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'''The Hitchhiker's Guide to TAMS''' (stylized as '''The Hitchhiker's Guide to <s>the Galaxy</s> TAMS''') is a guide maintained by [[Ambassadors]] and was created by two former Ambassadors [[Exec|execs]], [[Megan Hoenig]] and [[Sydney Jones]]. The guide contains information on most things a new student should know transitioning to TAMS though readers should note that the guide may be, and has frequently been, out-of-date. Originally, this guide was distributed via Facebook as a PDF but has been adapted for the TAMS Wiki.

'''The Hitchhiker's Guide to TAMS''' (stylized as '''The Hitchhiker's Guide to <s>the Galaxy</s> TAMS''') is a guide maintained by [[Ambassadors]] and was created by [[May Chen]] and the Ambassadors Class of 2017. The guide was inspired by a guide created by two former Ambassadors [[Exec|execs]], [[Megan Hoenig]] and [[Sydney Jones]]. The guide contains information on most things a new student should know when transitioning to TAMS. Readers should note that the guide may be, and has frequently been, out-of-date. Originally, this guide was distributed via Facebook as a PDF, then a Google Doc, but has been adapted for the TAMS Wiki.

''Note: As of June 28th, 2022, this page is missing some edits from the 2022-2023 edition of the guide.''  

''Note: As of June 28th, 2022, this page is missing some edits from the 2022-2023 edition of the guide.''  

Dear incoming Juniors,

Dear incoming Juniors,

Congratulations once again on your acceptance into this wonderful establishment. The TAMS Wiki admins and other seniors have put together a “little” guide to help you transition into the unique environment that is TAMS. Some parts of this guide are completely our own, but a lot of it was written by previous [[Ambassadors]] [[Executive|Execs]] and your grand, grand, grand, grand... seniors, [[Megan Hoenig]] & [[Sydney Jones]]. This really is the best guide to succeeding at TAMS. It is a collection of years of wisdom and advice from past TAMS students in addition to us, your seniors who were in your shoes a year ago.

Congratulations once again on your acceptance into this wonderful establishment. The TAMS Wiki admins and other seniors have put together a “little” guide to help you transition into the unique environment that is TAMS. Some parts of this guide are completely our own, but a lot of it was written by previous [[Ambassadors#Execs|Ambassadors Execs]] and your grand, grand, grand, grand... seniors, [[Megan Hoenig]] & [[Sydney Jones]]. This really is the best guide to succeeding at TAMS. It is a collection of years of wisdom and advice from past TAMS students in addition to us, your seniors who were in your shoes a year ago.

We understand that the guide is just a ​tad​ bit long, so the the ​table of contents has the section titles linked to the sections that you are interested in​. This way you don’t have to scroll through all 16,259 words of this guide!

We understand that the guide is just a ​tad​ bit long, so the the ​table of contents has the section titles linked to the sections that you are interested in​. This way you don’t have to scroll through all 16,259 words of this guide!

*Close-toed shoes

*Close-toed shoes

*Shower shoes

*Shower shoes

*Hates, belts, sunglasses, jewelry, ect.

*Hats, belts, sunglasses, jewelry, ect.

*Rain gear

*Rain gear

*Makeup

*Makeup

*Fair products

*Hair products

*Hairdryer, curler, straightener

*Hairdryer, curler, straightener

*Skincare products

*Skincare products

*Calculator (scientific calculator for Gen Chem)

*Calculator (scientific calculator for Gen Chem)

*Notebook & notebook paper

*Notebook & notebook paper

*8.5x11 Minilla folders

*8.5x11 Manilla folders

*Stapler (need!)

*Stapler (need!)

*Sticky notes & Index cards

*Sticky notes & Index cards

'''[[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 :-)

'''[[Bewley]]''' - Also known as the study room, it’s a small common room on the second floor, directly opposite the stairs. It can be checked out at the front desk for two hours at a time.

'''[[Bewley]]''' - Also known as the study room, it’s a small common room on the second floor, directly opposite the stairs. It can be checked out at the front desk.

'''Canvas''' - Canvas is basically your portal for education. Professors will post your grades, assignments, discussions, calendars, and anything else they want you to have access to on canvas. Check canvas regularly for assignments and grades.

'''Canvas''' - Canvas is basically your portal for education. Professors will post your grades, assignments, discussions, calendars, and anything else they want you to have access to on canvas. Check canvas regularly for assignments and grades.

'''[[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|Docing]]''' – This term is used to refer to the disciplinary system. 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. Docing is a term referring to receiving points (Docing 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.

'''[[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.

'''[[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.

'''[[Mac Cafe|Mac]]''' – This room is the big common area on the first floor where people hang out, study, play games, or have club meetings (GAs/general assemblies).

'''[[Mac Cafe|Mac]]''' – This room is the big common area on the first floor where people hang out, study, play games, or have club meetings (GAs/general assemblies).

'''Offices''' – All throughout the building of TAMS, there are offices of academic advisors, student life, and other staff. Ask someone if you are having trouble finding someone’s office. There are also offices in Sage Hall.

'''Offices''' – All throughout the first floor of McConnell Hall there are offices of academic advisors, student life, and other staff. Ask someone if you are having trouble finding someone’s office. There are also offices in Sage Hall.

'''PA''' – A Program Advisor used to be an RA, but now they are like a super RA. They advise three clubs and hold some other activities.

'''PA''' – A Program Advisor used to be an RA, but now they are like a super RA. They advise three clubs and hold some other activities.

'''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 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!).  

Rachel Ward - Rachel 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 Aaliyah or Rachel. Rachel is extremely nice and easy to talk to, and if you have any questions about how McConnell runs she’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.

===== Pre-Calculus =====

===== 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. Cohen (for the Class of '25). 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.

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

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

[[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

[[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

'''[[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!

'''[[Laura Hua|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!

'''[[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!

'''[[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!

With Love,

With Love,

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

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