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As the first quarter of the school year passed, many eighth graders in Fairfax County Public Schools are only about a month away from applying for a coveted spot in Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Having been through the process and observed the characteristics of other students at TJHSST, I can safely mention a few things that I think all hopeful future TJ students should know.
First, test scores are not everything. When I was in eighth grade myself, I received help for preparing for the TJ admissions exam. Although the admissions test is important in that it is used to make the first cut in admissions decisions, much more important are extracurricular involvements and school grades. I have seen a few of my friends with high scores that did not get into TJ, but I also have friends currently at TJ who received scores that even they considered to be low. Just like in college admissions, test scores do not mean anything unless supported by a good school transcript, and good grades are well enough to make up for admission test scores that a student may not deem outstanding.
The one score that I noticed was very important was the essay score. A few of my friends who were rejected asked the admissions officers for explanation for their decisions, and at least one of my friends were told that his essay score from the admissions test was rather low, although it was high enough to qualify him for the second round of decisions.
As for extracurricular involvements, a student does not have to be a USAMO qualifier or a top competitor in Mathcounts. The most important part of extracurricular involvement is to show interest in science, technology and math. If you can, try to join a club even if it may be challenging for you, such as Science Olympiad. You may not excel, but you will at least show interest in science. Take the AMC test if you have any interest in math. You do not have to receive an award. Subscribe to a science magazine if you would like to.
On another note, it should be remembered TJHSST IS a school focused on sciences and math, not humanities. I did observe that some friends who were involved in artistic or athletic activities but not in science and math related activities were not accepted.
Secondly, make sure to establish good relations with your teachers, especially your science or math teacher. I know that for many TJ hopefuls, middle school math and science classes can be very easy. Some students already know the material before starting the course, and rarely feel the need to participate in class and ask questions. However, a good teacher’s letter of recommendation can be a huge boost for an applicant. In middle school, I actively participated in my math class although I learned the material a year before. However, I also had to ask my English teacher for a letter of recommendation, and I did not have a particularly great relationship with my English teacher. I am not sure if she even knew my name until the second quarter started. I strongly feel that my math teacher’s strong recommendation letter made up for my English teacher’s recommendation letter, which was probably very plain.
Lastly, for the essay, make sure to indicate that you strongly want to study deeply in the field of science and math. I also wrote in my essay that I would like to study alongside other students with similar interests, which seemed to have helped. Never write that you would like to come to TJ to help boost your chances for gaining admission to your dream college.
These are the most important tips that I could think of. If I could pick one that I deemed most important, it would be to get involved in ECs that are related to science and math. Many, if not most, applicants to TJ will have excellent grades and test scores, and it will be almost impossible for admissions officers to distinguish students based on those statistics.
Seungho Lee
T.J. High School
Intern for Christianity Daily
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| ▲T.J. High School | |
First, test scores are not everything. When I was in eighth grade myself, I received help for preparing for the TJ admissions exam. Although the admissions test is important in that it is used to make the first cut in admissions decisions, much more important are extracurricular involvements and school grades. I have seen a few of my friends with high scores that did not get into TJ, but I also have friends currently at TJ who received scores that even they considered to be low. Just like in college admissions, test scores do not mean anything unless supported by a good school transcript, and good grades are well enough to make up for admission test scores that a student may not deem outstanding.
The one score that I noticed was very important was the essay score. A few of my friends who were rejected asked the admissions officers for explanation for their decisions, and at least one of my friends were told that his essay score from the admissions test was rather low, although it was high enough to qualify him for the second round of decisions.
As for extracurricular involvements, a student does not have to be a USAMO qualifier or a top competitor in Mathcounts. The most important part of extracurricular involvement is to show interest in science, technology and math. If you can, try to join a club even if it may be challenging for you, such as Science Olympiad. You may not excel, but you will at least show interest in science. Take the AMC test if you have any interest in math. You do not have to receive an award. Subscribe to a science magazine if you would like to.
On another note, it should be remembered TJHSST IS a school focused on sciences and math, not humanities. I did observe that some friends who were involved in artistic or athletic activities but not in science and math related activities were not accepted.
Secondly, make sure to establish good relations with your teachers, especially your science or math teacher. I know that for many TJ hopefuls, middle school math and science classes can be very easy. Some students already know the material before starting the course, and rarely feel the need to participate in class and ask questions. However, a good teacher’s letter of recommendation can be a huge boost for an applicant. In middle school, I actively participated in my math class although I learned the material a year before. However, I also had to ask my English teacher for a letter of recommendation, and I did not have a particularly great relationship with my English teacher. I am not sure if she even knew my name until the second quarter started. I strongly feel that my math teacher’s strong recommendation letter made up for my English teacher’s recommendation letter, which was probably very plain.
Lastly, for the essay, make sure to indicate that you strongly want to study deeply in the field of science and math. I also wrote in my essay that I would like to study alongside other students with similar interests, which seemed to have helped. Never write that you would like to come to TJ to help boost your chances for gaining admission to your dream college.
These are the most important tips that I could think of. If I could pick one that I deemed most important, it would be to get involved in ECs that are related to science and math. Many, if not most, applicants to TJ will have excellent grades and test scores, and it will be almost impossible for admissions officers to distinguish students based on those statistics.
Seungho Lee
T.J. High School
Intern for Christianity Daily
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