT Main Campus Map 2021]]
'''Sage''' – This is where your second semester biology class will be. You’ll also have Seminar here every other week. It was just recently renovated too and you can study here. TAMS admin also work on the third floor, so you may come here if you have a meeting with any admin.  
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'''Sage''' – This is where your second semester biology class will be. You’ll also generally have Seminar here. It was just recently renovated too and you can study here. TAMS admin also work on the third floor, so you may come here if you have a meeting with any admin.  
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'''Art Building''' - This is the newest academic building on campus. Some math courses may be held in this building along with courses for students in the [[Visual Arts and Design Track|visual art]] track. The Art Building has many lounge areas perfect for individual and group studying.
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'''Art Building''' - This is the newest academic building on campus. Some math courses may be held in this building along with courses for students in the [[Visual Arts and Design Track|visual art]] track. The Art Building has many lounge areas perfect for individual and group studying. Supposedly, they'll be opening an Einstein Bros here.
    
'''[[Bruce Hall|Bruce Cafeteria]]''' – This is the cafeteria right next to TAMS, so you will probably spend most of your time eating here. The quality of the food is alright, but it gets worse as the year goes on. The general consensus is the farther you have to walk, the better the cafeteria is.
 
'''[[Bruce Hall|Bruce Cafeteria]]''' – This is the cafeteria right next to TAMS, so you will probably spend most of your time eating here. The quality of the food is alright, but it gets worse as the year goes on. The general consensus is the farther you have to walk, the better the cafeteria is.
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'''[[Discovery Park]]''' - Discovery Park (DP or DPark) is a satellite campus located north of the main UNT campus roughly taking 15 minutes via bus. All computer science and engineering courses are held here. Fun fact: the building used to be owned by TI for missile testing and development hence the bland building style.
 
'''[[Discovery Park]]''' - Discovery Park (DP or DPark) is a satellite campus located north of the main UNT campus roughly taking 15 minutes via bus. All computer science and engineering courses are held here. Fun fact: the building used to be owned by TI for missile testing and development hence the bland building style.
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'''[[Eagle Landing]]''' - Eagle Landing features retail-like dining in the form of a food hall (all you can eat!). From word-of-mouth, Eagle Landing has more variety and better quality food than the other dining halls.
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'''[[Eagle Landing]]''' - This cafeteria consists of seven different cuisines in a food-hall style setting. It’s pretty solid. It has variety in terms of the different cuisines, but it has the same stuff every day. One of the better dining halls on campus. (Opinions vary).
    
'''ESSC (Eagle Student Service Center)''' – This is a place where you go to handle the big problems, like financial aid or IDs. Also, some elective classes, biology, and computer science will be taken here. This is also where you will go to get your transcript and other official documents.
 
'''ESSC (Eagle Student Service Center)''' – This is a place where you go to handle the big problems, like financial aid or IDs. Also, some elective classes, biology, and computer science will be taken here. This is also where you will go to get your transcript and other official documents.
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'''[[Maple Hall|Maple Cafeteria]]''' – Also known as the Mean Greens Cafeteria, this cafeteria is the same distance as Kerr, but it is the only all vegan cafeteria on campus. It actually has really great quality food, so if you want to try something new or you’re looking to lose a few pounds, try it out! (It’s legitimately really good I’m not even vegetarian or vegan and I love Maple)
 
'''[[Maple Hall|Maple Cafeteria]]''' – Also known as the Mean Greens Cafeteria, this cafeteria is the same distance as Kerr, but it is the only all vegan cafeteria on campus. It actually has really great quality food, so if you want to try something new or you’re looking to lose a few pounds, try it out! (It’s legitimately really good I’m not even vegetarian or vegan and I love Maple)
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'''North and South Music Practice''' – These facilities consist of over 240 practice rooms that TAMS students are able to reserve and include spaces with upright pianos, grand pianos, and rooms without pianos.
    
'''Physics Building''' – This is where physics and some math classes are held.
 
'''Physics Building''' – This is where physics and some math classes are held.
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'''Life Sciences Building''' - This is where some chem and bio classes are held. Most bio research is also done in this building. It’s split up into life sciences A and life sciences B - B is newer, and in general if you have a class it’ll probably be in A.
 
'''Life Sciences Building''' - This is where some chem and bio classes are held. Most bio research is also done in this building. It’s split up into life sciences A and life sciences B - B is newer, and in general if you have a class it’ll probably be in A.
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'''[[Pohl Recreation Center|Rec]]''' – A beautiful workout center just down the street. Something awesome about the place: the elliptical machines help to power the facility. It has a good aerobic and weight room with various courts, a track, and a leisure and lap pool. It’s super fancy, so check it out.
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'''[[Pohl Recreation Center]]''' – A beautiful workout center just down the street. Something awesome about the place: the elliptical machines help to power the facility. It has a good aerobic and weight room with various courts, a track, and a leisure and lap pool. It’s super fancy, so check it out.
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'''[[Sycamore Hall]]''' - This building is rather old but has a smaller, more lowkey library. Good place for studying if you want to be by yourself and relatively close to all the classes. Some of the lights are motion sensor, so if you see a dark area, you can probably still try to walk there.
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'''[[Sycamore Hall]]''' - This building is rather old but has a smaller, more lowkey library. Good place for studying if you want to be by yourself and relatively close to all the classes. Some of the lights are motion activated, so if you see a dark area, you can probably still try to walk there.
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'''[[Union]]''' – The Union is one of the newer buildings on campus. You probably came here for interview day or preview day. It has various fast food options that take flex (see Meal Plans) such as Starbucks, Burger King, Taco Bueno, Fuzzy’s (extended hours), Chick fil a, etc. The bus to discovery park (the compsci and engineering part of campus) has a major stop at the union.
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'''[[Union]]''' – The Union is one of the newer buildings on campus. You probably came here for interview day or preview day. It has various fast food options that take flex (see Meal Plans) such as Starbucks, Burger King, Which Wich, Taco Bueno, Fuzzy’s (extended hours), Chick fil a, etc. The bus to discovery park (the compsci and engineering part of campus) has a major stop at the union.
    
'''[[Victory Hall|Victory Cafeteria]]''' – This cafeteria serves higher quality food, but the drawback is that you have to either take a bus there (around 15 minutes) or walk across the highway (about 1.2 miles). The bus stop is across the street from Kerr. Buses run around every 15 minutes.
 
'''[[Victory Hall|Victory Cafeteria]]''' – This cafeteria serves higher quality food, but the drawback is that you have to either take a bus there (around 15 minutes) or walk across the highway (about 1.2 miles). The bus stop is across the street from Kerr. Buses run around every 15 minutes.
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'''[[West Hall|West Cafeteria]]''' – This is another close cafeteria and they serve really good home style food (meaning lots of butter and fat). After reopening in 2019, West now serves food without the 8 big allergens and gluten.
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'''[[West Hall|West Cafeteria]]''' – This is another close cafeteria and they serve really good home style food (meaning lots of butter and fat). After reopening in 2019, West now serves food without the 8 big allergens and gluten. (west is the best)
    
'''[[Willis Library]]''' – This is the library at UNT. Obviously, there are books to check out, but lots of people study here and there is a computer lab attached where you can print papers for free. This is definitely a great place to work or keep away from distractions.
 
'''[[Willis Library]]''' – This is the library at UNT. Obviously, there are books to check out, but lots of people study here and there is a computer lab attached where you can print papers for free. This is definitely a great place to work or keep away from distractions.
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'''[[Wooten Hall]]''' - Many of you will have a math class here, and it has a little cafe on the first front. The muffins and coffee are pretty decent if you forgot to grab breakfast before class. It’s behind the union too, so it is pretty far.
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'''[[Wooten Hall]]''' - Many of you will have a math class here, and it has a little café on the first front. The muffins and coffee are pretty decent if you forgot to grab breakfast before class. It’s behind the union too, so it is pretty far.
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Ok so yeah there might be a lot of buildings, but you have A LOT of freetime the first month so take advantage of this time and explore the buildings. Try to find places that are not only good to relax, but also places you like to study in... trust me... you don’t have to be stuck in your room or just the library. Try to expand your study environments. It really helps during midterms and finals when you might feel overwhelmed.
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Ok so yeah there might be a lot of buildings, but you have A LOT of free time the first month so take advantage of this time and explore the buildings. Try to find places that are not only good to relax, but also places you like to study in... trust me... you don’t have to be stuck in your room or just the library. Try to expand your study environments. It really helps during midterms and finals when you might feel overwhelmed.
    
====<big>Official Clubs of TAMS</big>====
 
====<big>Official Clubs of TAMS</big>====
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You can get involved with clubs in all type of ways. First off, attend GAs. The execs will have sign ins at the end of the GA; be aware that attendance will be used when determining who they pick as their successors (a few of you). Clubs also have a lot of volunteering opportunities, and this is a great way to get involved with the Denton community and get volunteer hours.
 
You can get involved with clubs in all type of ways. First off, attend GAs. The execs will have sign ins at the end of the GA; be aware that attendance will be used when determining who they pick as their successors (a few of you). Clubs also have a lot of volunteering opportunities, and this is a great way to get involved with the Denton community and get volunteer hours.
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Now to become an executive of a club you must show commitment towards the club you’re applying for. That doesn’t mean you have to have 50+ hours racked up from volunteering and attended all the GAs. Execs are looking for people who are passionate about their clubs and are willing to put the time and effort into continuing their club’s legacy. During exec season, you can apply for multiple clubs, but being an exec is very time-consuming and involve significant responsibility. Therefore if you are offered multiple official positions, you can only accept one. “Exec season” officially starts at the end of February and this can be an especially stressful time time with all of the school work and competitions, on top of applications and interviews. All the seniors did it, so you can too! Each club has their own selection process, but typically, it’ll entail a paper app, interviews and group projects with cuts between each until only the new board remains. Keep in mind that you must have a GPA of 3.1 or higher to hold a position.
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Now to become an executive of a club you must show commitment towards the club you’re applying for. That doesn’t mean you have to have 50+ hours racked up from volunteering and attending all the GAs. Execs are looking for people who are passionate about their clubs and are willing to put the time and effort into continuing their club’s legacy. During exec season, you can apply for multiple clubs, but being an exec is very time-consuming and involve significant responsibility. Therefore if you are offered multiple official positions, you can only accept one. “Exec season” officially starts at the end of February and this can be an especially stressful time time with all of the school work and competitions, on top of applications and interviews. All the seniors did it, so you can too! Each club has their own selection process, but typically, it’ll entail a paper app, interviews and group projects with cuts between each until only the new board remains. Keep in mind that you must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to hold a position.
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Here’s a list of all the official clubs and a brief description of what each club does. If you’re interested, you can visit the TAMS website or the club website, if it has one (linked after the club description).
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Here’s a list of all the official clubs and a brief description of what each club does. If you’re interested, you can visit the TAMS website or the club website, if it has one (linked after the club description). Most clubs have Facebook groups that are definitely worth joining!
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'''[[Ambassadors]]''' - Ambassadors works to bridge the gap between current students and prospective TAMSters by allowing students to share their experiences. Every month, Ambassadors host Preview Days and Spend-A-Days where students all over Texas come to TAMS and experience what’s it like to be a TAMS student. Ambassadors also assist the TAMS Admissions Department with Interview Day and Outreach processes. This club is not only a great way to get consistent volunteer hours, but is also a fun way to meet prospective students!!
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'''[[Ambassadors]]''' - Ambassadors work to bridge the gap between current students and prospective TAMSters by allowing students to share their experiences. Every month, Ambassadors host Preview Days and Spend-A-Days where students all over Texas come to TAMS and experience what it's like to be a TAMS student. Ambassadors also assist the TAMS Admissions Department with Interview Day and Outreach processes. This club is not only a great way to get consistent volunteer hours, but is also a fun way to meet prospective students!!
    
'''[[Ballot]]''' - Ballot is TAMS's club for Model UN, speech, debate, and political awareness. They put on events such as SciMun, an annual conference for high school students, as well as TAMS Talks, the TAMS version of Ted Talks.
 
'''[[Ballot]]''' - Ballot is TAMS's club for Model UN, speech, debate, and political awareness. They put on events such as SciMun, an annual conference for high school students, as well as TAMS Talks, the TAMS version of Ted Talks.
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'''[[Computer Science Organization|CSO]]''' - the Computer Science Organization (CSO) is in charge of all computer science competitions, hackathons, and anything computer science oriented! Be sure to visit https://cso.tams.club/ for more information.
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'''[[Computer Science Organization|CSO]]''' - The Computer Science Organization (CSO) is in charge of all computer science competitions, hackathons, and anything computer science oriented! Be sure to visit for https://cso.tams.club/ for more information.
    
'''[[Dull Roar]]''' - Dull Roar is a music group at the Texas Academy of Math and Science with a primary symphony orchestra as well as ensembles and is introducing many committees such as an Acapella, Composition, Music Theory, and Nursing Home/Hospital volunteering.
 
'''[[Dull Roar]]''' - Dull Roar is a music group at the Texas Academy of Math and Science with a primary symphony orchestra as well as ensembles and is introducing many committees such as an Acapella, Composition, Music Theory, and Nursing Home/Hospital volunteering.
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'''[[Fellowship for the Advancement of Cultural Education of Students|FACES]]''' - The Fellowship for the Advancement of Cultural Education for Students is a multicultural club at UNT whose mission is to unite people by embracing cultural diversity, realize and respect different perspectives, and discuss and bring awareness to pressing global issues. FACES now has expanded to have committees that include volunteering for refugees, fundraising, and drives. To learn more about FACES visit http://facesunt.weebly.com/. Let’s FACE it, culture is the new trend.
 
'''[[Fellowship for the Advancement of Cultural Education of Students|FACES]]''' - The Fellowship for the Advancement of Cultural Education for Students is a multicultural club at UNT whose mission is to unite people by embracing cultural diversity, realize and respect different perspectives, and discuss and bring awareness to pressing global issues. FACES now has expanded to have committees that include volunteering for refugees, fundraising, and drives. To learn more about FACES visit http://facesunt.weebly.com/. Let’s FACE it, culture is the new trend.
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'''[[Helping Other People Everywhere|HOPE]]''' - HOPE is a club at TAMS that provides a variety of volunteering opportunities to students through our 13 committees, including Pet Shelter, DIY Donations, Boys and Girls Club, Teen Court, High School Tutoring, Henna for Hearts, and many more. We host the HOPE Auction and Dance, a wildly popular two-night social event that attracts all TAMS students and raises money for a nonprofit or charity of choice. HOPE also hosts 4 Carter Blood Drives throughout the year. You can visit our website, [https://www.tamshope.org tamshope.org] for more info, news, committee information, and cute pictures. STAY WOKE FOR HOPE!!
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'''[[Helping Other People Everywhere|HOPE]]''' - HOPE is a club at TAMS that provides a variety of volunteering opportunities to students through our 16 committees, including Pet Shelter, DIY Donations, Boys and Girls Club, Teen Court, High School Tutoring, Henna for Hearts, and many more. They host the HOPE Auction and Dance, a wildly popular two-night social event that attracts all TAMS students and raises money for a nonprofit or charity of choice. HOPE also hosts 4 Carter Blood Drives throughout the year. You can visit their website, [https://www.tamshope.org tamshope.org] for more info, news, committee information, and cute pictures. STAY WOKE FOR HOPE!!
    
'''[[Junior Engineering Technical Society|JETS]]''' '''& [[Robotics]]''' - The mission of the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) of TAMS is to cultivate a passion for science, engineering, and technology. During the year, they participate in numerous events including Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, and FIRST Robotics, which helps develop our new generation of STEM professionals with diverse interests and opportunities. In addition, they have an extensive outreach program to inspire STEM interest throughout our community, making scientific discovery accessible to all students.
 
'''[[Junior Engineering Technical Society|JETS]]''' '''& [[Robotics]]''' - The mission of the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) of TAMS is to cultivate a passion for science, engineering, and technology. During the year, they participate in numerous events including Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, and FIRST Robotics, which helps develop our new generation of STEM professionals with diverse interests and opportunities. In addition, they have an extensive outreach program to inspire STEM interest throughout our community, making scientific discovery accessible to all students.
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'''[[TAMS Academic Society]]''' - TAS's goal is to provide academic support as well as numerous volunteering opportunities through its many committees. Throughout the year, they host review sessions before tests, fundraisers for She's the First (an international education nonprofit) and have a variety of experienced tutors for any subject. Their website is updated regularly throughout the school year for easy access to tutors, study materials, and information about volunteering.
 
'''[[TAMS Academic Society]]''' - TAS's goal is to provide academic support as well as numerous volunteering opportunities through its many committees. Throughout the year, they host review sessions before tests, fundraisers for She's the First (an international education nonprofit) and have a variety of experienced tutors for any subject. Their website is updated regularly throughout the school year for easy access to tutors, study materials, and information about volunteering.
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There are also a plethora of unofficial clubs at TAMS such as Student Council, TAMS culinary society, the Supply, Morals & Ethics, SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance), Linguistics Society, etc. Basically anything you can think of and more!
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There are also a plethora of unofficial clubs at TAMS such as Student Council, TAMS Culinary Society, SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance), Linguistics Society, etc. Basically anything you can think of and more!
    
====<big>VIP's (Very Important People) of TAMS</big>====
 
====<big>VIP's (Very Important People) of TAMS</big>====
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'''[[Francine Hazy]]''' - She is your academic counselor. Francinee is like a school counselor but WAY better. For one, they actually get to know all of our names. Also, Francine enjoys getting to know students on a personal level. If you are ever stressed over a class, having problems within your friend group, or just want to chat, Francine is the perfect person for the job.
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[[Kit Shattuck|'''Kit Shattuck''']] -  She is also an academic counselor. She is always there to help with any questions you may have about courses or professors. You might find her swiping (taking attendance) for your classes. Make sure to reach out to Kit as she is a very nice and nice person to talk to. An added bonus is she has a puppy named Daisy that is really cute.
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'''Patrick Turnock/James Rushton/Tosha Griggs''' -  These three people make up the counseling (mental health not academic) staff for every student at TAMS. You can go to them for personal counseling (therapy) and/or career counseling for anything that’s concerning you like relationships, personal identity/growth, adjusting to your life at TAMS, and figuring out what you want to major in or what careers you’re interested in. All you have to do is reach out to any of these people and make an appointment. Dr. Turnock’s office is in Sage room 320, and James’s and Tosha’s offices can be found in McConnell behind the SAC.  (TAMSWiki warning: Don't tell them too much, they aren't bound by the usual rules of confidentiality and can tell your parents and other admin members.)
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'''Adam Williamson''' - Adam is one of the two hall directors at TAMS. Hall directors are pretty much the bosses of McConnell - they’re in charge of the PAs and RAs and indirectly run everything. If there’s ever an issue that the RAs or PAs can’t handle, it goes to Adam. Adam is extremely nice and easy to talk to, and if you have any questions about how McConnell runs he’s definitely a great person to ask (so is your RA, of course!).
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'''Aaliyah Navarro''' - Aaliyah is the other hall director that works hand in hand with Adam. Like Adam, Aaliyah keeps McConnel running smoothly by supervising RA’s and students alike. She also has a cute puppy named Enzo that she lets you pet, on some occasions you will find Enzo and Aaliyah outside having the time of their lives.
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'''[[Sam Earls]]''' - <s>He is your academic counselor. Melissa and Sam switch off every other year, and they stay with you for your two years here at TAMS. Both of the counselors are like the counselors at your old school but way, WAY better. For one, they actually get to know all of our names. Also, he goes to Maple for lunch often and will sit with TAMS student, and he also goes to the rec and play basketball.</s> ''Sam is now the Assistant Director of Academic Services at The [[wikipedia:Western_Kentucky_University#The_Carol_Martin_Gatton_Academy_of_Mathematics_and_Science_in_Kentucky|Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science]].''
 
'''[[Sam Earls]]''' - <s>He is your academic counselor. Melissa and Sam switch off every other year, and they stay with you for your two years here at TAMS. Both of the counselors are like the counselors at your old school but way, WAY better. For one, they actually get to know all of our names. Also, he goes to Maple for lunch often and will sit with TAMS student, and he also goes to the rec and play basketball.</s> ''Sam is now the Assistant Director of Academic Services at The [[wikipedia:Western_Kentucky_University#The_Carol_Martin_Gatton_Academy_of_Mathematics_and_Science_in_Kentucky|Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science]].''
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====<big>Meal Plans</big>====
 
====<big>Meal Plans</big>====
There are 6 general meal plans : 5 Day Basic, 5 Day Value, 5 day Superflex, 7 Day Basic, 7 Day Value and 7 day Super Flex. The Basic/Value/Superflex is just the amount of flex included with each plan. All of the cafeterias will be open Monday-Friday, but only the Union will be open on Saturday, so you’ll be able to spend your Flex (UNT currency that you can spend at the Union or other food places on campus) there on those days. The “Full Week” or 7 day meal plan just allows you to eat meals at Kerr on Saturdays and Sundays in addition to weekdays. The 5 day meal plan is great if you plan on heading home a lot or wanting a change in meals. With this being said, there are tons of cheap dining places around campus that seniors will show you or that you find on your own. If you don’t want to go out, you can simply have ramen, mac and cheese, or some other easy made meals, but you don’t need to stock up and get three Costco sized boxes. One thing to keep in mind, though, is only one cafeteria is open on the weekends, Kerr; additionally, it has reduced hours. With that being said, this meal plan is also good for people who are good at schedules (actually waking up on the weekends for breakfast and getting dinner before it closes). On main campus, Kerr is also the farthest dining hall to walk to, so keep that in mind. If you feel like you made the wrong choice regarding meal plans, then don’t fret. If it is early on in the semester, I think within the first two weeks, you can change your meal plan, no matter what. After that though, you can only upgrade your meal plan from 5 day to 7 day; downsizing would have to wait until next semester. I personally recommend the 5 day value because no one really likes eating at cafeterias all week (even though the food is much better than regular cafeteria food at a high school). By Friday, you’ll probably be craving Chipotle or Potbelly. Also, the 5 Day Basic has the least amount of flex ($90), so if you like the food at the Union, you’ll probably run out within the first few weeks each semester. FLEX DOES NOT CARRY OVER AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER, SO SPEND ALL OF IT.
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There are 2 meal plans, Unlimited 5 Day and Unlimited 7 Day. The other difference is the amount of flex included with each plan (225 for 5 day 400 for 7). All of the cafeterias will be open Monday-Friday, but only Eagle and the Union will are open on weekends, so you’ll be able to spend your Flex (UNT currency that you can spend at the Union or other food places on campus) there on those days. The “Full Week” or 7-day meal plan just allows you to eat meals at Eagles on Saturdays and Sundays in addition to weekdays. The 5-day meal plan is great if you plan on heading home a lot or wanting a change in meals. With this being said, there are tons of cheap dining places around campus that seniors will show you or that you find on your own. If you don’t want to go out, you can simply have ramen, mac, and cheese, or some other easy-made meals, but you don’t need to stock up and get three Costco-sized boxes. Be mindful of dining hall hours during the weekend, they may be limited, so plan around that. With that being said, this meal plan is also good for people who are good at schedules (actually waking up on the weekends for breakfast and getting dinner before it closes). If you feel like you made the wrong choice regarding meal plans, then don’t fret. If it is early on in the semester, I think within the first two weeks, you can change your meal plan, no matter what. After that though, you can only upgrade your meal plan from 5 day to 7 day; downsizing would have to wait until next semester. '''FLEX DOES NOT CARRY OVER AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER, SO SPEND ALL OF IT. BUT ALSO DON'T WASTE FOOD.'''
    
====<big>Fun Stuff!</big>====
 
====<big>Fun Stuff!</big>====
The [[clubs]] at TAMS are always planning events in addition to the weekly [[General Assembly|GAs]], so there will pretty much always be something going or coming up. A couple of them from what I can remember include MHA Pop that Bot (around September), [[Aid the Cause|TMS Aid the Cause]] (November), [[Homecoming]] (usually October), [[Dr. TAMS|Ambassadors Dr. TAMS]] (October), [[HOPE Auction]] (February), [[Prom]] (March or April), Holi (April), Battle of the Halls (April), etc.
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The [[clubs]] at TAMS are always planning events in addition to the weekly [[General Assembly|GAs]], so there will pretty much always be something going or coming up. A couple of them from what I can remember include MHA Pop that Bot (around September), [[Aid the Cause|TMS Aid the Cause]] (November), [[Homecoming]] (usually October), [[Dr. TAMS|Ambassadors Dr. TAMS]] (October), [[HOPE Auction]] (February), [[Aid the Cause|TMS Aid the Cause]] (January), [[Prom]] (March or April), Holi (April), Battle of the Halls (April), etc.
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Outside [[McConnell Hall|Mcconnell]], there are always events going on around campus, so check out the signs along the walkways on campus. UNT often has cultural festivals (Korean, Japanese, etc.), movie showings, speakers, and performances. The [[Pohl Recreation Center|rec]] also has a lot of fun options like rock climbing (usually requires a pass, but occasionally free - like the first week of school). The rec also has daily classes which includes Zumba, pilates, yoga, cycling, kickboxing and many more super fun classes! The first week of every semester is free, but after that you can buy passes for cheap (so worth).
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Outside [[McConnell Hall|McConnell]], there are always events going on around campus, so check out the signs along the walkways on campus. UNT often has cultural festivals (Korean, Japanese, etc.), movie showings, speakers, and performances. The [[Pohl Recreation Center|rec]] also has a lot of fun options like rock climbing (usually requires a pass, but occasionally free - like the first week of school). The rec also has daily classes which includes Zumba, pilates, yoga, cycling, kickboxing and many more super fun classes! The first week of every semester is free, but after that you can buy passes for cheap (so worth).
    
==Social Life==
 
==Social Life==
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* Life at TAMS can be pretty hectic and emotionally overwhelming for people remember to take time for yourself and YOUR HEALTH. Not to scare you, just remember that your health really is more important than school. If you're sick or tired, you won't do well anyway. Take advantage of those meal plans. Eat actual food and please please please sleep! Just because you’re now in college and don’t have as many classes as you used to, is not an excuse to stay up late. We advise you to fall into a regular sleep pattern/schedule - try your best to get at least seven hours of sleep each night!
 
* Life at TAMS can be pretty hectic and emotionally overwhelming for people remember to take time for yourself and YOUR HEALTH. Not to scare you, just remember that your health really is more important than school. If you're sick or tired, you won't do well anyway. Take advantage of those meal plans. Eat actual food and please please please sleep! Just because you’re now in college and don’t have as many classes as you used to, is not an excuse to stay up late. We advise you to fall into a regular sleep pattern/schedule - try your best to get at least seven hours of sleep each night!
 
* Don't be stupid or obviously rude, but live a little at TAMS too. especially for the first few weeks, go out of your way to meet new people and make new friends. Take full advantage of all the new opportunities and then whittle them for based on time and interest.
 
* Don't be stupid or obviously rude, but live a little at TAMS too. especially for the first few weeks, go out of your way to meet new people and make new friends. Take full advantage of all the new opportunities and then whittle them for based on time and interest.
* Go talk to Sam whenever you have some downtime. He is going to become your new best friend and academic advisor. Sam is very nice and you all will get really close with him, so go to his office and talk to him if you ever need some advice or just want someone to talk to.
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* Go talk to your counselor whenever you have some downtime. They are going to become your new best friend and academic advisor. Hazy and Kit are very nice and you all will get really close with them, so go to their office and talk to them if you ever need some advice or just want someone to talk to.
 
* Some people do research and that’s cool, but don’t feel pressured or overwhelmed. Some people join labs that they regret because they went too early. Take your time finding the right professor if you want to research. Of course, don't be afraid to start soon either if you're ready; hesitating is something that you can end up regretting too. Refer to the Research Organization’s guide or message any seniors/execs (seriously we all love to help you guys).
 
* Some people do research and that’s cool, but don’t feel pressured or overwhelmed. Some people join labs that they regret because they went too early. Take your time finding the right professor if you want to research. Of course, don't be afraid to start soon either if you're ready; hesitating is something that you can end up regretting too. Refer to the Research Organization’s guide or message any seniors/execs (seriously we all love to help you guys).
 
** We recommend waiting till after the first round of tests so you can see how busy you get with studying :)
 
** We recommend waiting till after the first round of tests so you can see how busy you get with studying :)
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Biology is a tough subject with lots of information, concept grasping, and memorization. Tips that will help you succeed is to read and take notes on each chapter of the book ''before'' the lecture, that way during the lecture it was a review session and things that I was unsure of could be clarified. Start studying a week ahead of the exam, or more. Ways to study are to reread the book/notes (aloud might help), utilize masteringbio.com (username and password should be emailed to you by the counselors) – it has clarification on notes, activities, vocab, and lots of quizzes, teach a topic to someone (or a wall), quiz each other, learn vocab, etc, whatever works for you. There are usually four exams (including or excluding the final, depending on professor), and Mastering Biology assignments (depending on professor).The grades are the typical 90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, so on and so forth and the grades will be posted on blackboard. Definitely go to office hours if you need help with something.
 
Biology is a tough subject with lots of information, concept grasping, and memorization. Tips that will help you succeed is to read and take notes on each chapter of the book ''before'' the lecture, that way during the lecture it was a review session and things that I was unsure of could be clarified. Start studying a week ahead of the exam, or more. Ways to study are to reread the book/notes (aloud might help), utilize masteringbio.com (username and password should be emailed to you by the counselors) – it has clarification on notes, activities, vocab, and lots of quizzes, teach a topic to someone (or a wall), quiz each other, learn vocab, etc, whatever works for you. There are usually four exams (including or excluding the final, depending on professor), and Mastering Biology assignments (depending on professor).The grades are the typical 90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, so on and so forth and the grades will be posted on blackboard. Definitely go to office hours if you need help with something.
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'''<u>Bio Lab</u>'''
    
In addition to the regular lecture class, you will also be in a Biology Lab (This is only 1 semester long so you may have it either 1st or 2nd semester). These twice a week classes will let you interact with what you’re learning in biology. It will be taught by a grad student TA -- there are about four bio lab TA’s and the classes are mostly TAMS students. Typically, your grade consists of prelab and postlab quizzes, a lab report, a group presentation, and 2 lab practicals. The difficulty of the quizzes and lab practicals will vary greatly depending on the TA. What I recommend is before class, and before the quiz, write down all the key terms that you should know and any other things, like results. Study those really well and you should be pretty set for the quizzes. The lab report sounds exceptionally daunting, but don’t worry, if you follow the rubric, you should do well. For the lab practicals, study at least a day before kind of like a big quiz. You should get all the vocab down in addition to all the experiments and the results. These are rather challenging, so be sure to prepare well and to do well on everything else to bump this up. Finally, there is the group presentation, and, like the lab report, make sure to follow the rubric. The classes are typically Tuesday and Thursday, 1-3:30pm or 3:30-6pm. If you’re unlucky, you might have 6-8:30pm labs.
 
In addition to the regular lecture class, you will also be in a Biology Lab (This is only 1 semester long so you may have it either 1st or 2nd semester). These twice a week classes will let you interact with what you’re learning in biology. It will be taught by a grad student TA -- there are about four bio lab TA’s and the classes are mostly TAMS students. Typically, your grade consists of prelab and postlab quizzes, a lab report, a group presentation, and 2 lab practicals. The difficulty of the quizzes and lab practicals will vary greatly depending on the TA. What I recommend is before class, and before the quiz, write down all the key terms that you should know and any other things, like results. Study those really well and you should be pretty set for the quizzes. The lab report sounds exceptionally daunting, but don’t worry, if you follow the rubric, you should do well. For the lab practicals, study at least a day before kind of like a big quiz. You should get all the vocab down in addition to all the experiments and the results. These are rather challenging, so be sure to prepare well and to do well on everything else to bump this up. Finally, there is the group presentation, and, like the lab report, make sure to follow the rubric. The classes are typically Tuesday and Thursday, 1-3:30pm or 3:30-6pm. If you’re unlucky, you might have 6-8:30pm labs.
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====<big>Computer Science</big>====
 
====<big>Computer Science</big>====
Computer science is the other track offered at TAMS. The way the class is structured depends on the professor, but in general the major aspects are consistent: there are homework assignments, weekly labs, and tests. The homework assignments are coding problems that usually take a pretty long time - they assign them pretty far in advance, so definitely get cracking early. Sometimes the professor will actually point out some ways to solve difficult parts of the homework during class, so make sure you pay attention. The amount that homework is weighted in your grade is also variable. If you need help on homework, the TAs are there to help! Make sure to go to office hours and the help lab, because the homework can be tricky sometimes. CS labs are kind of like easier versions of the homework. They’re pretty much just there so that you get a chance to practice the concepts covered in class. A TA will be administering the lab, so if you get confused about something make sure to ask - the TAs want you to understand the concepts, and they’re really willing to help. Labs might have a multiple choice quiz attached to them, too - we had quizzes along with the labs first semester, but not second semester. Your professor will let you know if you have them. Quizzes and tests, of course, you can’t really ask the TAs for help on, so make sure you understand the concepts and the implementations before going into them. Quizzes may be multiple choice but tests are problem solving based, so you’ll need to know how to program the concepts covered, not just understand them. That said, your professor may let you use the textbook on the tests - we were allowed to second semester. The final is multiple choice, which is a nice respite for your fingers after furiously typing for the homework and tests the rest of the semester. Despite that, the final is not something you can blow off and not study for - it can get kinda detailed, so make sure you review the class notes.
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Computer science is the other "big" track at TAMS. The way the class is structured depends on the professor, but in general the major aspects are consistent: there are homework assignments, weekly labs, and tests. The homework assignments are coding problems that usually take a pretty long time - they assign them pretty far in advance, so definitely get cracking early. Sometimes the professor will actually point out some ways to solve difficult parts of the homework during class, so make sure you pay attention. The amount that homework is weighted in your grade is also variable. If you need help on homework, the TAs are there to help! Make sure to go to office hours and the help lab, because the homework can be tricky sometimes. CS labs are kind of like easier versions of the homework. They’re pretty much just there so that you get a chance to practice the concepts covered in class. A TA will be administering the lab, so if you get confused about something make sure to ask - the TAs want you to understand the concepts, and they’re really willing to help. Labs might have a multiple choice quiz attached to them, too - we had quizzes along with the labs first semester, but not second semester. Your professor will let you know if you have them. Quizzes and tests, of course, you can’t really ask the TAs for help on, so make sure you understand the concepts and the implementations before going into them. Quizzes may be multiple choice but tests are problem solving based, so you’ll need to know how to program the concepts covered, not just understand them. That said, your professor may let you use the textbook on the tests - we were allowed to second semester. The final is multiple choice, which is a nice respite for your fingers after furiously typing for the homework and tests the rest of the semester. Despite that, the final is not something you can blow off and not study for - it can get kinda detailed, so make sure you review the class notes.
    
Studying for CS is definitely way different than other classes, because it’s a very application based class. I would recommend going over the concepts taught and writing programs on your own that use them, to make sure you know all of their ins and outs before taking tests.
 
Studying for CS is definitely way different than other classes, because it’s a very application based class. I would recommend going over the concepts taught and writing programs on your own that use them, to make sure you know all of their ins and outs before taking tests.
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==== Engineering ====
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There are several different engineering pathways which share similarities and differences. A lot of the introductory courses are fairly easy and just touch on the subject. These may not be specific to a particular field (e.g. mechanical, electrical, etc.) but rather engineering in general. After the first semester, you’ll likely have a lab for the course, depending on what pathway you are on. Some engineering pathways make you take computer science as well. A good piece of advice for all tracks (esp. Engineering ) is to take a look at your course work (through the syllabus) before it’s assigned to try to get an idea about what to expect. If you have any questions (which you will) before classes start, ask the academic counselors, and they will definitely find someone for you to ask. The track is relatively new so there’s not too much information on it yet. Good luck!
    
====<big>Chemistry</big>====
 
====<big>Chemistry</big>====
 
There are 2 chemistry courses which you will test into at Summer O: General Chemistry & Honors General Chemistry. Honors Chem and Gen Chem DO show up differently on transcripts However, the name of the class is much less important than the grade you deserve, so put effort into whatever class you get placed in to get the grades you want!
 
There are 2 chemistry courses which you will test into at Summer O: General Chemistry & Honors General Chemistry. Honors Chem and Gen Chem DO show up differently on transcripts However, the name of the class is much less important than the grade you deserve, so put effort into whatever class you get placed in to get the grades you want!
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'''<u>Honors Chem:</u>''' Dr. Acree is teaching Honors Chem - in general the course is pretty similar to general chemistry. He really wants people to get the concepts, so make sure you study those for the tests, because not all the questions are just plugging in formulas. He has tests from previous years on his website, so definitely check those out, because they look VERY similar to the tests he’ll give you.
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===== '''<u>Honors Chem:</u>''' =====
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Dr. Acree is teaching Honors Chem - in general the course is pretty similar to general chemistry. He really wants people to get the concepts, so make sure you study those for the tests, because not all the questions are just plugging in formulas. He has tests from previous years on his website, so definitely check those out, because they look VERY similar to the tests he’ll give you.
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'''<u>Gen Chem:</u>''' The biggest difference between honors and gen is that the classrooms include UNT students. You will most likely have professor Zhang, Atkinson, Petros, Kinyanjui, or Weber first semester and you get to choose your chem professor second semester. The tests vary but they test both conceptual and application. You will most likely not be given any formulas, so you really have to study and know the material well to do well on the tests. Make sure to start studying early and take good notes during lecture. Dr. Petros records her lectures (both video and audio), so you can see and hear exactly what she covered that day. Recitation is once a week and it's where you get put into a group of 5-6 people (combined with both UNT and TAMS students) and complete a worksheet.
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===== '''<u>Gen (General) Chem:</u>''' =====
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The biggest difference between honors and gen is that the classrooms include UNT students. You will most likely have professor Zhang, Atkinson, Petros, Kinyanjui, or Weber first semester and you get to choose your chem professor second semester. The tests vary but they test both conceptual and application. You will most likely not be given any formulas, so you really have to study and know the material well to do well on the tests. Make sure to start studying early and take good notes during lecture. Dr. Petros records her lectures (both video and audio), so you can see and hear exactly what she covered that day. Recitation is once a week and it's where you get put into a group of 5-6 people (combined with both UNT and TAMS students) and complete a worksheet.
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<u>'''Chem Lab:'''</u> In addition to the lecture class, you also have a chem lab (both semesters) that is once a week. You are graded based on your labs (accuracy) and some TAs might have pre lab quizzes. You will need to provide your own goggles which you can either get from a TAMS senior or buy your own (organizations around TAMS [RO!!!!] sell them in the beginning of the year, so don't go out buying them). One thing worth noting is that there is a mix of UNT and TAMS students for a few labs.
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===== <u>'''Chem Lab:'''</u> =====
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In addition to the lecture class, you also have a chem lab (both semesters) that is once a week. You are graded based on your labs (accuracy) and some TAs might have pre lab quizzes. You will need to provide your own goggles which you can either get from a TAMS senior or buy your own (organizations around TAMS [RO!!!!] sell them in the beginning of the year, so don't go out buying them). One thing worth noting is that there is a mix of UNT and TAMS students for a few labs.
    
'''Organic Chemistry'''  
 
'''Organic Chemistry'''  
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Yay premed? Take Berhe or Subranmanium if you can. Study early since it's not really a course you can unpainfully cram for. Make sure you understand practice questions they give and use Ochem as a 2nd language
 
Yay premed? Take Berhe or Subranmanium if you can. Study early since it's not really a course you can unpainfully cram for. Make sure you understand practice questions they give and use Ochem as a 2nd language
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'''Organic Chemistry Lab'''
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====== '''Organic Chemistry Lab''' ======
 
   
Fun, beeping is really annoying(bromine smells bad)
 
Fun, beeping is really annoying(bromine smells bad)
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====<big>Math</big>====
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====<big>MATH</big>====
 
You can’t spell Texas Academy of Math and Science without *the Math*. Below is a description of the classes that you can be placed in at TAMS. You don’t get to choose your math professors, but it’s good to know what to expect.
 
You can’t spell Texas Academy of Math and Science without *the Math*. Below is a description of the classes that you can be placed in at TAMS. You don’t get to choose your math professors, but it’s good to know what to expect.
    
KEEP IN MIND that although math is a big part of TAMS, it’s not “shameful” or whatnot to not be in Calculus 18293719274341. Most of us start in Precalc/Calc 1, so it’s not so much of a competition.
 
KEEP IN MIND that although math is a big part of TAMS, it’s not “shameful” or whatnot to not be in Calculus 18293719274341. Most of us start in Precalc/Calc 1, so it’s not so much of a competition.
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'''Pre-Calculus'''
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===== '''Pre-Calculus''' =====
 
   
For Precalculus, you will probably have either Dr. Brozovic, Dr. Iaia, or Dr. Widmer (for the Class of '24). All of these teachers have very different styles of teaching and the structure of each class is also very different. What they do have in common is that they go extremely fast. You will cover what a typical high school student cover over two semesters in one semester. You will be given homework a few times a week, and lengthiness and difficulty depends on the teachers. If you’re placed in precal then your cal 1 teacher is going to be the same.
 
For Precalculus, you will probably have either Dr. Brozovic, Dr. Iaia, or Dr. Widmer (for the Class of '24). All of these teachers have very different styles of teaching and the structure of each class is also very different. What they do have in common is that they go extremely fast. You will cover what a typical high school student cover over two semesters in one semester. You will be given homework a few times a week, and lengthiness and difficulty depends on the teachers. If you’re placed in precal then your cal 1 teacher is going to be the same.
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'''Calculus I'''
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===== '''Calculus I''' =====
 
   
Most students start at Calculus 1, and usually the professor you get for Cal 1 will also be your professor for Cal 2. There are two professors teaching Cal 1, Dr. Mann and Dr. Tran. Be sure to do every homework assignment and try to turn them in on time. Reading the textbook, taking notes in class, doing the hw, reviews, and studying for tests leads to a good grade.
 
Most students start at Calculus 1, and usually the professor you get for Cal 1 will also be your professor for Cal 2. There are two professors teaching Cal 1, Dr. Mann and Dr. Tran. Be sure to do every homework assignment and try to turn them in on time. Reading the textbook, taking notes in class, doing the hw, reviews, and studying for tests leads to a good grade.
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'''Calculus II & Above'''
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===== '''Calculus II & Above''' =====
 
   
Calculus 2 and above (Cal 3 or Linear Algebra) are usually based on what professor you get. Try to search them up on RateMyProfessor before school starts or ask a senior! The students in the class of 2024 that place into cal 2 will either have Dr. Schwaighofer or Dr. Xuexia (Helen) Wang.   
 
Calculus 2 and above (Cal 3 or Linear Algebra) are usually based on what professor you get. Try to search them up on RateMyProfessor before school starts or ask a senior! The students in the class of 2024 that place into cal 2 will either have Dr. Schwaighofer or Dr. Xuexia (Helen) Wang.   
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<u>'''Calculus 3'''</u>
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===== <u>'''Calculus 3'''</u> =====
 
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Different professors do things differently, but the initial Cal 3 professor tends to change between years. The students in the class of 2024 that place into cal 2 will either have Dr. Schwaighofer or Dr. Xuexia (Helen) Wang.   
Different professors do things differently, but the initial Cal 3 professor tends to change between years. For the class of 2024 that place into cal 3, you are likely to have Dr. William Chan, Dr. Betelu, or Dr. Dulock.   
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'''<u>Differential Equations</u>'''
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===== '''<u>Differential Equations</u>''' =====
 
Differential Equations I is essentially concerned with solving different types of differential equations (the course name itself is quite representative of the course itself). Differential equations are essentially equations that involve the derivatives of some function. The class largely consists of learning different methods to solve different types of differential equations: first order, second order, and so one. It used to be required that Linear Algebra be a prerequisite for the course, as the two are deeply related/connected conceptually, so it is useful but not mandatory that the two courses be taken together.
 
Differential Equations I is essentially concerned with solving different types of differential equations (the course name itself is quite representative of the course itself). Differential equations are essentially equations that involve the derivatives of some function. The class largely consists of learning different methods to solve different types of differential equations: first order, second order, and so one. It used to be required that Linear Algebra be a prerequisite for the course, as the two are deeply related/connected conceptually, so it is useful but not mandatory that the two courses be taken together.
    
* Dr. Dulock’s notes are easy to follow, and he breaks concepts down into manageable chunks. If you do the hw and the test reviews, you’ll be all set for the class (test reviews were usually harder than the actual tests). He also drops some hw and quizzes, and the final exam replaces your lowest test grade.
 
* Dr. Dulock’s notes are easy to follow, and he breaks concepts down into manageable chunks. If you do the hw and the test reviews, you’ll be all set for the class (test reviews were usually harder than the actual tests). He also drops some hw and quizzes, and the final exam replaces your lowest test grade.
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'''<u>Linear Algebra</u>'''
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===== '''<u>Linear Algebra</u>''' =====
 
   
Linear Algebra is about solving and manipulating systems of equations using matrices. The class is very writing heavy - most answers will need written explanations with theorems learned in the class. It also involves a lot of memorization, because of the number of theorems. That said, the class is really useful if you plan on going deeper into many fields - math, CS, engineering, and economics all use linear algebra in some form.
 
Linear Algebra is about solving and manipulating systems of equations using matrices. The class is very writing heavy - most answers will need written explanations with theorems learned in the class. It also involves a lot of memorization, because of the number of theorems. That said, the class is really useful if you plan on going deeper into many fields - math, CS, engineering, and economics all use linear algebra in some form.
    
* Dr. Tran is a good option. She assigns a lot of homework and has quizzes every week, and does this nice thing where her final is optional - she’ll just use your lowest between your homework average, your quiz average, your tests, and your attendance grade to replace the final grade. And attendance is mandatory, as it’s part of the grade in the class.
 
* Dr. Tran is a good option. She assigns a lot of homework and has quizzes every week, and does this nice thing where her final is optional - she’ll just use your lowest between your homework average, your quiz average, your tests, and your attendance grade to replace the final grade. And attendance is mandatory, as it’s part of the grade in the class.
Real Analysis
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Applied Statistics
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===== '''Real Analysis''' =====
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===== Applied Statistics =====
    
====<big>English</big>====
 
====<big>English</big>====
 
Your English workload will vary heavily depending on which professor you get. 2nd semester you will get to choose your professor. Dr. Schoolfield, Ibarra and Christian are the main professors that teach this course, but you might also get a TA. Their teaching style are very different with different assignments, but essentially you will all read the same books and all of the professors are very intelligent and great. Typically the structure of this class is that you will read a book and do an out of class assignment (including discussion questions). During class you will have discussions about the reading you did. In addition to that, you will also be required to read poems and explicate them. Each professor assigns different writing assignments too. Class participation also varies by professor. Ask the seniors if you want more information.
 
Your English workload will vary heavily depending on which professor you get. 2nd semester you will get to choose your professor. Dr. Schoolfield, Ibarra and Christian are the main professors that teach this course, but you might also get a TA. Their teaching style are very different with different assignments, but essentially you will all read the same books and all of the professors are very intelligent and great. Typically the structure of this class is that you will read a book and do an out of class assignment (including discussion questions). During class you will have discussions about the reading you did. In addition to that, you will also be required to read poems and explicate them. Each professor assigns different writing assignments too. Class participation also varies by professor. Ask the seniors if you want more information.
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==== Physics ====
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Juniors who test into Cal 2 or higher have the option of taking physics. Every year, a few juniors will choose to take physics their first year. The main professors who teach physics are Dr. Perez, Barr, and Lin. Each professor has a very distinct teaching and grading style. Some professors (Lin and Perez) will choose to drop exams, including the final. Along with the physics lecture, you will also have physics recitation every week. Physics recitation is usually run by the TAs who will give out quizzes or do group activities (like circuit theater).
    
====<big>Electives</big>====
 
====<big>Electives</big>====

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