TMSCA #9

bradp · Senior Member

TMSCA #9

fht · Long-term Member

Eek, I really should have started my post under another topic--I went there believing I'm going to get TMSCA9, but NOOOOO... I started off feeling "humiliated" by the NS test.
My coordinator actually consulted me before we decided to go to the meet; and I said I'd go because Angleton said they'll use "original material." But right after I went into the testing room, things quickly went sour:
   1. There was a kid next to me who could not stop moving and squirming (pathologically suspected), and he didn't know better to take off his nylon jacket either. So I was plagued by the incessant rustling of his jacket and the squeaking of the desks from his squirming. It exacerbated severely as he became intellectually stimulated.
   2. There was another kid who was white 'n nerdy. He amazed me with his arrogance. He was bragging to my coach about how he's always won first in meets. And I asked him before the test started what he usually scored. He said with nonchalant confidence, "about 140... at the last meet I beat the second kid by 50 points... I got a 190 one time." I told him, "hey I got a 190, too. It was RIGHT HERE in Angleton, the district of my freshman year." He then looked at me, reluctant to decide whether to believe me or not. Then the test started.
   3. I was expecting the TMSCA9 test, but when I saw "HEXCO," I became suspicious. I was a bit more assured when I saw a very decent #1-- 3*2007+2007. However, as the numbers went up, the questions were getting EASIER. And I got angrier and angrier.
   4. I finished the test in 8:35, and sat there furious and feeling utterly ridiculous for the rest of the 1:25. The test ended, I asked the kid how he did, he said with his usual tone, "about 40 problems." I said, "good job." Then I went out, disappointed, disillusioned, and disgusted.
   5. Less than 20 people took the test, and about half of them were my people. No coach was there to grade the tests, so the graders ended up all Calhoun too.
   6. That kid suddenly came back and asked me how I did, and I told him. He, staring at me in disbelief, finally started to believe me. Politely I told him, "it's all right, just keep practicing and you'll get there."
   7. I got a 373. Two were the right answer but suspected writeovers. I missed 7P4 because I did 7P3. I was not proud of myself--I got up at 5 and endured more than two hours of bumpy and thus sleepless bus ride to come and take a test like this with those kind of people. And I'd be stuck here the rest of this precious Saturday, and there was another equally bumpy bus ride coming.
   8. None of the CA, MA, and SC tests was TMSCA9--all "original material" from HEXCO. None of the those tests had more than 20 people taking it. I got beaten to 2nd in CA by a guy from my team, 1st in MA with 294-->The test was, to my surprise, quite decent. However, the squeaking rustling kid squirmed his way through the test without stopping for 1 second, I mean it. I was so distracted that I couldn't help thinking about strangling him. He turned in his test in about 20 minutes and the lady let him leave--a blatant violation to UIL rules but nevertheless a boon to all of us in the testing room. I also got 1st in SC. I shan't show my score--it was the most uncomfortable, underachieved, unsatisfactory meet I have ever been to.
Glad to here that y'all did well. And thanks for helping me out on those estimation problems, I guess what I should do was to suck it up and just do them.
Best Wishes

useless · Long-term Member

Dude... That sucks... I'm glad you beat the pants off that arrogant white kid. Guys like that need a good beat down on their ego every once in a while just to shut them up for five consecutive seconds. haha, but still, well done.

I'm kinda glad I didnt go to a meet this weekend. I've got several projects to complete in English and History, as well as tests in Biology and Physics to come this monday. I'm overwhelmed with work, and I'm about ready to just throw it all in the trash and stop. I never thought my senior year would be so freaking difficult. I can't even enjoy these last few months because the work load is freaking unbearable. I havent been to a party in months, and work keeps me from getting to be with my friends. You know, I'll never get to see them again, and yet I can't even stop to think about that because my life is so freaking consumed with work. I hardly even get to see my girlfriend anymore because we're both overwhelmed with projects and extracurriculars. I do this to myself, I know, but still it infuriates me. I just want to sit back and relax some. Maybe just for a few days. Tonight, I went to see the musical Les Miserables that my girlfriend was performing in. The show was wonderful. It moved me close to tears even. Until now, I havent realized how I would never probably get to see a HS production like that ever again. I hadn't realized that I never got to be in a play like I had wanted since I was in 7th grade. I realized that I hadnt done alot of things that I had wanted to do. I never went out for HS Baseball or Football... I never got to sing in choir. I never joined a band, or learned to play an instrument. I never got a chance to go skiiing learn to unicycle or anything... I feel like I havent really accomplished anything. And yet, at the same time, look at everything I have done. I guess, the question is did I enjoy any of it? Did I make the right decisions? Not to experiment? Not to join the crowd every once in a while? Maybe get in trouble just for the thrill of it. I guess I feel like I'm missing something. And since my HS career is almost over, I cant help but feel a little sad about everything. I personally believe that I'm not yet mature enough for the real world, and everything seems to be happening so fast. I mean, I woke up this morning and realized that its almost over. And for once in my life, I realized that it wasnt a good thing.

I'm sorry to waste space like this. My rant is out. It was like a zit that really really needed to be popped. So yeah.

Oh, kudos to your 382, Brad. I'm quite certain you'll hit that allusive 400 soon. Hopefully you'll get it at State! Oh, and Sam, good job in math, calc, sci, and NS. I like 373. Thats a good number as far as 4A NS scores are concerned. I still cant wait to see you later on this month. It should be a blast.

I apologize again for the downer,

Zack

fht · Long-term Member

I loved the "zit" analogy, and I hope your popped zit won't leave you any scars.
Zack, talking it out is the best way to deal with stress, frustration, and in fact any psychological malaise, and I'm glad you're doing that. In fact, if you let yourself go when you're watching the Les Miserables, you'd feel even better. The key is to release.
I agree with you on everything you've said. And there are a lot of things that we want to but may never do. Think about what you've been missing, not now, but when you get break from this hectic time. So much better can an unburdened heart answer such question.
DS's theater group sounds awesome.
Don't be sorry about ranting, Zack, you're not ranting; you're creating resonance.
...
I need to stop procrastinating NOW. My English research paper is due on Thursday and I haven't started anything. Calculus' 6-wks test on chapter 9 is coming up, but I haven't done a thing on chapter 9... Everything HAS TO be done this week, so that I won't be driven to death when I start teaching again on the 13th. I'm going to be on a college pace next week. I'll do my best not to chat and focus when I work on the computer.

Good luck! and enjoy Superbowl with my
Best Wishes

-- Edited by fht at 14:22, 2007-02-04

Date: Feb 4, 2007

Sounds like my weekend. I drove all the way up to Midland over 400 miles, for the scholarship meet, especially NS. They run it by everyone starting at the same time, the timer is in the hall. I was ready and waiting for the test to begin and I hear start, I didn't even have my test. Needless to say I was mad. So the director came in and let our room start late. About 9.5 minutes later I heard stop, this was about 12 minutes after the first group started and 30 seconds before I was supposed to stop. Again, I was upset, and compained. They gave us the rest of the 30 seconds, but my mind was already gone. I ended up not winning, when I probably should have (not to be arrogant). Then in Cal. they made us move rooms all the way down the hallway with about 3 mins. to start the test. I was so mad, I made my worst score ever. This was the WORST meet I have ever been to, and I have been doing this since 6th grade. These people were so unorganized and the people running it had no idea what they were doing and how important time is in NS.

useless · Long-term Member

Wow! That would annoy the heck out of me. I'd continue for the next 30 seconds if I had been you. I dont like to be robbed, especially when it comes to time. I also would've complained a little louder about the insufficient testing facilities for calculator. Both events require absolute concentration because both events require as much time as you can squeeze out of the test.

Out of curiousity, are you from Medina Valley, cuz I saw that Sarah went to Midland on what seemed to be like a one man, er, I mean, one woman excursion. 400 miles outside of Midland puts San Antonio that potential radius. I've been wanting to go against Medina Valley in NS for a while now, now that I feel like I can hang in calc and NS. So, is my guess right? Or am I completely off?

Zack

fht · Long-term Member

Anonymous, if you are from Medina Valley, hearty greetings to you.
If you are not, greetings to you just the same.

Organizers don't know what they are doing are, I agree, the worse nightmare ever. It reminds me of one of Mr. White's story. About how at Regionals the proctor didn't know pencils were allowed, snatched the poor kid's test away, disqualified him 7 minutes into the test, and thus messed everybody up... I'm so glad that I haven't suffered like that. But tests running late annoys the heck outa me, and it happens all the time. People asking stupid questions about the rules, people joking about having the "highest" negative scores, people who SQUIRM IN NYLON JACKETS (ugh!) ... Oh the lady in the Angleton meet did not allow me to use my timer, and that made me mad because even at state last year I was allowed to use it. I didn't argue with her since I sat in the front row and could see her timer, however tiny it was, but there was still a surge of anger that went thru me.

Date: Feb 11, 2007

You caught me! I'm not a member of anything these things because my parents are paranoid about identity theft and whatnot (I must say I agree with them). Anyways, yes I did go to Midland by myself. My coach from last year took me. She promised me if the school wouldn't take me she would. My coach this year is lazy, so she took me. As for our team, it's really just me and a sophomore who's decent, if he would practice. Our district and region are really weak in math, but strong in most everything else so it will be interesting to see how everything plays out. Not, only do I do three math events but this year and last year I have done Accounting (which I am probably best at). I've decided to concentrate on NS and Acct. and do not really care about the others. Last year I watched Chris stretch himself and try to win at state in all four events (including Acct) and he stretched himself too far and didn't win anything. So I have decide to limit myself and really concentrate on them.

Date: Feb 11, 2007

Oh, I also have had controversy about my timer as well. A lot of the Accounting people don't like the fact that I have it, despite that there is no rule against it, and despite that it is silent. Last year, people were really upset because our whole team had them because we were all in NS. I have not had it taken up yet, we'll see how that goes. However, the state Accounting director did not mind and she's in charge.

useless · Long-term Member

Sweet! Its cool to see someone else either than me, Sam, or Brad posting here. Its been since last summer since Quincy or anyone else posted. So yeah.

Anyway, I do see what you mean about your new competition. Liberty Hill and Carrizo Springs will be your only competition in math and Number Sense, with maybe a few individual exceptions (La Feria maybe?). So, you should make it to 3A state individually with ease. Frankly, I'd be surprised if you didnt get 1st in NS and at least make it to state in math. Its sad to hear that Medina Valley isnt as strong as y'all used to be. I remember going to Southwest last year and being utterly intimidated of all 4 of you with your timers, taking tests right before the test. How dare you! That was, of course before I became... competant in NS. Now I do the same before every meet, with my trusty chefstyle stopwatch. Man... I've improved so much from last year, in every event. I cant wait for TMSCA state and regionals this year. I'm gonna give everyone a run for their money in all 5 categories.

I kinda wish that your school would stay 4A for one more year so that the competition would be as good as it can be. But then again, maybe not. I like my chances better without you and Sam taking the top 2 spots leaving me and Acker to battle it out for 3rd.

So, tell me more about accounting. What exactly do you do in that competition. I know that our school has a pretty good accounting team, but I have no idea what they do exactly. They couldnt even give me a straight answer. I'm still confused, whats it all about?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions again. I seem to have a problem with rambling.

Zack

fht · Long-term Member

Concur, it would be so much more exciting if Medina Valley is still with us because you guys deserve 4A.
I have just as much curiosity about the noble art of accounting as Zack does, so I'm interested in your answers also.
LOL, yeah, Medina Valley has the prestige to practice right before contest. See, I should start doing that because usually I've not been bold enough to keep at it after the room got quiet. The regional meets of Region 3 have been pretty bad--they'd pass out test as they namecall, so it took quite some time. Meanwhile, people'd sit there doing nothing but listening others' trembling breathes and feeling their own accelerating heartbeat. I think had the environment been a bit more relaxing and me feeling comfortable enough to practice, I could have performed a bit better (fcourse, as long as SamS is there, it doesn't matter that much).
So, anyway,
Best Wishes

useless · Long-term Member

Hey Sam,

I got a response from Needville. They said yes, but under the condition that I have an adult sponsor. I was wondering if your coach could "sponsor" me. All they would need to do is sign me off when I get there. I'd pay all the fees and stuff, but I need an adult to be my sponsor in order to compete. I was wondering if your coach would be interested. I know this may seem like a liability burden, but I swear that I won't do anything in that nature. I'll even sign a waiver of all possible charges I could have against your school if it'll help me compete. Could you ask your coach for me? Please...? :'(.

Zack

fht · Long-term Member

Zack, (in case u hvn't chqd ur email) ur request is approvd. i got verbal consent from both the coordinator and my SC coach that they'll sign u in if that's all u need.
Ergo now, nothg is keepg u away from Needville but urself.
Best Wishes

bradp · Senior Member

Good luck with UIL B this weekend.
You can see my scores on texasmath.org if you want something to beat :D

fht · Long-term Member

lol, thanks for the offer, Brad. You scores are not there to be beaten, but to be admired. I'll do my best in the meet and check out everyone else's score afterwards--I haven't read anything on texasmath, but I will after Saturday.

If you are going somewhere this Saturday, good luck to you!
Best Wishes

-- Edited by fht at 16:53, 2007-02-13

-- Edited by fht at 16:54, 2007-02-13

Date: Feb 18, 2007

If you go here http://users.htcomp.net/kylef/laverne/uil.htm you can learn more about accounting. It has an archive (like Mr. Potter's website) where you can look at old tests, and stats about how people did at state and many accounting classes they have been in. Basically, it just tests what you should learn in a high school accounting class. It has terms, basic knowledge and other stuff. It is hard to describe, especially to someone who hasn't been in an accounting class, so you shouldn't be to mad at the people at your school. I guess what helps me is having been in NS and Math and BPA. You have to figure out what you can finish quickly and correctly. You also have to determine the best order to work the different parts of the problem in. Sometimes in each section, you'll have to skip around in order to answer all the questions. Problem solving is a must. The accounting director is a bit weird, but nice. She held the contest for about 15 minutes for me and chris last year because we were running late because the calculator test takes so long to get started. She has a 30 minute ritual that she does before the test that is just stupid, we recite some statement saying we've done our best, we will succeed blah, blah, blah!!!!!
This is the first year I have to travel somewhere for regionals. I have to go to Kingsville, so I don't know what to expect as far as the testing will go and if the people down there know what they are doing. I guess the only advice i can give is, it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing, ignore them and do your own thing. Last year at TMSCA, I was the only one from my school in my grade there and was secluded by myself, and I did my warmup while idiots from Athens (I think I can't remember for sure) were taking pictures of me (I don't know why???).
As for being classified as 4A, we actually aren't anymore. We have over 950 people, but at the time they took the measure we had 908.5 kids. 3A seems to be better for our sports. It won't last long, though, we are growing fast! 3A academics is stronger than you realize. Bridgeport, Bridge City, Herchi, Argyle, etc. are all powerhouses.
Don't worry about the rambling, I do it too. In fact, my english teacher/professor has repeatedly told me to stop rambling in my papers. Sorry I can only get on this thing once a week. My computer at home won't let me on it, and at school the website is blocked.

useless · Long-term Member

Wow... That sounds kinda creepy, the Athens people taking pictures of you, that is. Didn't they ask before taking pictures? I would think that they would at least try to talk to you before taking pictures. Weirdos.

I checked into the accounting website, and even looked into a practice accounting test. I have never been so confused. Its like another language that I have absolutely no ground in. Also - I've never seen so many questions on any one UIL test. I dont see how anyone can keep focus for 80+ questions. I have enough trouble with NS. You're just crazy.

So, which event is your favorite? I know you do Acct, NS, Calc and Math. Which is your favorite? And if it is Acct, is it because you want to be an accountant?

Good to hear that MV is gonna be 4A next year, not that it'll affect me because I'll be outta UIL competition by that time, but I think 4A might be missing something in the way of a killer NS team.

Zack

Date: Feb 25, 2007

No they didn't. They were kinda mad because I had beaten them the year before, and I think were just trying to make me nervous. Didn't work but whatever.

It's not that hard once you've had an accounting class. Although it has 80 questions it doesn't take that long. In fact about half the problems can be solved in 5 seconds or less. Most of those are conceptual (is it this or that types of questions), others are computational, 5% sales tax, etc. Some groups stem from formulas, were you solve for certain variables and then use that to answer other questions. You don't really have to focus on one section for very long, but I think doing NS has helped me with my focus. The test is quite easy to finish within less than the hour given, usually I use the remainder to check my answers.

As for my favorite event, I would have to say its a tie between NS and Acct. I have been forced to do Cal. since 7th grade and have never really enjoyed it (especially since they changed the test 2 years ago). Math I enjoy, but because I have done NS for so long that it has become part of my life. I also really enjoy accounting, part of that is because of my teacher/coach. She enjoys it and passes that off onto me. And, yes I do plan on being an accountant. I'm planning on going to either UT or A&M, and participating in the PPA program, which means when I graduate in 5 years or less, I will have my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Also, I participate in BPA (Business Professionals of America which is similiar to UIL only business related), and I am doing Adv. Acct. and Financial Analysis for that. In fact, Wed. we leave for state competition in Corpus.

MV won't be 4A until the year after next (still one more year of 3A). As for a good NS team, after I leave there will only be one semi-decent person left (except he won't practice). That is unless someone comes up from the MS. I'm the last one from our state teams, our coach left last year (to retire), and our new coach doesn't know NS.