Application Preparation

In the past we have typically had about one hundred students apply for the GMS Robotics Program, and can only offer a place in the program to a fraction of those.  We are continuing to using a problem-solving and understanding application to build the team roster.  Please think about it like tryouts for an athletic program; those that have put in the time to have knowledge and skill will have an advantage over those who haven't prepared. With a maximum program capacity of thirty students, spots will be filled by students who can demonstrate their readiness for the program.  The application will allow students to prove that they prepared. 

In addition to some of our usual questions, things like "How would you resolve a conflict between two members of your team?", students will also be required to answer specific questions about this year's tournament format, to provide specific solutions to problems, and to show their understanding of several engineering areas, such as mechanical systems, VEXcode V5,  and design.

The application window will last for one week, from Monday, October 16th, through Sunday the 22nd, allowing interested students adequate time to prepare after seeing the application.  The applications will not be considered on a first-come, first-served process.  The team roster will be generated by the scores students receive on their application, with the top 12 scoring 8th graders, top 12 scoring 7th graders, and top 6 scoring 6th graders being invited to join the team.  This process is automated, and individual student review will only be conducted in the case that there are ties for positions.  In such a case, the answers to the problem solving questions will be used to make final selections.  Review in such a case will be made blind, with no reference to student names or other personal information being available.  

Students that make the team will be notified via email no later than the 25th, with our first in-person meeting being Thursday the 26th.  A roster will be added to the daily/weekly announcements.

Below you will find a study guide of topics that can help make your application more likely to be accepted.

Robotics Team Application Outline

1. Over Under Game Rules

   1. Terminology

   2. Scoring

   3. Safety

   4. General Game Rules

   5. Robot-Specific Rules

2. Mechanical Systems

   1. Types of mechanical motion

      1. Linear

      2. Reciprocating

      3. Rotary

      4. Oscillating

   2. Calculating Gear Ratios

3. Coding in VEXcode V5

4. Engineering

   1. The Design Process

      1. Define the Problem

      2. Generate Concepts

      3. Develop a Solution

      4. Build and Test a Model

      5. Evaluate the Solution

      6. Present the Solution