TJ admissions change from Merit to Essay impact to Asian American Students

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Who said the change was exclusively made for economically disadvantaged? This admissions change was to racially balance the student body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Go look up what the percentage of students from lower income families was under the old admissions process. Hint: it was much lower than 16.36%.

Also, you should realize that there are many different ways of determining “merit.” Just because you don’t like the current process that involves writing ability doesn’t mean that merit is not involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Who said the change was exclusively made for economically disadvantaged? This admissions change was to racially balance the student body.

That's false. Selection is a race blind. The changes were made in accordance with best practices in gifted education by using local norms and selecting the top students from each school. Previously students were mostly limited to a few wealthy feeders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Go look up what the percentage of students from lower income families was under the old admissions process. Hint: it was much lower than 16.36%.

Also, you should realize that there are many different ways of determining “merit.” Just because you don’t like the current process that involves writing ability doesn’t mean that merit is not involved.

Class of 2024 had 0.6% economically disadvantaged students admitted. Less than 1% of that entire class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Go look up what the percentage of students from lower income families was under the old admissions process. Hint: it was much lower than 16.36%.

Also, you should realize that there are many different ways of determining “merit.” Just because you don’t like the current process that involves writing ability doesn’t mean that merit is not involved.

Class of 2024 had 0.6% economically disadvantaged students admitted. Less than 1% of that entire class.

And that was fairly typical. Prior to the changes to the admissions process, TJ was essentially closed to economically disadvantaged and non-center students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Go look up what the percentage of students from lower income families was under the old admissions process. Hint: it was much lower than 16.36%.

Also, you should realize that there are many different ways of determining “merit.” Just because you don’t like the current process that involves writing ability doesn’t mean that merit is not involved.

Class of 2024 had 0.6% economically disadvantaged students admitted. Less than 1% of that entire class.

And that was fairly typical. Prior to the changes to the admissions process, TJ was essentially closed to economically disadvantaged and non-center students.

It's an important distinction that admission is no longer limited to a handful of wealthy feeder schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Who said the change was exclusively made for economically disadvantaged? This admissions change was to racially balance the student body.

That's false. Selection is a race blind. The changes were made in accordance with best practices in gifted education by using local norms and selecting the top students from each school. Previously students were mostly limited to a few wealthy feeders.

racist is sneaking in favorite words

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Go look up what the percentage of students from lower income families was under the old admissions process. Hint: it was much lower than 16.36%.

Also, you should realize that there are many different ways of determining “merit.” Just because you don’t like the current process that involves writing ability doesn’t mean that merit is not involved.

Class of 2024 had 0.6% economically disadvantaged students admitted. Less than 1% of that entire class.

And that was fairly typical. Prior to the changes to the admissions process, TJ was essentially closed to economically disadvantaged and non-center students.

It's an important distinction that admission is no longer limited to a handful of wealthy feeder schools.

racist

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Who said the change was exclusively made for economically disadvantaged? This admissions change was to racially balance the student body.

shame on school board for leaning on economically disadvantaged to engage in racial politics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

You can give them a spot but you can't make them smart. In fact TJ doesn't make anyone smart who isn't already so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Who said the change was exclusively made for economically disadvantaged? This admissions change was to racially balance the student body.

That's false. Selection is a race blind. The changes were made in accordance with best practices in gifted education by using local norms and selecting the top students from each school. Previously students were mostly limited to a few wealthy feeders.

racist is sneaking in favorite words

Liar. You are the one associating wealthy feeders to race.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Yes, over 2000+ they need four more TJs to answer the stem demand.

Plenty of STEM available at base schools.

Not at the level of rigor ideal for these students, and there is not post-calc3 math available at most base schools

Not every applicant needs the TJ "rigor" to succeed in STEM. The vast majority will be served by the STEM offerings at base schools, including math.

Perhaps, but definitely the top 1.5% of students at their base school would benefit from TJ.

OK - good thing there is space for them. The PP was commenting on the thousands of applicants who are not accepted each year. Not everyone who applies is some kind of STEM superstar.

Majority of the declined students have far better advanced middle school math, english and science skills than the bottom Algebra 1 students that are being admitted based on their skin color.

Of course, it's no coincidence that algebra 1 count went from 20+ in 2024 before admissions change to 160+ in the 2025 class, and the new class was declared as having more diversity.

"Compared to TJ Class of 2024, the proportion of students in Class of 2025 admitted with the minimal required math background of Algebra 1 in 8th grade increased sevenfold, from 4.5% to 31%"
https://www.fcag.org/documents/TJ_Class_of_2025_analysis.pdf

So almost one third of class is admitted with algebra 1, almost two levels behind in math compared to their advanced peers?

Algebra 1 in 8th isn’t “behind”.

Sure, its all relative. Over three fourth of their peers are one to two years "ahead" with Geometry or Algebra 2 on day one, according to TJ Admissions.

Why does that matter? Does it occur to you that not every bright child has parents with the money or educational background to put their kids in a position to take math classes earlier than many of their peers?

This is a public school. It is there for every child who will benefit from it. Granted there aren’t enough spaces for every child in the area who can benefit from it, but it is important that kids from all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds have the opportunity. Kids can’t choose their parents and family circumstances and shouldn’t suffer because their parents have less money or education than others.

all kinds of financial and educational backgrounds?
The current non-merit process is admitting 83.64% economically advantaged "wealthy" kids and just 16.36% economically disadvantaged. The worst part of this is more than half fail to meet TJ rigor, and one third need remedial from first month itself. Even more unacceptable is students are being selected based on their skin color.

Who said the change was exclusively made for economically disadvantaged? This admissions change was to racially balance the student body.

That's false. Selection is a race blind. The changes were made in accordance with best practices in gifted education by using local norms and selecting the top students from each school. Previously students were mostly limited to a few wealthy feeders.

racist is sneaking in favorite words

racist doesn't like it when untouchables attend their wealthy feeders

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:


I wasn't aware that so many were being denied.

Is this for real? Why would they reject high math qualified applicants in favor of lower math applicants?