Application Preparation
Prepare for the pieces TAMS reads
TAMS asks for an SAT or ACT score with a Science section, transcripts, four teacher evaluations, a proctored algebra exam and, for some students, an interview. Start with the test plan, since the last accepted SAT date is in March.
Checked against TAMS's published admissions pages on November 5, 2026.
Testing
The SAT or ACT.
TAMS asks for an SAT or ACT score. An ACT score must include the Science section.
- Rules
- TAMS needs an SAT or ACT score. An ACT must include the Science section, and TAMS will not consider an ACT score without a Science sub-score. The essay or writing portion is not required.
- Sending scores
- Scores should be sent directly by College Board or ACT to the University of North Texas, not to TAMS. The SAT school code is 6481 and the ACT code is 4136.
- Test choice tips
- Students who want Early Summer Research consideration are advised to test in November. TAMS recommends the ACT over the SAT for students interested in the Music and Visual Arts & Design tracks.
- What does not count
- TAMS does not accept PSAT, Duke TIP or Baylor TIP scores. A test score is one of more than twenty variables TAMS considers, so it is never the only factor.
- Average scores
- TAMS says its average SAT score is about 1350 and its average ACT score is 31. The FAQ does not say whether that describes applicants or enrolled students.
- 01
Pick a test date well before March 6, 2027, which leaves time for a retake.
- 02
If your student takes the ACT, confirm the score report will carry a Science sub-score.
Essays
The rest of the application.
TAMS asks for school records, teacher input, a proctored algebra exam and sometimes an interview. There is no application essay in the published checklist.
- Transcripts and report cards
- Families upload PDF transcripts or report cards, including the first grading period of fall 2026. Each page must show the student's name and the school, and screenshots are not accepted. Eleventh graders must send their first 11th-grade report card before TAMS can make an offer.
- Teacher evaluations
- TAMS asks for four teacher evaluations, all from teachers the student has this 2026-2027 school year: English, math, science (a biology, chemistry or physics teacher) and a fourth teacher. TAMS contacts the teachers on your behalf. Submit only one request form, and only after the student has a report card, not a progress report, for the current year.
- The fourth evaluation
- The fourth evaluation can come from any current teacher of an academic subject, but not from coaches who teach or directors of mainly extracurricular activities. Visual Arts & Design applicants use an art, music, yearbook or journalism teacher, and Music applicants use a music teacher.
- Supplemental materials
- Applicants may also send supplemental materials about non-academic pursuits or achievements, as a PDF to tamsadmissions@unt.edu, so TAMS can look at well-roundedness.
- Algebra exam
- TAMS reviews only complete files to decide who is invited to a proctored exam covering Algebra I and II. It does not release algebra scores and applicants cannot retake the exam. Scheduling depends on how many complete applications TAMS has, and TAMS contacts applicants directly with dates.
- Interview
- After the exam score is added to the file, TAMS decides whether to interview the student. The interview is one-on-one with a TAMS staff member and covers the student's goals and values and reflections on events that shaped their view of education and relationships. Students are notified if they advance.
- 01
Tell the four teachers before you send the request, and send only one request form.
- 02
Wait for the first report card, not a progress report, before sending the teacher request.
- 03
Revisit Algebra I and II. TAMS does not release algebra scores and does not allow a retake.
Preparation plan
A plan that works backward from the deadline.
Adjust the pace to your student's schedule. The order matters more than the exact days.
First
Check eligibility
Confirm 12 months of Texas residency, the grade level, and the Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II rule.
Early
Book an SAT or ACT date
Choose a date on or before March 6, 2027, and send scores to UNT, not TAMS.
Next
Apply on ApplyTexas
Create an account and apply to UNT with TAMS as the first choice program.
After the first report card
Ask four teachers
Tell teachers first, then send one request form.
Before May 3
Finish the file
TAMS reviews only complete files, and all documents are due May 3, 2027.
After submitting
Watch for the exam and interview
TAMS contacts applicants directly. It has not published those dates.