Changes

Summer O is a weekend of fun, making friends, and learning more about life at TAMS. This is also when you will be taking the math and chemistry placement tests. Wondering what to bring? Just what you would bring to a sleepover (pillow, sleeping bag/comforter/sheets) plus toiletries and maybe a few notes for the tests (THAT DOES NOT MEAN BRING A CALCULUS CRAM TEXTBOOK). You’ll receive an itinerary of everything you’ll be doing at Summer O, but just as an overview:

Summer O is a weekend of fun, making friends, and learning more about life at TAMS. This is also when you will be taking the math and chemistry placement tests. Wondering what to bring? Just what you would bring to a sleepover (pillow, sleeping bag/comforter/sheets) plus toiletries and maybe a few notes for the tests (THAT DOES NOT MEAN BRING A CALCULUS CRAM TEXTBOOK). You’ll receive an itinerary of everything you’ll be doing at Summer O, but just as an overview:

<u>Friday</u> - You’ll arrive Friday around noon and check in with the orientation leaders (OLs) to get your room key and information. There will also be picture taking. Roommates for Summer O are paired by last name. You’ll only be together for 1 night, so it’s not so bad. After you get situated, they’ll tell you guys what you’re going to do for the rest of the weekend and split you guys up into small groups with a couple OLs/Ambassabuddies each. In the small groups, you’ll get to know each other through some ice breakers and then head to Roommate Rumble. These small groups are a great way to make friends before school starts especially since they will be the same groups for Fall O. At Roommate Rumble guys and girls will be split up; you’ll have some time to talk to a few people and try to find a roommate for the upcoming year. Also try to talk to as many people as you can! Don’t worry if you don’t hit it off with anyone right away. Some people found their roommate after Summer O, and ended up the best of roommates. When you do find your roommate (either at Roommate Rumble or outside of TAMS), you’ll both submit a roommate request form online. At night, you’ll experience a wing meeting (we have these every Wednesday at TAMS), and this meeting lasted from 11:00 to 11:45 pm which is pretty typical of a normal wing meeting. Try to get a good night's sleep too because your Saturday will be quite busy.

<u>Friday</u> - You’ll arrive Friday around noon and check in with the orientation leaders (OLs) to get your room key and information. There will also be picture taking. Roommates for Summer O are paired by last name. You’ll only be together for 1 night, so it’s not so bad. After you get situated, they’ll tell you guys what you’re going to do for the rest of the weekend and split you guys up into small groups with a couple OLs/Ambassabuddies each. In the small groups, you’ll get to know each other through some ice breakers and then head to Roommate Rumble. These small groups are a great way to make friends before school starts especially since they will be the same groups for Fall O. At Roommate Rumble guys and girls will be split up; you’ll have some time to talk to a few people and try to find a roommate for the upcoming year. Also try to talk to as many people as you can! Don’t worry if you don’t hit it off with anyone right away. Some people found their roommate after Summer O, and ended up the best of roommates. When you do find your roommate (either at Roommate Rumble or outside of TAMS), you’ll both submit a roommate request form online. At night, you’ll experience a [[Wing Meeting|wing meeting]] (we have these every Wednesday at TAMS), and this meeting lasted from 11:00 to 11:45 pm which is pretty typical of a normal wing meeting. Try to get a good night's sleep too because your Saturday will be quite busy.

The chemistry and pre-cal tests are mandatory, but if you want to test into a higher math class you’ll have to test for those later in the day. '''There will not be a CS placement test'''.​ Don’t stress out too much about these tests. These tests are designed to place you in a class that will allow you to be the most successful. (If you get placed in Honors Chem, you can always choose to switch to Gen Chem). The schedule for the 2022 placement exams can be found '''[https://tams.unt.edu/summer-orientation-2022-testing here]'''.  

The [[Placement Exams|chemistry and pre-cal tests]] are mandatory, but if you want to test into a higher math class you’ll have to test for those later in the day. '''There will not be a CS placement test'''.​ Don’t stress out too much about these tests. These tests are designed to place you in a class that will allow you to be the most successful. (If you get placed in Honors Chem, you can always choose to switch to Gen Chem). The schedule for the 2022 placement exams can be found '''[https://tams.unt.edu/summer-orientation-2022-testing here]'''.  

On Saturday, you guys will do some activities to show you what life at TAMS is like as well as get your textbooks and summer assignments.

On Saturday, you guys will do some activities to show you what life at TAMS is like as well as get your textbooks and summer assignments.

==Life in McConnell Hall==

==Life in McConnell Hall==

===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. (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.

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 Room|community]], [[Suite Room|suite]], or [[Private Room|private]] which generally make up the different wings. [[A Wing|A wing]] is suite, [[B Wing|B wing]] is community & private, [[C Wing|C wing]] is community, and [[D Wing|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!

Then your small group will also do some volunteer work – your first hours – like gardening or hanging out at the senior center. Afterwards there will be various optional activities, like dances, that I highly recommend going to for socializing (even if you think it’s lame, trust me, it’s a great way to meet people). Your first month or so at TAMS will be the one with the most free time, so take advantage of that to be social and make some friends.

Then your small group will also do some volunteer work – your first hours – like gardening or hanging out at the senior center. Afterwards there will be various optional activities, like dances, that I highly recommend going to for socializing (even if you think it’s lame, trust me, it’s a great way to meet people). Your first month or so at TAMS will be the one with the most free time, so take advantage of that to be social and make some friends.

One other event that takes place during this week is Club Bonanza. This is where all the clubs have booths and you learn all about them and join, if you’d like. There will be a ton of people and noise and clubs, but try to visit every booth and get an idea of what clubs of which you’d like to be a part of. You will probably be interested in ten or so clubs, but two to four is a more realistic number of the clubs you actively participate in. With this in mind, join all the clubs you want and then use the semester to figure out which ones you are really interested in.

One other event that takes place during this week is [[Club Bonanza]]. This is where all the clubs have booths and you learn all about them and join, if you’d like. There will be a ton of people and noise and clubs, but try to visit every booth and get an idea of what clubs of which you’d like to be a part of. You will probably be interested in ten or so clubs, but two to four is a more realistic number of the clubs you actively participate in. With this in mind, join all the clubs you want and then use the semester to figure out which ones you are really interested in.

The Friday evening of Fall O, you will have Frog Night where you get paired up with a senior and do an activity in a group. This is to give you an idea of the fun things to do in Denton, and it’s another opportunity to get to know more people, juniors and seniors alike. Hopefully by this time you’ve met a lot of people and gotten to know your way around McConnell/the campus. One totally unique thing about TAMS is that there are so many people with similar academic interests and abilities and you live with your friends. This unique combination for high schoolers allows you to make incredible friends exceptionally fast.

The Friday evening of Fall O, you will have [[Frog Night]] where you get paired up with a senior and do an activity in a group. This is to give you an idea of the fun things to do in Denton, and it’s another opportunity to get to know more people, juniors and seniors alike. Hopefully by this time you’ve met a lot of people and gotten to know your way around McConnell/the campus. One totally unique thing about TAMS is that there are so many people with similar academic interests and abilities and you live with your friends. This unique combination for high schoolers allows you to make incredible friends exceptionally fast.

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.

'''[[Conference Room]]''' – This room is attached to the SAC (Student Activity Center) which is attached to Mac. Some clubs have meetings in there and there will also be some tutoring sessions or practice tests.

'''[[Conference Room]]''' – This room is attached to the SAC (Student Activity Center) which is attached to Mac. Some clubs have meetings in there and there will also be some tutoring sessions or practice tests.

'''Curfew''' – This is the time by which you must be in the dorm (11pm Sun-Thurs, 1am Fri & Sat). After that, all students must remain in McConnell Hall until 6am. For first semester Juniors, you must stay in your room/wing, but second semester you are allowed to hang out in other places within the dormitory.

'''[[Curfew]]''' – This is the time by which you must be in the dorm (11pm Sun-Thurs, 1am Fri & Sat). After that, all students must remain in McConnell Hall until 6am. For first semester Juniors, you must stay in your room/wing, but second semester you are allowed to hang out in other places within the dormitory.

'''[[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.

====<big>Official Clubs of TAMS</big>====

====<big>Official Clubs of TAMS</big>====

Official clubs are clubs that are advised by a PA and receive funding from TAMS. There’s a variety of clubs involved with improving the TAMS community. Many clubs sell T-shirts (they’re so cute and comfy!) and hold big TAMS events to raise money for different causes. Clubs also hold weekly GAs which are typically fun (free food). Club life is pretty big at TAMS, so in the beginning of the year try to attend many GAs and figure out which clubs you want to dedicate your time towards.

Official clubs are clubs that are advised by a PA and receive funding from TAMS. There’s a variety of clubs involved with improving the TAMS community. Many clubs sell T-shirts (they’re so cute and comfy!) and hold big [[Events|TAMS events]] to raise money for different causes. Clubs also hold weekly [[General Assembly|GAs]] which are typically fun (free food). Club life is pretty big at TAMS, so in the beginning of the year try to attend many GAs and figure out which clubs you want to dedicate your time towards.

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.

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.

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 [[Executive#Exec Selection|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.

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!

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!

'''[[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!!

'''[[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|SciMun]], an annual conference for high school students, as well as [[TEDxYouth @ TAMS|TAMS Talks]], the TAMS version of Ted Talks.

'''[[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.

'''[[Computer Science Organization|CSO]]''' - The Computer Science Organization (CSO) is in charge of all computer science competitions, [[HackTAMS|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.

'''[[Research Organization|RO]]''' - Research Organization (RO) is committed to helping TAMS students excel in the fields of research and improve their communication, presentation, and execution skills. We connect you to research-related competitions (TJAS, TJSHS, and the Intel ISEF-affiliated Science Fairs to name a few), university resources, and science-based volunteering in the community through the Aspire Exposition and Mentorship programs. Visit our website http://tamsro.weebly.com for more information.

'''[[Research Organization|RO]]''' - Research Organization (RO) is committed to helping TAMS students excel in the fields of research and improve their communication, presentation, and execution skills. We connect you to research-related competitions (TJAS, TJSHS, and the Intel ISEF-affiliated Science Fairs to name a few), university resources, and science-based volunteering in the community through the Aspire Exposition and Mentorship programs. Visit our website http://tamsro.weebly.com for more information.

'''[[Sports Club]]''' - Their mission is to encourage TAMS students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and interact with one another to foster a sense of community through sports. Our sports teams include football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, softball, swimming, running and tennis. There is also an annual tournament (SLAMT) where you play against other teams from schools like TAMS from different states.

'''[[Sports Club]]''' - Their mission is to encourage TAMS students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and interact with one another to foster a sense of community through sports. Our sports teams include football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, softball, swimming, running and tennis. There is also an annual tournament ([[SLAMT]]) where you play against other teams from schools like TAMS from different states.

'''[[TAMS Business Organization|TBO]]''' - The mission of TAMS Business Organization is to develop individuals into future leaders by instilling professionalism, leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and ethics in our members. We will strive to educate and provide a variety of opportunities in marketing, management, and business that will help members develop strong real-world business skills that can be applicable in their futures.

'''[[TAMS Business Organization|TBO]]''' - The mission of TAMS Business Organization is to develop individuals into future leaders by instilling professionalism, leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and ethics in our members. We will strive to educate and provide a variety of opportunities in marketing, management, and business that will help members develop strong real-world business skills that can be applicable in their futures.

'''[[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.

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!

There are also a plethora of unofficial clubs at TAMS such as [[Student Council]], [[TAMS Culinary Society]], [[Sexuality & Gender Alliance|SAGA]] (Sexuality and Gender Alliance), [[TAMS Linguistics Society|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>====

'''[[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.

'''[[Francine Hazy]]''' - She is your [[Academic Counselor|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.

[[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.

[[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.

'''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.)

'''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.)

'''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!).  

'''[[Adam Williamson]]''' - Adam is one of the two [[Hall Director|hall directors]] at TAMS. Hall directors are pretty much the bosses of McConnell - they’re in charge of the PAs and [[Resident Assistant|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!).  

'''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.

'''[[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.

'''[[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]].''

[[Courtney Fields|'''Courtney Fields''']] - Courtney is the Outreach Coordinator for TAMS, she works closely with the [[Ambassadors]] especially with your Outreach Coordinator. She oversees all possible budget requests and assists us on the logistical side of events. If there are any suggestions to make TAMS more inclusive she is the girl to talk to.

'''[[Melissa Minick]]''' - <s>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 Melissa as she is a very nice and nice person to talk to.</s> ''Melissa now works for UNT's College of Music as a Senior Academic Counselor.''

'''[[Russ Stukel]]''' - Russ is the assistant dean of student life at TAMS. He mostly manages McConnell and what goes on in the building, so you’ll see him around a lot. He’s the top dog in the student life hierarchy, so anything big will go through him.

<s>'''Mrs. Wendy''' - She is the seniors’ academic counselor. Mrs. Wendy’s job is the same as Sam’s. She’s super chill and fun to talk to. She might call you in her office to chat some time during the year, but don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. Her office is located on the 1st floor in the boys’ wing. Mrs. Wendy is super nice (so is Sam!), and both counselors become your good friends while you are here. Don’t be shy, and ask if she has time to hang during her free time.</s>

'''[[Ben Warren]]''' - Ben is the assistant director of student life at TAMS. He’s mainly in charge of clubs (approving volunteer hours and purchase requests) and senior mentors.

<s>'''Crystal Romero''' - Crystal is one of the two hall directors in McConnell. She lives on the junior girl’s floor (2nd floor) in the corner of D wing, but she wanders around McConnell a lot because she always has stuff to do, especially at the front desk. 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 Crystal or Lauren. Crystal is really funny and easy to talk to, and if you have any questions about how McConell runs she’s definitely a great person to ask (so is your RA, of course!)</s>

'''[[Cortney Watson]]''' - Courtney is your financial officer, basically, she will email you about FASFA, tuition, and paying your semester fees. Know that if you (or your parents) have any questions you can always email her. She’s super understanding about the process of paying as it can get very confusing.

'''[[Sharon Vann]]''' - Ms. Vann manages the applications side of TAMS. She’s also the one that helps with admission into TAMS. Fun fact, she was a part of the first graduating class of TAMS!

 

 

 

'''[[Sharon Vann]]''' - <s>Ms. Vann manages the applications side of TAMS. She’s also the one that helps with applying to colleges. You’ll most likely come to her office (Sage 3rd floor) at some point to give her transcripts. Fun fact, she was a part of the first graduating class of TAMS!</s>

'''[[Cynthia Hoffman]]''' - She takes care of most of the administration things, including but not limited to class attendance, textbooks, fees, etc.

'''[[Cynthia Hoffman]]''' - She takes care of most of the administration things, including but not limited to class attendance, textbooks, fees, etc.

'''[[James Duban|Dr. Duban]]''' - He is the associate dean for research and national scholarships at TAMS plus UNT in general, so if you’re planning on doing science-fair related competitions you’ll probably bump into him at some point. You’ll see him occasionally at seminar, where he’ll probably talk about the Regeneron competition or the Barium Goldwater scholarship. He’s an English major, so he’s really good at editing papers you may need to submit for competitions. You can find him on the third floor of Sage.

'''[[James Duban|Dr. Duban]]''' - He is the associate dean for research and national scholarships at TAMS plus UNT in general, so if you’re planning on doing science-fair related competitions you’ll probably bump into him at some point. You’ll see him occasionally at seminars, where he’ll probably talk about the Regeneron competition or the Barium Goldwater scholarship. He’s an English major, so he’s really good at editing papers you may need to submit for competitions. You can find him on the third floor of Sage.

'''[[Glênisson de Oliveira|Dean de Oliveira]]''' - He is the dean of the Honors college, and he actually cares a lot about TAMS. He’ll pop up at seminar from time to time, as well as show up to a few TAMS events. In general, he’s a nice guy that wants to make the program better. He asks for student feedback occasionally too.

'''[[Glênisson de Oliveira|Dean de Oliveira]]''' - He is the dean of the Honors College, and he actually cares a lot about TAMS. He’ll pop up at seminars from time to time, as well as show up to a few TAMS events. In general, he’s a nice guy that wants to make the program better. He asks for student feedback occasionally too.

===Misc. Dorm Topics===

===Misc. Dorm Topics===

====<big>Roommates</big>====

====<big>Roommates</big>====

During the first week where school is not yet in session and you are making a ton of friends, make sure your roommate is one of them. This helps in so many ways because 1) you don’t want to live with a stranger, 2) if you make a big enough effort near the start, you can see if y’all will actually be compatible to live with, 3) if you are not compatible, then you can already be scouting for a new roommate, and 4) cliques and circles, believe it or not, form fast, so try to be social, but also be yourself. Another thing you should try to do your first week is to make a roommate contract; this instills basic rules and structure on which you can always rely. Topics to consider are sleep hours (with the lights and noises associated with it), cleanliness and who does what, what you guys can share, visitors, study environment, and anything else that is important to you and your roommate. Nobody is just like you, so there can be compromises on either end because, in the end, you both should be happy and feel welcome in your own room. Make sure to TALK to your roommate and figure out living habits that are best for both of you. The best thing to do if there is a problem is to talk it out, rather than letting it go unnoticed. It only adds up. Finally, if you have a suite bathroom, you guys might want to set up an agreement regarding cleaning and noise, too.

During the first week where school is not yet in session and you are making a ton of friends, make sure your roommate is one of them. This helps in so many ways because 1) you don’t want to live with a stranger, 2) if you make a big enough effort near the start, you can see if y’all will actually be compatible to live with, 3) if you are not compatible, then you can already be scouting for a new roommate, and 4) cliques and circles, believe it or not, form fast, so try to be social, but also be yourself. Another thing you should try to do your first week is to make a roommate contract; this instills basic rules and structure on which you can always rely. Topics to consider are sleep hours (with the lights and noises associated with it), cleanliness and who does what, what you guys can share, visitors, study environment, and anything else that is important to you and your roommate. Nobody is just like you, so there can be compromises on either end because, in the end, you both should be happy and feel welcome in your own room. Make sure to TALK to your roommate and figure out living habits that are best for both of you. The best thing to do if there is a problem is to talk it out directly with them, rather than letting it go unnoticed or complaining to other outside parties. It only adds up. Finally, if you have a suite bathroom, you guys might want to set up an agreement regarding cleaning and noise, too.

Okay, what if you don’t like your roommate? Well, after two weeks, y’all have the option to change roommates. You will have to have another roommate in mind and so will your roommate. This is where there is an advantage to being social with your roommate and other friends, because if you don’t find a replacement, you can’t switch. If you realize too late in the game, you can make amends to the contract to try to make it work better again, but you can change at the beginning of the next semester. By then, you will have a better chance to really know someone who is more compatible with you. Having a roommate is a new experience for a lot of y’all, so do cherish these moments, but make sure to try your best to be a good roommate. You guys don’t have to best friends just as long as you can live with each other. In some cases it might even be better to not room with best friend. That said, roommate drama is one of the worst kinds of drama - if you and your roommate get into an argument, you’ll still be living together, so make sure to clear it up fast.

Okay, what if you don’t like your roommate? Well, after two weeks, y’all have the option to change roommates. You will have to have another roommate in mind and so will your roommate. This is where there is an advantage to being social with your roommate and other friends, because if you don’t find a replacement, you can’t switch. If you realize too late in the game, you can make amends to the contract to try to make it work better again, but you can change at the beginning of the next semester. By then, you will have a better chance to really know someone who is more compatible with you. Having a roommate is a new experience for a lot of y’all, so do cherish these moments, but make sure to try your best to be a good roommate. You guys don’t have to be best friends just as long as you can live with each other. In some cases it might even be better to not room with a best friend. That said, roommate drama is one of the worst kinds of drama - if you and your roommate get into an argument, you’ll still be living together, so make sure to clear it up fast.

====<big>Rules</big>====

====<big>Rules</big>====

For most, there is a lot more freedom at TAMS than at home. For some, this adjustment is hard but it really allow you to develop. One of the most commonly asked questions is along the lines of leaving the dorm at any time. The answer is that you can leave the dorm whenever you want, as long as you get back by curfew (11pm Sunday-Thursday and 1am Friday and Saturday). One thing is that groups are good to travel in, especially if it’s late or far from campus. Other than that, most of the rules are obvious, explained somewhere above, or clearly laid out in the handbook. It is best to be safe than sorry, so ask a staff member or a trustworthy student if you are unsure of a rule. It might be helpful to read through the Rule Manual before school starts to get an idea of what rules there are at TAMS. Here are some basics (definitely not all of them, so be sure you read the manual!) :

For most, there is a lot more freedom at TAMS than at home. For some, this adjustment is hard but it really allows you to develop. One of the most commonly asked questions is along the lines of leaving the dorm at any time. The answer is that you can leave the dorm whenever you want, as long as you get back by curfew (11pm Sunday-Thursday and 1am Friday and Saturday). One thing is that groups are good to travel in, especially if it’s late or far from campus. Other than that, most of the rules are obvious, explained somewhere above, or clearly laid out in the handbook. It is better to be safe than sorry, so ask a staff member or a trustworthy student if you are unsure of a rule. It might be helpful to read through the Rule Manual before school starts to get an idea of what rules there are at TAMS. Here are some basics (definitely not all of them, so be sure you read the manual!) :

'''Visitation''': Guys cannot be on the Girls floor and vice versa unless it is visitation hours (5-8 pm Sunday-Thursday, 4-10 pm Friday and Saturday)

'''Visitation''': Guys cannot be on the Girls floor and vice versa unless it is visitation hours (5-8 pm Sunday-Thursday, 4-10 pm Friday and Saturday)

'''Curfew''': Juniors must be in their rooms by Curfew (11pm on Sunday-Thursday, 1am Friday and Saturday). RAs will come around and do room checks each night.

'''[[Curfew]]''': Juniors must be in their rooms by Curfew (11pm on Sunday-Thursday, 1am Friday and Saturday). RAs will come around and do room checks each night.

'''Quiet Hours''': During these times (8pm-9am Sunday-Thursday, 12am-12pm Friday and Saturday), you must be quiet (no loud music, no screaming, etc.), and an RA can dock you if they feel you are being too loud. However, keep in mind that it is “24-hour courtesy hours”, so be aware and don’t be too loud even if it isn’t quiet hours. Near finals week, McConnell is updated to 23 hour quiet hours, which only leaves one hour in the day to explode with energy before getting back to the finals grind (which I’m sure none of you will be a part of because everyone will study in advance like good students).

'''Quiet Hours''': During these times (8pm-9am Sunday-Thursday, 12am-12pm Friday and Saturday), you must be quiet (no loud music, no screaming, etc.), and an RA can dock you if they feel you are being too loud. However, keep in mind that it is “24-hour courtesy hours”, so be aware and don’t be too loud even if it isn’t quiet hours. Near finals week, McConnell is updated to 23-hour quiet hours, which only leaves one hour in the day to explore with energy before getting back to the finals grind (which I’m sure none of you will be a part of because everyone will study in advance like good students).

====<big>Meal Plans</big>====

====<big>Meal Plans</big>====

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.'''  

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#Off-Campus|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>====

===Schedule/Classes===

===Schedule/Classes===

So you will be getting your schedule sometimes during the summer, and chances are you might not like when your classes are. Unfortunately, you can’t change it until next semester, so treat this as a learning experience – finding out what kind of classes and teaching styles you like and when. One thing I highly recommend is to study like no tomorrow for the first round of tests, that way you either start strong or you figure out what doesn’t work. No matter the outcome of your grades, put the same, full-throttle effort on the second round of exams. Hopefully now you figured out what works and what doesn’t so you can be prepared for the last exams and final. If you have any questions in class, whether it is about a topic, about homework, or just grades, I definitely recommend going to your teacher’s office hours. Office hours are like tutorial sessions at high school, except it’s one on one and you really need to bring questions. Whether it is about a pop quiz or a curve, you are the only one that is truly in charge of your fate. Next we’re going to go over each class and various tips that we can give specific to each subject. To learn about teachers in specific, ask seniors for their own experiences. For bio lab it will say you have Bartush/Lahiri, but you actually get a TA that you will find out the first day of class; the same goes for chem lab and CS lab.

So you will be getting your schedule sometimes during the summer, and chances are you might not like when your [[Courses|classes]] are. Unfortunately, you can’t change it until next semester, so treat this as a learning experience – finding out what kind of classes and teaching styles you like and when. One thing I highly recommend is to study like no tomorrow for the first round of tests, that way you either start strong or you figure out what doesn’t work. No matter the outcome of your grades, put the same, full-throttle effort on the second round of exams. Hopefully now you figured out what works and what doesn’t so you can be prepared for the last exams and final. If you have any questions in class, whether it is about a topic, about homework, or just grades, I definitely recommend going to your teacher’s office hours. Office hours are like tutorial sessions at high school, except it’s one on one and you really need to bring questions. Whether it is about a pop quiz or a curve, you are the only one that is truly in charge of your fate. Next we’re going to go over each class and various tips that we can give specific to each subject. To learn about teachers in specific, ask seniors for their own experiences. For bio lab it will say you have Bartush/Lahiri, but you actually get a TA that you will find out the first day of class; the same goes for chem lab and CS lab.

'''Note: the schedules that you see my.unt.edu over the summer are prone to change, and will only be finalized when you guys report to TAMS in August.'''

'''Note: the schedules that you see my.unt.edu over the summer are prone to change, and will only be finalized when you guys report to TAMS in August.'''

====<big>Computer Science</big>====

====<big>Computer Science</big>====

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.

[[Computer Science and Mathematics Track|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.

==== Engineering ====

==== Engineering ====

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!  

There are several different [[Engineering Track|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>====

=====<u>Honors Chem:</u>=====

=====<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.

[[William E. Acree|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.

=====<u>Gen (General) Chem:</u>=====

=====<u>Gen (General) Chem:</u>=====

===== Calculus I =====

===== 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, [[Allen Mann|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.

===== Calculus II & Above =====

===== Calculus II & Above =====

====<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. In the 2nd semester you will get to choose your professor, but we highly recommend sticking with the same one as it greatly improves your chances of receiving college recs. Dr. Schoolfield, Steele, and Mr. Ibarra are the main professors that teach this course, but you might also get a TA. Their teaching styles 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.  

==== Physics ====

==== Physics ====

====<big>Electives</big>====

====<big>Electives</big>====

You can only take electives beginning in your second semester of TAMS. Depending on your GPA, you’ll be able to take one your second semester. (3.2+ for 1 electives and a research class)

You can only take [[Courses#Electives|electives]] beginning in your second semester of TAMS. Depending on your GPA, you’ll be able to take one your second semester. (3.2+ for 1 electives and a research class)

Take electives!! They are fun ways to explore your interests, and some of them give you experience/credits, so why would you not. (Of course, if you believe you can’t handle the workload/you just don’t want to there is absolutely no shame in that - take electives because they are fun but not because you feel you are required to - plenty of kids don’t take any, especially second semester junior year when the work is the most.) Below is just some descriptions on a couple options that are popular within the TAMS community. A full list of courses available can be found here : http://catalog.unt.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=484

Take electives!! They are fun ways to explore your interests, and some of them give you experience/credits, so why would you not. (Of course, if you believe you can’t handle the workload/you just don’t want to there is absolutely no shame in that - take electives because they are fun but not because you feel you are required to - plenty of kids don’t take any, especially second semester junior year when the work is the most.) Below is just some descriptions on a couple options that are popular within the TAMS community. A full list of courses available can be found here : http://catalog.unt.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=484

Yay, you’re in college, but it’s not all a party. You have to learn time management because there is a ton of free time at TAMS with only about 15 hours of class time a week instead of normal high school’s 35. This free time can be used productively or totally wasted, so do be cautious of what you are doing. With this being said, I am not saying to make a minute by minute schedule unless that helps you; so many things here at TAMS are determined by you and your lifestyle or personality.

Yay, you’re in college, but it’s not all a party. You have to learn time management because there is a ton of free time at TAMS with only about 15 hours of class time a week instead of normal high school’s 35. This free time can be used productively or totally wasted, so do be cautious of what you are doing. With this being said, I am not saying to make a minute by minute schedule unless that helps you; so many things here at TAMS are determined by you and your lifestyle or personality.

One thing Dr. Gruver said to us: ​'''“It’s not really free time, more like unstructured time.”'''

One thing [[Eric L. Gruver|Dr. Gruver]] said to us: ​'''“It’s not really free time, more like unstructured time.”'''

It is said that for the average college course, for every one hour you are in class, you need three hours of studying. That is on average, so some class might require five hours or some might require little to none (like chemistry lab). Everyone studies differently, so try to find out what works well for you early on. Some people like to start really early, others find that they can cram all of the material in 1 or 2 days (this method is really not recommended). Hopefully you will have an idea of all the necessary things you need to do to succeed in your classes after the second exams, and then you allow for enough time for these to happen.

It is said that for the average college course, for every one hour you are in class, you need three hours of studying. That is on average, so some class might require five hours or some might require little to none (like chemistry lab). Everyone studies differently, so try to find out what works well for you early on. Some people like to start really early, others find that they can cram all of the material in 1 or 2 days (this method is really not recommended). Hopefully you will have an idea of all the necessary things you need to do to succeed in your classes after the second exams, and then you allow for enough time for these to happen.

My last thing to say regarding studying is simply be smart. You are one of 200 amazing students who got admitted to TAMS out of hundreds who applied. You do belong here at least intelligently, but don’t waste your opportunity by not trying, because there are a lot of other qualified students who would love to go to TAMS and who would work so incredibly hard, but you got a spot - make the most of it.

My last thing to say regarding studying is simply be smart. You are one of 200 amazing students who got admitted to TAMS out of hundreds who applied. You do belong here at least intelligently, but don’t waste your opportunity by not trying, because there are a lot of other qualified students who would love to go to TAMS and who would work so incredibly hard, but you got a spot - make the most of it.

==Closing==

==Advice from Students/Alumni==

Our final advice to you is that TAMS is what you make of it. You can choose to be a room rat and waste away your time here holed up inside your dorm room, or you can choose to participate in events, go to GAs, talk to people, etc. and make sure your experience at TAMS is the time of your life. Personally, we’ve probably learned more about ourselves and became closer with the people here than we have for the past 17 years of our lives. We hope this guide was of some use to you, and we wish you good luck through the summer and through your junior year. We can’t wait for this upcoming year with all of you!

'''[[Jasmine Tandon|Jasmine]]:''' TAMS is going to give you a lot of freedom. This is both a blessing and a curse. Focus on your work, but don’t push yourself to extremes when it comes to studying, because that will ultimately hurt you a lot more. On the flip side, don’t forget to nourish the other important aspects of your life, such as your mental health and social relationships. My number one tip is to manage your time so you have a balance between working and having fun. This is something that I struggled with in the first semester however over time through experience, I learned how imperative it is to find the right balance. My second big tip is to explore as much as you can in your time here. TAMS is an interesting place as it’s a mix of college and high school, and you’re offered many more opportunities here. Find what you like to do and pursue it, whether that be sports, research, volunteering, etc. Remember to seize the moment, find the right balance between work and play, and don’t regret anything.

 

'''[[Elijah Nacar|Elijah]]:''' TAMS is 100% what YOU make of it. There are more opportunities than any one human person could ever take advantage of during two years, and you're going to get a chance to explore as many as you want. I just want to remind y'all to never compare yourselves to your fellow classmates, and to find success on your own terms. Maybe you won't have a 4.0 for your whole two years, but you'll discover that you're a research god. Maybe you won't be a leader of a club or committee, but you'll find community service that brings you more fulfillment than anything else. My point is that there's no one path to success at TAMS - if you're happy, passionate, and committed to your life here, that's all the success anyone could ask for.

 

'''[[Charlie Wang|Charlie]]:''' Stress is the number one challenge at TAMS, having new independence comes with a new uncertainty over using your time wisely. While you’re pursuing your incredible academic and club related goals, it’s equally important to pay attention to your mental health. Always make sure to take time for a mental break from studying, do something you enjoy to destress yourself. Play an instrument, listen to some calming music, or even take a nap, just find a way to get your mind off the formulas for a few minutes, and come back to it with a fresh mind. Another crucial thing is to go outside for some time, don’t stay cooped up in your room all day, take a walk from time to time to get some fresh air and clear your head. As long as you don’t let the stress overcome you and maintain a calm demeanor, you’ll find success to be very achievable at TAMS.

 

'''[[Suvaacha Bajpai|Suvaacha]]:''' TAMS is an experience that will leave you with long lasting memories, lifelong friends, and the belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Realize that you will face challenges, be compelled to get out of your comfort zone, and try new things, but all of these give you the opportunity to find your passion, do things you would normally not do in a traditional high school, and show you that your life is much more than grades and numbers. Whether it’s research, sports, academics, or anything else, try finding something that you truly enjoy and make the best of these two years because you’ll never get them back. TAMS gives you the opportunity to explore, to discover yourself, and achieve what you want to, so don’t stress yourself out too much and have fun while also focusing on what’s important to you!

With Love,

'''[[Varun Pottepalli|Varun]]:''' Coming into TAMS, grades and building your resume may seem like the most important things in the world. And while maintaining a strong focus on academics is important, make sure that you’re also leaving time to form friendships, as well as taking care of yourself. Over the course of the year, you’ll realize just how valuable the relationships you develop with the people around you are; it’s a really great thing to have people you can always depend on throughout your two years at TAMS. While you’re pursuing those high grades and achievements, don’t forget to take time every once in a while to enjoy what’s around you, because your most memorable experiences here will be with the people you’ll eventually call family.

[[File:2020-2021 Ambassador Execs.jpeg|thumb|Lok, Varun, Charlie, Elijah, Suvaacha, Jasmine]]

 

Your 2020-2021 Ambassadors Execs:

[[Kelly Camacho|'''Kelly''']]: Hello beautiful?!?!?Although you may be worried about leaving home, getting accustomed to a new environment, or sad you are leaving your family, it will all work out in the end. If you don’t follow the previous advice we have given you at least listen to this: You only live once, take every opportunity imaginable. Take it from someone who came from an 8 hour drive and is likely the same age as you, take every day by the horns and get out there. Keep in mind, it's the memories you make with friends, the lessons you learn, and the people you get to meet that will make the experience worthwhile. Have fun, enjoy the ride, avoid drama, and most importantly take care of yourself. Self love is what's going to get you through this roller coaster ride and is what will ultimately help you meet new people and experience different cultures. Never STOP learning uwu

 

[[Atharv Chagi|'''Chagi''']]: Hi! You don’t have to read everything in the guide, but it'll prove extremely helpful assimilating into TAMS. I’ll honestly say I learned more about myself in this one year compared to any other period of my life. It's humbling and at first you might feel out of place; talk to people, make use of that feeling and try to go outside your comfort zone. Take advantage of your opportunities; there’s a lot of cool people here and you can learn something from everyone. At the same time, have fun. Find a few things you enjoy and can commit to freely, and don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks (within reason). A goal, I’d say, is to come out with something you didn’t have prior to coming here. Find an appreciation for learning and invest in yourself. I wish you the best and if you see us come say hi!

And a big thank you to everyone that contributed to this guide! P.S. here are some AmbassaTips that each of us have for you guys:

[[Phoebe Han|'''Phoebe''']]: Hello everyone! I would be surprised if you have read until now, but it will prove very helpful in the near future. The TAMS experience as a whole is so special and unique, so much different than I would have ever expected. Honestly, it is up to you how you wish to spend the next two years at TAMS, but I strongly encourage you to get involved and make the most of all TAMS has to offer, including clubs, events, volunteering, etc. Student life is a very large part of the TAMS experience, and I would argue it makes it a thousand times better and more enjoyable. One lesson I learned is to try new things. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you never know what you might discover. At TAMS, you will meet so many amazing people, learn so much about yourself, and be introduced to new experiences. Finally, these next two years will fly by; cherish every moment, seize every opportunity, and enjoy it while it lasts. You are not alone in this journey, and PLEASE don’t be scared to ask for help before it is too late. I am excited for all that this year has to offer and hope you all have the best TAMS experience <33

'''Jasmine:''' TAMS is going to give you a lot of freedom. This is both a blessing and a curse. Focus on your work, but don’t push yourself to extremes when it comes to studying, because that will ultimately hurt you a lot more. On the flip side, don’t forget to nourish the other important aspects of your life, such as your mental health and social relationships. My number one tip is to manage your time so you have a balance between working and having fun. This is something that I struggled with in the first semester however over time through experience, I learned how imperative it is to find the right balance. My second big tip is to explore as much as you can in your time here. TAMS is an interesting place as it’s a mix of college and high school, and you’re offered many more opportunities here. Find what you like to do and pursue it, whether that be sports, research, volunteering, etc. Remember to seize the moment, find the right balance between work and play, and don’t regret anything.

'''[[Laura]]''': Hello!! I'm super excited to get to see everyone in the fall, and I can't wait to get to know y'all! I'd like to tell you that perseverance is probably the most important thing I learned this past year. It's fine if you do poorly during your first round of exams; everyone feels that way and goes through that. TAMS is so unique in that there's so many different resources, so I strongly encourage you to use them! Go to office hours, UNT learning centers, and most importantly don't feel intimidated by the course work. I found going to office hours the most helpful thing in my academic career here. Professors really want you to understand the material and are incredibly patient with explaining concepts. I can't wait to meet everyone at McConnell, and I hope y'all have a wonderful school year! Please don't hesitate to reach out!

'''Elijah:''' TAMS is 100% what YOU make of it. There are more opportunities than any one human person could ever take advantage of during two years, and you're going to get a chance to explore as many as you want. I just want to remind y'all to never compare yourselves to your fellow classmates, and to find success on your own terms. Maybe you won't have a 4.0 for your whole two years, but you'll discover that you're a research god. Maybe you won't be a leader of a club or committee, but you'll find community service that brings you more fulfillment than anything else. My point is that there's no one path to success at TAMS - if you're happy, passionate, and committed to your life here, that's all the success anyone could ask for.

'''[[Madison Huang|Madison]]''': Hello Juniors!! I’m sure that all of you are overwhelmed by this 35 page guide on the tips to succeeding and building a social life at TAMS, but trust me when I say that there really isn’t a singular formula to enjoying the experience at TAMS. Take things one day at a time: whether it be studying for an upcoming test in your room or organizing an event for a club, the whole TAMS journey was made so that you can strive to become a better and more independent person. I remember coming into TAMS full of nerves and excitement at stepping into this completely new environment, but after the first few weeks of meeting new friends, building relationships and delving into the various opportunities in TAMS, this place felt like a home away from home. One thing that I believe sets TAMS apart from any regular high school is how passionate the student life community is at TAMS, so make sure to take advantage of this tightly-knit community by stepping out of your comfort zone and joining new clubs and organizations! I can’t express how excited I am for all of you guys to be part of this TAMS community, I hope we can all make your experience a great one!

'''Charlie:''' Stress is the number one challenge at TAMS, having new independence comes with a new uncertainty over using your time wisely. While you’re pursuing your incredible academic and club related goals, it’s equally important to pay attention to your mental health. Always make sure to take time for a mental break from studying, do something you enjoy to destress yourself. Play an instrument, listen to some calming music, or even take a nap, just find a way to get your mind off the formulas for a few minutes, and come back to it with a fresh mind. Another crucial thing is to go outside for some time, don’t stay cooped up in your room all day, take a walk from time to time to get some fresh air and clear your head. As long as you don’t let the stress overcome you and maintain a calm demeanor, you’ll find success to be very achievable at TAMS.

Our final advice to you is that TAMS is what you make of it. You can choose to be a room rat and waste away your time here holed up inside your dorm room, or you can choose to participate in events, go to GAs, talk to people, etc. and make sure your experience at TAMS is the time of your life. Personally, we’ve probably learned more about ourselves and became closer with the people here than we have for the past 17 years of our lives. We hope this guide was of some use to you, and we wish you the best of luck through the summer and through your junior year. We can’t wait for this upcoming year with all of you!

'''Suvaacha:''' TAMS is an experience that will leave you with long lasting memories, lifelong friends, and the belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Realize that you will face challenges, be compelled to get out of your comfort zone, and try new things, but all of these give you the opportunity to find your passion, do things you would normally not do in a traditional high school, and show you that your life is much more than grades and numbers. Whether it’s research, sports, academics, or anything else, try finding something that you truly enjoy and make the best of these two years because you’ll never get them back. TAMS gives you the opportunity to explore, to discover yourself, and achieve what you want to, so don’t stress yourself out too much and have fun while also focusing on what’s important to you!

With Love,

'''Varun:''' Coming into TAMS, grades and building your resume may seem like the most important things in the world. And while maintaining a strong focus on academics is important, make sure that you’re also leaving time to form friendships, as well as taking care of yourself. Over the course of the year, you’ll realize just how valuable the relationships you develop with the people around you are; it’s a really great thing to have people you can always depend on throughout your two years at TAMS. While you’re pursuing those high grades and achievements, don’t forget to take time every once in a while to enjoy what’s around you, because your most memorable experiences here will be with the people you’ll eventually call family.

Your Ambassador Executives, TAMSWiki admin, and everyone else who has contributed to this guide