TJ admissions now verifying free and reduced price meal status for successful 2026 applicants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

As I said, I’m not defending the process. I think it would be fair to make writing a component of the evaluation (albeit weighted lower then math and science). We all need to be able to communicate. Top students should have that basic skill. There are so many in FCPS that surely we could find top STEM kids that can also write.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Well, its definitely possible and I have no way of proving one way or other as I did not quiz them in math. So, you or I can speculate all we want - In any case, the kids were really sharp and I briefly prepped them with mock presentations and questions for the projects they worked on. My kid wasn't so ahead in math, but still paired up with them as they have all had common interests and they did pretty much every thing on their own (multiple projects) with out any help from teachers or parents.

A close relative of mine is a math professor and he says his department sees kids who were quite “advanced” in math in high school who clearly don’t truly understand what they’re doing. He says he'd rather that the schools would go back to a slower math progression in which kids can develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts. Faster is not necessarily better.

I have seen several op Ed type of pieces to this effect from professors. I think it is also telling that many schools will not accept the AP calc credit if you are a STEM major.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

As I said, I’m not defending the process. I think it would be fair to make writing a component of the evaluation (albeit weighted lower then math and science). We all need to be able to communicate. Top students should have that basic skill. There are so many in FCPS that surely we could find top STEM kids that can also write.

My view is that kids who are receiving As in AAP or Honors English in 7th and 8th grade ought to be able to write. If they can't, there's something seriously wrong with the grading in these classes. It shouldn't be necessary to focus on writing to the extent that they do in the TJ application, since the requisite writing skill should be reflected in the GPA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

It is Kumon. Also learn to write.

It should be outlawed. GTFO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

As I said, I’m not defending the process. I think it would be fair to make writing a component of the evaluation (albeit weighted lower then math and science). We all need to be able to communicate. Top students should have that basic skill. There are so many in FCPS that surely we could find top STEM kids that can also write.

My view is that kids who are receiving As in AAP or Honors English in 7th and 8th grade ought to be able to write. If they can't, there's something seriously wrong with the grading in these classes. It shouldn't be necessary to focus on writing to the extent that they do in the TJ application, since the requisite writing skill should be reflected in the GPA.

I think you might be surprised by the grading. It’s not hard to get As in FCPS. If grades were all that mattered, they could just go by GPA and which classes the kid is in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

100% We have computers that can perform rapid calculations. Again, the asian mentality of study 3+ hours a day extra drill and kill and get a top mark on an exam is thankfully not how we operate in the United States.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This nonsense is what the Democrats on the SB wanted for TJ and they will try to dumb down every other good high school as well.

it’s so easy for them to implement it via school rezoning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

100% We have computers that can perform rapid calculations. Again, the asian mentality of study 3+ hours a day extra drill and kill and get a top mark on an exam is thankfully not how we operate in the United States.

Which kids are studying math 3 hours per day? Mine just finished pre Calc in 7th. I’d be lucky to get my kid to do 3 hours of extra math per week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Well, its definitely possible and I have no way of proving one way or other as I did not quiz them in math. So, you or I can speculate all we want - In any case, the kids were really sharp and I briefly prepped them with mock presentations and questions for the projects they worked on. My kid wasn't so ahead in math, but still paired up with them as they have all had common interests and they did pretty much every thing on their own (multiple projects) with out any help from teachers or parents.

A close relative of mine is a math professor and he says his department sees kids who were quite “advanced” in math in high school who clearly don’t truly understand what they’re doing. He says he'd rather that the schools would go back to a slower math progression in which kids can develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts. Faster is not necessarily better.

For students, who don’t understand the material, faster is not better; however, for those who already understand it, faster IS better. Nobody says to put a kid who can’t do fractions in algebra 1. But, if one were to compare complexity of concepts in Calculus BC and algebra 1, you should slow down in calculus, not algebra 1, provided that the latter is decently understood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

100% We have computers that can perform rapid calculations. Again, the asian mentality of study 3+ hours a day extra drill and kill and get a top mark on an exam is thankfully not how we operate in the United States.

Nothing to do with race. Wow, weird comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

It is Kumon. Also learn to write.

It should be outlawed. GTFO.

what should be outlawed? Learning?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it helps my DC literally knows a kid who took BC Calc (yes, that AP class-in fact, he's currently even awaiting his AP exam result) and got waitlisted. Not only that, he's also a science whiz--TJ is probably the only school that would actually fit his academic needs as a student, but alas, these new admissions don't seem to care about STEM achievement.

go straight to college do not pass go

My question how in the heck did someone get 5 years ahead of the standard curriculum

If they did it on their own that's genius territory, if they did kuman and summer math classes that's everything that's wrong with the math acceleration for no reason

I volunteered for a science event what kids middle school students attended and I have met several who have been taking Pre-calc HN in the 8th grade and one of them was just 7th grade. I would have ruled out like you did, but please note that BC Calc is just one course away from Pre-Calc HN and now that I have actually met the kid(s), I can no longer rule it out. I have no idea how the kid was got so ahead, but somehow did. On a side note, quite a few of the kids who were taking Algebra 2 or more in 8th grade didn't get accepted into TJ in spite of perfect grades, while so many kids who were just taking Algebra 1 were accepted. Looks like essays rule the world of TJ, where you can brag or lie pretty much anything with out worrying about any sort of validation or repercussions.

Quite likely a lot of those kids are not actually understanding the advanced math concepts they are being taught, they have just learned how to get to correct answers. Coming up with answers without grasping the deeper fundamentals is not really useful in the long run in STEM studies.

Quite likely a lot of those highly advanced kids are understanding the math with significantly more depth than other public school kids, because they are taking classes through AoPS. Public school math is weak and shallow. AoPS math is deep, nuanced, filled with proofs, and very challenging. These kids will be fine in their later STEM studies.

Just because they take a “deep, nuanced” class doesn’t mean the kids actually have a deep and nuanced understanding of the concepts. Kids who are used to a lot of tutoring and extra, outside classes learn how to get to the answers very well, but that doesn’t guarantee that they actually understand the underlying fundamentals. Truly, faster is not necessarily better.

100% We have computers that can perform rapid calculations. Again, the asian mentality of study 3+ hours a day extra drill and kill and get a top mark on an exam is thankfully not how we operate in the United States.

Haha...your nuanced genius shines through.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new admission process converted a merit-based school into a social project with barely any merit. The damage to TJ’s reputation is done. It will keep up in the rankings for the next couple of years, based on its past glory, after that it won’t. Hope that those, who orchestrated this, will ultimately pay for destroying the very valuable resource of this community. I am not Asian but white.

When did buying the test answers become merit?

If that were the actual concern, TJ math and science teachers could easily create test questions and make new ones each year, while making old ones public, so that any kid NOT at a prep center could prepare on their own. Right now TJ is getting kids from prep center, trained to write perfect essays about imaginary achievements and hardships in their lives, plus cheats, and disadvantaged kids with no particular aptitude. Good luck!

Don’t forget writing coaches! I know one parent/kid who spent months perfecting different flavors of essays. Same with math problem solving essay as it’s says that critical thinking/writing is more important that getting the right answer. This year, it’s science essay (and virtual), it’s all about writing.

I don't blame them preparing for it. They did the right thing.

Can you argue the same for math/science prep for earlier admission process? The problem with essays, TJ is now all about essays and what you write in them that appeals to the readers and you don't have to be truthful. Even if you perfect gpa, its will only make a difference of 37.5 points, while essays carry a whopping 600 points in the TJ point system and nothing else is considered for admission. So, getting into TJ isn't so much about science anymore.

Not defending the process because it is flawed, but being able to write (as well as do math and science) would set folks apart. I work with engineers (I’m a lawyer not an engineer) and many are strong engineers but very weak writers. Being able to communicate better would aid them in their careers. I know the admittance process is hated. I’m just adding that actually being able to communicate one’s thoughts in writing should not be under rated.

Certainly, being a stronger writer would be a useful asset for an engineer. Its importance is dwarfed by being a solid scientist who understands the math. Who would you prefer to have designing a new car: the good writer who is mediocre at STEM, or the STEM whiz who is a mediocre writer? If TJ were a general gifted academy or a humanities school, the emphasis on writing would not be inappropriate. For a STEM school, it's absurd to prioritize writing over math and science ability.

Your logic works if you have to pick between two equally qualified/knowledgeable candidates and you tend to pick who has better communication. But would pick a super candidate with average writing abilities (mind you, in our case, kids have to write all these essays two short 30min blocks) or pick a below average candidate with superior writing abilities and your job is a technical in nature.