What does ULTIMATE stand for?
United Longhorn Team Inspiring Mental Attitude Towards Engineering

What is FIRST?
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology
The team's primary Spring semester competition. This high-school program presents the students with an opportunity to build robots through their evolving annual challenges.

What is BEST?
Boosting Engineering, Science, & Technology
The team's primary Fall semester competition. This program, along with an annual theme, engages the students in construction and development of one robot.

When does the team meet?
The team meets almost every Monday through Saturday for six weeks during the actual build season. After or before a season, the team stays for about two hours every weekday to discuss outreach activities, plan out ideas for the next season, or prepare details for competition. Either way, we prepare a monthly calendar to let members know about our meeting schedule.
 
How do I join the team?
At the beginning of each semester, the first season meeting is announced. Members get debriefed on the new challenge. In order to be considered an ULTIMATE robotics team member, you must submit a complete application and profile.

What does one robotics season consist of?
Our team is active year-round. Since we compete in two different competitions, each semester is considered one season. In the fall we compete with BEST and in the spring we compete with FIRST. Either way, each season consists of a six weeks robot building period and a regional competition.

What does your team do "off-season"?
Our team usually plans for next season, performs community service, or participates in fundraising. Some members may work on enhancing the website or learn new software. In either case, ULTIMATE is always working.

How much does it cost to be in robotics?
Application Fee $5- Used to cover meals on weekends and other miscellaneus student expenses.

What are the expenses of your robotics team?
Registration for all robotics teams for enrollment with FIRST Robotics is $6000 (per regional competition) and an additional $5000 for the national competition-- not including, cost of construction materials, computer equipment, transportation, meals, hotels, (oh and) shirts. Registration for BEST, on the other hand, is FREE. However, this still does not include all the other expenses.

How do you raise the money?
It is because of our sponsors that our program still survives. However, knowing the expenses are a little costly, our team organizes various fundraisers. Football concession stands, jewelry sales, and plate sales are our main efforts. However, we have also organized a car wash and separated several days to sell at our school store.  

I would like more information. Who do I contact?
For more information or any additional questions, e-mail lrodriguez1@unitedisd.org.