Tjhsst is it worth it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

We all know TJ kids are good test takers so avg of 1466 doesn't surprise me. To put this score in context though, 75%tile for UMD, UVa, and UNC are over 1400. So, the avg kids at TJ represent about 75%tile kids at these colleges. After all that TJ crazy, that score is not too impressive to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
While the facilities are good at TJ, most students -- even TJ students -- do not have the experience to take advantage of those.

Neither social-emotional not intellectual. TJ has a lot of phenomenal resources and, in the early-mid 90s, was an exceptional opportunity in an era when many schools just didn't have the facilities to offer the depth and breadth of honors and AP education available in all schools now. I don't think anyone is denying that TJ is a great school, but the question is, is it a great school for your child? Is it a great school for your child's social-emotional well being AND their intellectual growth? Will it enable them to be a healthy, well-developed young adult?

This debate is raging in my house right now. DH and I are very concerned about too much, too fast, and we are in the minority among our peers (40s, locally grown, one a product of Fairfax Co publics, one a product of an independent all-girls' school). I think you have to think long and hard about the pros and cons about a school like TJ before sending your child into the breech.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

If you have a pretty good student, it's not hard to get mid 1400 SAT score from your home school. Plus the fact colleges probably prefer picking 1460 kids from home schools vs 1460 kids from TJ, what is the benefit of all the beating and grinding at TJ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
While the facilities are good at TJ, most students -- even TJ students -- do not have the experience to take advantage of those.

Neither social-emotional not intellectual. TJ has a lot of phenomenal resources and, in the early-mid 90s, was an exceptional opportunity in an era when many schools just didn't have the facilities to offer the depth and breadth of honors and AP education available in all schools now. I don't think anyone is denying that TJ is a great school, but the question is, is it a great school for your child? Is it a great school for your child's social-emotional well being AND their intellectual growth? Will it enable them to be a healthy, well-developed young adult?

This debate is raging in my house right now. DH and I are very concerned about too much, too fast, and we are in the minority among our peers (40s, locally grown, one a product of Fairfax Co publics, one a product of an independent all-girls' school). I think you have to think long and hard about the pros and cons about a school like TJ before sending your child into the breech.

I agree that it has to fit your child. I am worried because my rising 8th grader is STEM focused and a high achiever in academics. But I firmly believe that TJ will not be good for her emotionally. She is too type A and I want her to find balance and a lower stress level. But I can't be the one who says no. I'm hoping she won't want to apply. My strategy has been to not bring it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

We all know TJ kids are good test takers so avg of 1466 doesn't surprise me. To put this score in context though, 75%tile for UMD, UVa, and UNC are over 1400. So, the avg kids at TJ represent about 75%tile kids at these colleges. After all that TJ crazy, that score is not too impressive to me.

TJ's average SAT is about 2,200 based on the past 5 classes and TJ is reported to have the highest average SAT scores of all high schools in the country. There are many kids with 2,300+ scores and some 2,400. That is impressive at least for having the highest scores.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/schools-highest-sat-scores_n_4654077.html

You cans attack the SAT itself but don't say "average" SAT score of 2,200 is not that impressive unless you received 2,300+ score your self.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

We all know TJ kids are good test takers so avg of 1466 doesn't surprise me. To put this score in context though, 75%tile for UMD, UVa, and UNC are over 1400. So, the avg kids at TJ represent about 75%tile kids at these colleges. After all that TJ crazy, that score is not too impressive to me.

TJ's average SAT is about 2,200 based on the past 5 classes and TJ is reported to have the highest average SAT scores of all high schools in the country. There are many kids with 2,300+ scores and some 2,400. That is impressive at least for having the highest scores.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/schools-highest-sat-scores_n_4654077.html

You cans attack the SAT itself but don't say "average" SAT score of 2,200 is not that impressive unless you received 2,300+ score your self.

I didn't but my non-TJ kids did. 2200 and over kids are a dime a dozen in this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

If you have a pretty good student, it's not hard to get mid 1400 SAT score from your home school. Plus the fact colleges probably prefer picking 1460 kids from home schools vs 1460 kids from TJ, what is the benefit of all the beating and grinding at TJ?

Let's be real, it is difficult to receive 1,450 for (CR & M) even for a pretty good student. Actually, TJ kid with 1,460 will probably win out assuming same GPA, similar ECs etc due to the rigor of the courses and other opportunities such as research, academic competitions etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never met a person that went that didn't love it. I'm sure there is, but they're unicorns.

Most years, my school has at least one student return midway through the year. Usually, it's a parent referral.--But of course it has nothing to do with the academic rigor, according to the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

We all know TJ kids are good test takers so avg of 1466 doesn't surprise me. To put this score in context though, 75%tile for UMD, UVa, and UNC are over 1400. So, the avg kids at TJ represent about 75%tile kids at these colleges. After all that TJ crazy, that score is not too impressive to me.

TJ's average SAT is about 2,200 based on the past 5 classes and TJ is reported to have the highest average SAT scores of all high schools in the country. There are many kids with 2,300+ scores and some 2,400. That is impressive at least for having the highest scores.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/schools-highest-sat-scores_n_4654077.html

You cans attack the SAT itself but don't say "average" SAT score of 2,200 is not that impressive unless you received 2,300+ score your self.

I didn't but my non-TJ kids did. 2200 and over kids are a dime a dozen in this area.

2200 SAT score is not "dime a dozen in this area" For example, there were only 205 NMSF in Fairfax county including TJ kids attending TJ from participating nearby jurisdictions with the cut off score of around 218-219 for VA. In fact, PSAT is easier than SAT.

If 2200 is dime a dozen, we should have several thousands make the NMSF. Stop making silly claims.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

If you have a pretty good student, it's not hard to get mid 1400 SAT score from your home school. Plus the fact colleges probably prefer picking 1460 kids from home schools vs 1460 kids from TJ, what is the benefit of all the beating and grinding at TJ?

Let's be real, it is difficult to receive 1,450 for (CR & M) even for a pretty good student. Actually, TJ kid with 1,460 will probably win out assuming same GPA, similar ECs etc due to the rigor of the courses and other opportunities such as research, academic competitions etc.

Kids are evaluated within the context of his/her HS. So, an avg kid at TJ will be viewed as someone who was not able to materialize/maximize all the opportunities given to him/her whereas a kid with similar stats at home school will be viewed as who pushed him/herself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

We all know TJ kids are good test takers so avg of 1466 doesn't surprise me. To put this score in context though, 75%tile for UMD, UVa, and UNC are over 1400. So, the avg kids at TJ represent about 75%tile kids at these colleges. After all that TJ crazy, that score is not too impressive to me.

TJ's average SAT is about 2,200 based on the past 5 classes and TJ is reported to have the highest average SAT scores of all high schools in the country. There are many kids with 2,300+ scores and some 2,400. That is impressive at least for having the highest scores.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/schools-highest-sat-scores_n_4654077.html

You cans attack the SAT itself but don't say "average" SAT score of 2,200 is not that impressive unless you received 2,300+ score your self.

I didn't but my non-TJ kids did. 2200 and over kids are a dime a dozen in this area.

2200 SAT score is not "dime a dozen in this area" For example, there were only 205 NMSF in Fairfax county including TJ kids attending TJ from participating nearby jurisdictions with the cut off score of around 218-219 for VA. In fact, PSAT is easier than SAT.

If 2200 is dime a dozen, we should have several thousands make the NMSF. Stop making silly claims.

Ugh... Have you ever heard the term "figuratively speaking" to make a point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Most of the TJ students attending UVA are average or below average students except for those students getting ton of merit aid or going for the in-state tuition. UVA is still considered a safety at TJ. TJ kids would not brag about getting into UVA. Average or below average student is not doing fine.

Bear in mind that every student at TJ has to keep their GPA above 3.0, so an average student at TJ is very different from an average student elsewhere. Have you seen the average SAT scores at TJ?

Have you heard college admission is more than just SAT scores?

Sorry, I was not indicating that college admission was based solely on SAT scores. I was pointing out that, because the lowest possible GPA at TJ is 3.0 and the average SAT is 1466 (M and CR), the "average" student at TJ is very different from the "average" student at other high schools. At other FCPS high schools, GPAs can range to well below 3.0 and the average SAT for FCPS is 1126 (M and CR). "Average" is dependent on the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

We all know TJ kids are good test takers so avg of 1466 doesn't surprise me. To put this score in context though, 75%tile for UMD, UVa, and UNC are over 1400. So, the avg kids at TJ represent about 75%tile kids at these colleges. After all that TJ crazy, that score is not too impressive to me.

TJ's average SAT is about 2,200 based on the past 5 classes and TJ is reported to have the highest average SAT scores of all high schools in the country. There are many kids with 2,300+ scores and some 2,400. That is impressive at least for having the highest scores.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/schools-highest-sat-scores_n_4654077.html

You cans attack the SAT itself but don't say "average" SAT score of 2,200 is not that impressive unless you received 2,300+ score your self.

I didn't but my non-TJ kids did. 2200 and over kids are a dime a dozen in this area.

2200 SAT score is not "dime a dozen in this area" For example, there were only 205 NMSF in Fairfax county including TJ kids attending TJ from participating nearby jurisdictions with the cut off score of around 218-219 for VA. In fact, PSAT is easier than SAT.

If 2200 is dime a dozen, we should have several thousands make the NMSF. Stop making silly claims.

Ugh... Have you ever heard the term "figuratively speaking" to make a point?

"Dime a dozen": "Anything that is plentiful with little value", "to be had for next to nothing; common enough to be worthless", "It's believed that "dime a dozen" originated in the 1800's when a hen was expected to yield at least 10 viable eggs out of 12 that are laid."

"figuratively speaking", it means very common, not unusual etc.

2200 score is hardly worthless or very common, figuratively speaking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about people whose kids actually attend(ed) TJ answer this question. Haters can move on. Yes, it is worth it, as long as you/your student understand it is not a golden ticket to a lifetime of success. It is a great experience in and of itself. College admissions are at least as difficult from TJ as from other FCPS high schools, but the four years there offer an unparalleled experience.

Given the acceptance rates to certain schools, college admissions are clearly easier from there than from other schools, actually. Haters gonna hate.

Would love to know about what experiences those are. I am a parent and just as any other am conflicted about the choice of high school. It my DC's choice eventually, but knowing about those experiences in TJ would help in the decision making

This will be helpful:

https://k12.niche.com/thomas-jefferson-high-school-for-science--and--technology-alexandria-va/

Some of the available information:

Popular Majors Based on users from Niche Colleges
Computer Science (82)
Engineering (53)
Biology (33)
Pre-Medicine Studies (25)
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering (25)
Mechanical Engineering (23)
Economics (18)
Neuroscience (18)
Business (18)
Computer Engineering (16)

Popular Colleges Based on users from Niche Colleges
University of Virginia (227)
Virginia Tech (126)
College of William & Mary (112)
Duke University (94)
Stanford University (91)
University of Pennsylvania (88)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (80)
Harvard University (80)
Princeton University (76)
Yale University (76)

If you could do it all over again, would you still want to go to this school? Based on 27 responses
67% Yes
26% Not sure.
7% No

among other information.

[Anonymous]

Given 1460 (or 2200 if you like) is around 75 percentile at UMD/UVA/UNC, I don't think use of "dime a dozen" is totally inaccurate. That means 1 out of 4 kids at those schools scored better. That's a LOT of kids.