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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student should know transitioning to TAMS though readers should note that the guide may be, and has frequently been, out-of-date.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 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student should know transitioning to TAMS though readers should note that the guide may be, and has frequently been, out-of-date.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.

''Note: the below text is taken from the 2020-2021 edition of the guide. Much of the content is from the 2019-2020 school year, and may be outdated.''

''Note: As of May 18th, 2022, the text below has been updated for the 2022-2023 school year.''  

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

<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 (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.

'''Also, there will be placement tests Friday evening'''​. 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. T'''here 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 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.

'''[[Discovery Park]]''' - Discovery Park (DP or DPark) is a satellite campus located north of the main UNT campus roughly taking 15 minutes via bus. All computer science and engineering courses are held here. Fun fact: the building used to be owned by TI for missile testing and development hence the bland building style.

'''[[Discovery Park]]''' - Discovery Park (DP or DPark) is a satellite campus located north of the main UNT campus roughly taking 15 minutes via bus. All computer science and engineering courses are held here. Fun fact: the building used to be owned by TI for missile testing and development hence the bland building style.

'''[[Eagle Landing]]''' - Eagle Landing features retail-like dining in the form of a food hall (all you can eat!). Having opened during Spring 2021, not many current students have had the opportunity to eat at Eagle Landing. From word-of-mouth, Eagle Landing has more variety and better quality food than the other dining halls.

'''[[Eagle Landing]]''' - Eagle Landing features retail-like dining in the form of a food hall (all you can eat!). From word-of-mouth, Eagle Landing has more variety and better quality food than the other dining halls.

'''ESSC (Eagle Student Service Center)''' – This is a place where you go to handle the big problems, like financial aid or IDs. Also, some elective classes, biology, and computer science will be taken here. This is also where you will go to get your transcript and other official documents.

'''ESSC (Eagle Student Service Center)''' – This is a place where you go to handle the big problems, like financial aid or IDs. Also, some elective classes, biology, and computer science will be taken here. This is also where you will go to get your transcript and other official documents.

====<big>VIP's (Very Important People) of TAMS</big>====

====<big>VIP's (Very Important People) of TAMS</big>====

'''[[Sam Earls]]''' - 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.

'''[[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]].''

'''[[Melissa Minick]]''' - 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.

'''[[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.''

<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>

<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. Ben mainly deals with any issues arising clubs, community service hours, and student events.

'''[[Ben Warren]]''' - Ben is the assistant director of student life. Ben mainly deals with any issues arising clubs, community service hours, and student events.

'''[[Sharon Vann]]''' - 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!

'''[[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.

The [[clubs]] at TAMS are always planning events in addition to the weekly [[General Assembly|GAs]], so there will pretty much always be something going or coming up. A couple of them from what I can remember include MHA Pop that Bot (around September), [[Aid the Cause|TMS Aid the Cause]] (November), [[Homecoming]] (usually October), [[Dr. TAMS|Ambassadors Dr. TAMS]] (October), [[HOPE Auction]] (February), [[Prom]] (March or April), Holi (April), Battle of the Halls (April), etc.

The [[clubs]] at TAMS are always planning events in addition to the weekly [[General Assembly|GAs]], so there will pretty much always be something going or coming up. A couple of them from what I can remember include MHA Pop that Bot (around September), [[Aid the Cause|TMS Aid the Cause]] (November), [[Homecoming]] (usually October), [[Dr. TAMS|Ambassadors Dr. TAMS]] (October), [[HOPE Auction]] (February), [[Prom]] (March or April), Holi (April), Battle of the Halls (April), etc.

Outside [[McConnell Hall|Mcconnell]], there are always events going on around campus, so check out the signs along the walkways on campus. UNT often has cultural festivals (Korean, Japanese, etc.), movie showings, speakers (last year Donald Trump Jr. and Jane Goodall came), and performances. The [[Pohl Recreation Center|rec]] also has a lot of fun options like rock climbing (usually requires a pass, but occasionally free - like the first week of school). The rec also has daily classes which includes Zumba, pilates, yoga, cycling, kickboxing and many more super fun classes! The first week of every semester is free, but after that you can buy passes for cheap (so worth).

Outside [[McConnell Hall|Mcconnell]], there are always events going on around campus, so check out the signs along the walkways on campus. UNT often has cultural festivals (Korean, Japanese, etc.), movie showings, speakers, and performances. The [[Pohl Recreation Center|rec]] also has a lot of fun options like rock climbing (usually requires a pass, but occasionally free - like the first week of school). The rec also has daily classes which includes Zumba, pilates, yoga, cycling, kickboxing and many more super fun classes! The first week of every semester is free, but after that you can buy passes for cheap (so worth).

==Social Life==

==Social Life==

====<big>Biology</big>====

====<big>Biology</big>====

Last year your seniors had 1 pm bio first semester. However, we had 8 am Biology second semester. First semester will be taught by Dr. Crossley and second semester will be team-taught by Dr. Jagadeeswaran and Dr. Neogi (or Dr. Arye).

Your bio classes will be taught by either Dr. Neogi, Dr. Jagadeeswaran (Jag) or Dr. Ogden.

Biology is a tough subject with lots of information, concept grasping, and memorization. Tips that will help you succeed is to read and take notes on each chapter of the book ''before'' the lecture, that way during the lecture it was a review session and things that I was unsure of could be clarified. Start studying a week ahead of the exam, or more. Ways to study are to reread the book/notes (aloud might help), utilize masteringbio.com (username and password should be emailed to you by the counselors) – it has clarification on notes, activities, vocab, and lots of quizzes, teach a topic to someone (or a wall), quiz each other, learn vocab, etc, whatever works for you. There are usually four exams (including or excluding the final, depending on professor), and Mastering Biology assignments (depending on professor).The grades are the typical 90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, so on and so forth and the grades will be posted on blackboard. Definitely go to office hours if you need help with something.

Biology is a tough subject with lots of information, concept grasping, and memorization. Tips that will help you succeed is to read and take notes on each chapter of the book ''before'' the lecture, that way during the lecture it was a review session and things that I was unsure of could be clarified. Start studying a week ahead of the exam, or more. Ways to study are to reread the book/notes (aloud might help), utilize masteringbio.com (username and password should be emailed to you by the counselors) – it has clarification on notes, activities, vocab, and lots of quizzes, teach a topic to someone (or a wall), quiz each other, learn vocab, etc, whatever works for you. There are usually four exams (including or excluding the final, depending on professor), and Mastering Biology assignments (depending on professor).The grades are the typical 90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, so on and so forth and the grades will be posted on blackboard. Definitely go to office hours if you need help with something.

'''<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.

'''<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.

'''<u>Gen Chem:</u>''' The biggest difference between honors and gen is that the classrooms include UNT students. You will most likely have professor Broadway or Weber first semester and professor McAfee, Petros or Kelber second semester. The tests vary but they test both conceptual and application. You will most likely not be given any formulas, so you really have to study and know the material well to do well on the tests. Make sure to start studying early and take good notes during lecture. Dr. Petros records her lectures (both video and audio), so you can see and hear exactly what she covered that day. Recitation is once a week and it's where you get put into a group of 5-6 people (combined with both UNT and TAMS students) and complete a worksheet.

'''<u>Gen Chem:</u>''' The biggest difference between honors and gen is that the classrooms include UNT students. You will most likely have professor Zhang, Atkinson, Petros, Kinyanjui, or Weber first semester and you get to choose your chem professor second semester. The tests vary but they test both conceptual and application. You will most likely not be given any formulas, so you really have to study and know the material well to do well on the tests. Make sure to start studying early and take good notes during lecture. Dr. Petros records her lectures (both video and audio), so you can see and hear exactly what she covered that day. Recitation is once a week and it's where you get put into a group of 5-6 people (combined with both UNT and TAMS students) and complete a worksheet.

<u>'''Chem Lab:'''</u> In addition to the lecture class, you also have a chem lab (both semesters) that is once a week. You are graded based on your labs (accuracy) and some TAs might have pre lab quizzes. You will need to provide your own goggles which you can either get from a TAMS senior or buy your own (organizations around TAMS [RO!!!!] sell them in the beginning of the year, so don't go out buying them). One thing worth noting is that there is a mix of UNT and TAMS students for a few labs.

<u>'''Chem Lab:'''</u> In addition to the lecture class, you also have a chem lab (both semesters) that is once a week. You are graded based on your labs (accuracy) and some TAs might have pre lab quizzes. You will need to provide your own goggles which you can either get from a TAMS senior or buy your own (organizations around TAMS [RO!!!!] sell them in the beginning of the year, so don't go out buying them). One thing worth noting is that there is a mix of UNT and TAMS students for a few labs.

'''Pre-Calculus'''

'''Pre-Calculus'''

For Precalculus, you will probably have either Dr. Brozovic, Dr. Iaia, or Dr. Elwood (for the Class of '23). All of these teachers have very different styles of teaching and the structure of each class is also very different. What they do have in common is that they go extremely fast. You will cover what a typical high school student cover over two semesters in one semester. You will be given homework a few times a week, and lengthiness and difficulty depends on the teachers. If you’re placed in precal then your cal 1 teacher is going to be the same.

For Precalculus, you will probably have either Dr. Brozovic, Dr. Iaia, or Dr. Widmer (for the Class of '24). All of these teachers have very different styles of teaching and the structure of each class is also very different. What they do have in common is that they go extremely fast. You will cover what a typical high school student cover over two semesters in one semester. You will be given homework a few times a week, and lengthiness and difficulty depends on the teachers. If you’re placed in precal then your cal 1 teacher is going to be the same.

'''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. Cherry. Be sure to do every homework assignment and try to turn them in on time. Reading the textbook, taking notes in class, doing the hw, reviews, and studying for tests leads to a good grade.

Most students start at Calculus 1, and usually the professor you get for Cal 1 will also be your professor for Cal 2. There are two professors teaching Cal 1, Dr. Mann and Dr. Tran. Be sure to do every homework assignment and try to turn them in on time. Reading the textbook, taking notes in class, doing the hw, reviews, and studying for tests leads to a good grade.

'''Calculus II & Above'''

'''Calculus II & Above'''

Calculus 2 and above (Cal 3 or Linear Algebra) are usually based on what professor you get. Try to search them up on RateMyProfessor before school starts or ask a senior!  

Calculus 2 and above (Cal 3 or Linear Algebra) are usually based on what professor you get. Try to search them up on RateMyProfessor before school starts or ask a senior! The students in the class of 2024 that place into cal 2 will either have Dr. Schwaighofer or Dr. Xuexia (Helen) Wang. 

<u>'''Calculus 3'''</u>

<u>'''Calculus 3'''</u>

Different professors do things differently, but the initial Cal 3 professor tends to change between years. Last year, all of the students who placed into Cal 3 were placed into Dr. Cherry’s class. As long as you get the homework and do the test reviews he gives out, the tests shouldn’t be too bad either. Also, don’t be afraid to go to his office hours! Dr. Cherry really loves math, and won’t hesitate to help you: he has extended office hours before every exam, in case you couldn’t make it to regular office hours.

Different professors do things differently, but the initial Cal 3 professor tends to change between years. For the class of 2024 that place into cal 3, you are likely to have Dr. William Chan, Dr. Betelu, or Dr. Dulock.  

'''<u>Differential Equations</u>'''

'''<u>Differential Equations</u>'''