Why is getting into TJ such a big deal?

[Anonymous]

Outside of the top 1% of students, it seems like most kids that graduate from TJ end up working normal-ish corporate jobs. I grew up in an affluent neighborhood and a bunch of my friends ended up going to TJ and then to UVA/Tech/other state schools. Two went to ivies and they both burned out, barely graduated and one works as a preschool teacher now, the other works at a mathnasium part time while trying to figure out his next career move. The others that went to state schools were considered "average" at TJ and work in the same technical field as me now.

So what are the advantages of going to TJ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside of the top 1% of students, it seems like most kids that graduate from TJ end up working normal-ish corporate jobs. I grew up in an affluent neighborhood and a bunch of my friends ended up going to TJ and then to UVA/Tech/other state schools. Two went to ivies and they both burned out, barely graduated and one works as a preschool teacher now, the other works at a mathnasium part time while trying to figure out his next career move. The others that went to state schools were considered "average" at TJ and work in the same technical field as me now.

So what are the advantages of going to TJ?

Some families view it as a badge or honor or prestige.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside of the top 1% of students, it seems like most kids that graduate from TJ end up working normal-ish corporate jobs. I grew up in an affluent neighborhood and a bunch of my friends ended up going to TJ and then to UVA/Tech/other state schools. Two went to ivies and they both burned out, barely graduated and one works as a preschool teacher now, the other works at a mathnasium part time while trying to figure out his next career move. The others that went to state schools were considered "average" at TJ and work in the same technical field as me now.

So what are the advantages of going to TJ?

There are some amazing sounding classes offered for kids interested in STEM. I do think there is an advantage for kids who are more academically inclined to be among a strong group of similar peers, it makes it easier for them to be excited by school and challenging themselves. I can see the pros to the school. But it needs to be the child’s choice and not the parents. I am sure that there are kids who really want to be there but I would guess that there is a strong contingent of kids who are there because their parents want them to attend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outside of the top 1% of students, it seems like most kids that graduate from TJ end up working normal-ish corporate jobs. I grew up in an affluent neighborhood and a bunch of my friends ended up going to TJ and then to UVA/Tech/other state schools. Two went to ivies and they both burned out, barely graduated and one works as a preschool teacher now, the other works at a mathnasium part time while trying to figure out his next career move. The others that went to state schools were considered "average" at TJ and work in the same technical field as me now.

So what are the advantages of going to TJ?

Some families view it as a badge or honor or prestige.

Not as many as before. Interest has been fading over the past decade. There was a short-lived spike in interest a couple of years ago immediately after the change in admissions policy but interest is declining again.

[Anonymous]

I went to the TJ equivalent in my state, and it’s not just about where you end up. I mean, there are only so many jobs one can end up end. We all regress to the mean. Having experiences like going to a high school with other kids who think like you and are quirky like you for the first time in your life can be a life-changing experience, in ways other than what job you end up with — it helped me figure out who I am, helped teach me how to think, helped me figure out my career path. After high school I went to UVA for undergrad (so nothing all that special) and then Yale Law (more special, but not tech) and then have had prestigious jobs but I’m not a Supreme Court justice.

[Anonymous]

For kids who are STEM oriented, TJ has great courses, clubs etc.

Its not a ticket to ivies etc

[Anonymous]

DC is just much happier there, having found “her people” and enjoying being in classes with kids that mostly all take it seriously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside of the top 1% of students, it seems like most kids that graduate from TJ end up working normal-ish corporate jobs. I grew up in an affluent neighborhood and a bunch of my friends ended up going to TJ and then to UVA/Tech/other state schools. Two went to ivies and they both burned out, barely graduated and one works as a preschool teacher now, the other works at a mathnasium part time while trying to figure out his next career move. The others that went to state schools were considered "average" at TJ and work in the same technical field as me now.

So what are the advantages of going to TJ?

Not every kid lives in an affluent neighborhood, so going to TJ is a huge step up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside of the top 1% of students, it seems like most kids that graduate from TJ end up working normal-ish corporate jobs. I grew up in an affluent neighborhood and a bunch of my friends ended up going to TJ and then to UVA/Tech/other state schools. Two went to ivies and they both burned out, barely graduated and one works as a preschool teacher now, the other works at a mathnasium part time while trying to figure out his next career move. The others that went to state schools were considered "average" at TJ and work in the same technical field as me now.

So what are the advantages of going to TJ?

Um who do you think you are judging people like that? You don’t know why people work certain jobs. Gtfo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to the TJ equivalent in my state, and it’s not just about where you end up. I mean, there are only so many jobs one can end up end. We all regress to the mean. Having experiences like going to a high school with other kids who think like you and are quirky like you for the first time in your life can be a life-changing experience, in ways other than what job you end up with — it helped me figure out who I am, helped teach me how to think, helped me figure out my career path. After high school I went to UVA for undergrad (so nothing all that special) and then Yale Law (more special, but not tech) and then have had prestigious jobs but I’m not a Supreme Court justice.

There are few if any “TJ equivalents.” I doubt your school was.

[Anonymous]

School choice. You don’t have to send your DC to a troubled-to-failing FCPS with all the associated disciplinary, attendance, academic issues that are huge distractions for an academically inclined, driven and successful student.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:School choice. You don’t have to send your DC to a troubled-to-failing FCPS with all the associated disciplinary, attendance, academic issues that are huge distractions for an academically inclined, driven and successful student.

Maybe that's the current calculus for some but in general, that's not the reason that students or parents pick TJ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:School choice. You don’t have to send your DC to a troubled-to-failing FCPS with all the associated disciplinary, attendance, academic issues that are huge distractions for an academically inclined, driven and successful student.

Harry Jackson has entered the chat, folks. Take cover lest he do to you what he’s done to…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is just much happier there, having found “her people” and enjoying being in classes with kids that mostly all take it seriously.

This. The best thing about going to TJ is being at a school where virtually 100% of the students care about school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside of the top 1% of students, it seems like most kids that graduate from TJ end up working normal-ish corporate jobs. I grew up in an affluent neighborhood and a bunch of my friends ended up going to TJ and then to UVA/Tech/other state schools. Two went to ivies and they both burned out, barely graduated and one works as a preschool teacher now, the other works at a mathnasium part time while trying to figure out his next career move. The others that went to state schools were considered "average" at TJ and work in the same technical field as me now.

So what are the advantages of going to TJ?

Maybe it's just your friends. I know a lot of successful TJ alumni.