This is just for fun... The most rigorous HS program in DC area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Blair does more with 100 kids than TJ does with 500 kids. I mean, if TJ is as good as Blair, shouldn't they do 5x more?

TJ is one of a small group of high schools that consistently sends students to the highest level of national Olympiad competition and frequently sees some of those students go on to represent their country in international competition. This year, Janice Ong, TJ ’15, flew to Baku, Azerbaijan, to take part in the 47th International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO) as a member of the US team. She came home exhilarated from her “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” excited about “how much more there is to learn.” To top it off, she received a silver medal and earned the second-highest score on the US team.

Last year, William Long, TJ ’15, traveled to Bali, Indonesia for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) as a member of the US Biology Olympiad (USABO) team, where he was awarded 5th place in individual competition. It was his second time as a national finalist. This year, Neeraj Prasad, TJ ’17, made it to the study-camp national finals.

The TJ Physics Team, which proudly states on its website that TJ has produced “more members of the US Physics Team than any other high school in the nation,” administers the preliminary (F=ma) and semifinal exams each spring. In 2015, approximately 4,400 students from around the country participated in the F=ma exam, with the top 360 scorers — including eight from TJ — invited to take the semifinal exam. The top 20 scorers on the semifinal exam were then invited to attend the US Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) study camp at the University of Maryland, where the US team that competes at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is chosen. Three study camp participants were from TJ: Shankar Balasubramanian, TJ ’15, Allen Cheng, TJ ’16, and Charles Wang, TJ ’18.

A US Computing Olympiad (USACO) season typically consists of five online preliminary contests, followed by the US Open national championships. Contests are offered in bronze, silver, and gold divisions. All participants start in the bronze division, and those who score particularly well are promoted to the next division. TJ students typically hear about the US Computing Olympiad (USACO) online contests through Senior Computer Team, which tracks students’ progress in these and other contests on their website. Based on their performance in online training pages and preliminary contests, and in particular on their performance at the US Open, approximately 20 students are invited to a camp for finalists at Clemson University. After competing in six more contests at Clemson, the top performers are selected to represent their country at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). This year, Corwin de Boor, TJ ’15, and Shwetark Patel, TJ ’18, were among the two dozen USACO finalists.

Students scoring in the top twelve on the USAMO are automatically invited to attend the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP) study camp. Top-scoring non-seniors are also invited. The intensive program prepares students in areas of mathematics that are traditionally emphasized more in other countries than in the US, and results in the selection of the six-member team that represents the country at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Four TJ students were invited to participate in MOSP this year: Sam Hsiang, TJ ’16, Akshaj Kadaveru, TJ ’18, Katherine Cheng, TJ ’18, and Lilian Wang, TJ ’18.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of TJ kids can't get into Blair/RMIB and if they do, they won't last. Class by itself, yeah, sure.

Blair and RM are about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10. TJ is only 1 in 6 so TJ is easier to get in. Also, Blair/RM select only 100 kids each so much more selective than TJ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of TJ kids can't get into Blair/RMIB and if they do, they won't last. Class by itself, yeah, sure.

Blair and RM are about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10. TJ is only 1 in 6 so TJ is easier to get in. Also, Blair/RM select only 100 kids each so much more selective than TJ.

How many students apply and how many are selected alone does not determine the rigor of the program.

For example, Cooper Union's admission rate is 7.7%, Alice Lloyd College's admission rate is 9.4%, Rust College's admission rate is 13.8% etc. Many potential applicants are scared off by the "rigor" of TJ since they are trying to obtain at least 4.3 or higher GPA to get into UVA or other top colleges and it is not easy to get and maintain 4.35 or above GPA at TJ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of TJ kids can't get into Blair/RMIB and if they do, they won't last. Class by itself, yeah, sure.

Blair and RM are about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10. TJ is only 1 in 6 so TJ is easier to get in. Also, Blair/RM select only 100 kids each so much more selective than TJ.

How many students apply and how many are selected alone does not determine the rigor of the program.

For example, Cooper Union's admission rate is 7.7%, Alice Lloyd College's admission rate is 9.4%, Rust College's admission rate is 13.8% etc. Many potential applicants are scared off by the "rigor" of TJ since they are trying to obtain at least 4.3 or higher GPA to get into UVA or other top colleges and it is not easy to get and maintain 4.35 or above GPA at TJ.

That's kind of understandable isn't it? Maybe, due to the high percentage of admission to the program, the quality of kids are not as high as other magnets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of TJ kids can't get into Blair/RMIB and if they do, they won't last. Class by itself, yeah, sure.

Blair and RM are about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10. TJ is only 1 in 6 so TJ is easier to get in. Also, Blair/RM select only 100 kids each so much more selective than TJ.

How many students apply and how many are selected alone does not determine the rigor of the program.

For example, Cooper Union's admission rate is 7.7%, Alice Lloyd College's admission rate is 9.4%, Rust College's admission rate is 13.8% etc. Many potential applicants are scared off by the "rigor" of TJ since they are trying to obtain at least 4.3 or higher GPA to get into UVA or other top colleges and it is not easy to get and maintain 4.35 or above GPA at TJ.

That's kind of understandable isn't it? Maybe, due to the high percentage of admission to the program, the quality of kids are not as high as other magnets.

Actually, it's mostly due to the fact that TJ's AP courses cover much more than base high schools' AP courses and the fact that TJ offers the most "post-AP" courses in the country such as AI, Parallel Computing, Complex Variables, Numerical Analysis, Differential Equations, Advanced Math Technique, Cryptography, Concrete Math, DNA Science, Organic Chemistry, Bionanotechnology, Neurobiology, Relativity & Quantum Mechanics, Computational Physics, Optical systems, Advanced Astronomy on Solar System etc. in addition to the built in class period for ECs which allow most kids to join several academic teams and other clubs among more than 180 teams/clubs.

Blar/RM parents wouldn't know about such things since I am not sure if they even offer "post-AP" courses or built in 8th period for clubs and team activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of TJ kids can't get into Blair/RMIB and if they do, they won't last. Class by itself, yeah, sure.

Blair and RM are about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10. TJ is only 1 in 6 so TJ is easier to get in. Also, Blair/RM select only 100 kids each so much more selective than TJ.

How many students apply and how many are selected alone does not determine the rigor of the program.

For example, Cooper Union's admission rate is 7.7%, Alice Lloyd College's admission rate is 9.4%, Rust College's admission rate is 13.8% etc. Many potential applicants are scared off by the "rigor" of TJ since they are trying to obtain at least 4.3 or higher GPA to get into UVA or other top colleges and it is not easy to get and maintain 4.35 or above GPA at TJ.

That's kind of understandable isn't it? Maybe, due to the high percentage of admission to the program, the quality of kids are not as high as other magnets.

Actually, it's mostly due to the fact that TJ's AP courses cover much more than base high schools' AP courses and the fact that TJ offers the most "post-AP" courses in the country such as AI, Parallel Computing, Complex Variables, Numerical Analysis, Differential Equations, Advanced Math Technique, Cryptography, Concrete Math, DNA Science, Organic Chemistry, Bionanotechnology, Neurobiology, Relativity & Quantum Mechanics, Computational Physics, Optical systems, Advanced Astronomy on Solar System etc. in addition to the built in class period for ECs which allow most kids to join several academic teams and other clubs among more than 180 teams/clubs.

Blar/RM parents wouldn't know about such things since I am not sure if they even offer "post-AP" courses or built in 8th period for clubs and team activities.

This really shows lack of your knowledge. With 500 kids and high acceptance rate, I really think TJ's talent pool is thin - def thinner than MCPS magnets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of TJ kids can't get into Blair/RMIB and if they do, they won't last. Class by itself, yeah, sure.

Blair and RM are about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10. TJ is only 1 in 6 so TJ is easier to get in. Also, Blair/RM select only 100 kids each so much more selective than TJ.

How many students apply and how many are selected alone does not determine the rigor of the program.

For example, Cooper Union's admission rate is 7.7%, Alice Lloyd College's admission rate is 9.4%, Rust College's admission rate is 13.8% etc. Many potential applicants are scared off by the "rigor" of TJ since they are trying to obtain at least 4.3 or higher GPA to get into UVA or other top colleges and it is not easy to get and maintain 4.35 or above GPA at TJ.

That's kind of understandable isn't it? Maybe, due to the high percentage of admission to the program, the quality of kids are not as high as other magnets.

Actually, it's mostly due to the fact that TJ's AP courses cover much more than base high schools' AP courses and the fact that TJ offers the most "post-AP" courses in the country such as AI, Parallel Computing, Complex Variables, Numerical Analysis, Differential Equations, Advanced Math Technique, Cryptography, Concrete Math, DNA Science, Organic Chemistry, Bionanotechnology, Neurobiology, Relativity & Quantum Mechanics, Computational Physics, Optical systems, Advanced Astronomy on Solar System etc. in addition to the built in class period for ECs which allow most kids to join several academic teams and other clubs among more than 180 teams/clubs.

Blar/RM parents wouldn't know about such things since I am not sure if they even offer "post-AP" courses or built in 8th period for clubs and team activities.

This really shows lack of your knowledge. With 500 kids and high acceptance rate, I really think TJ's talent pool is thin - def thinner than MCPS magnets.

I think you need more information on TJ and the potential talent pool. TJ draws talents not only from Fairfax County (which is larger than Montgomery County), it also draws applicants from, Arlington, Falls Church, Loudoun and Price William Counties as well since it is designated as a Regional Governor's School. You also side-step the main issues raised by the PP as well.

[Anonymous]

Um, folks, all these kids are really, really smart. Stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Um, folks, all these kids are really, really smart. Stop.

Yes, you are right.

The fact of matter is there are smart kids all over, particularly in DMV area - some in privates, some attending assigned home schools, and some other magnets. It just bothers me when TJ bragging crosses the line by putting down other schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Um, folks, all these kids are really, really smart. Stop.

Yes, you are right.

The fact of matter is there are smart kids all over, particularly in DMV area - some in privates, some attending assigned home schools, and some other magnets. It just bothers me when TJ bragging crosses the line by putting down other schools.

There were Blair/RM bragging posts putting down TJ. TJ posts were mostly responding to posts putting down TJ. Most of the TJ posts were informational not putting down other schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Um, folks, all these kids are really, really smart. Stop.

Yes, you are right.

The fact of matter is there are smart kids all over, particularly in DMV area - some in privates, some attending assigned home schools, and some other magnets. It just bothers me when TJ bragging crosses the line by putting down other schools.

And some in publics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blair does more with 100 kids than TJ does with 500 kids. I mean, if TJ is as good as Blair, shouldn't they do 5x more?

TJ is one of a small group of high schools that consistently sends students to the highest level of national Olympiad competition and frequently sees some of those students go on to represent their country in international competition. This year, Janice Ong, TJ ’15, flew to Baku, Azerbaijan, to take part in the 47th International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO) as a member of the US team. She came home exhilarated from her “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” excited about “how much more there is to learn.” To top it off, she received a silver medal and earned the second-highest score on the US team.

Last year, William Long, TJ ’15, traveled to Bali, Indonesia for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) as a member of the US Biology Olympiad (USABO) team, where he was awarded 5th place in individual competition. It was his second time as a national finalist. This year, Neeraj Prasad, TJ ’17, made it to the study-camp national finals.

The TJ Physics Team, which proudly states on its website that TJ has produced “more members of the US Physics Team than any other high school in the nation,” administers the preliminary (F=ma) and semifinal exams each spring. In 2015, approximately 4,400 students from around the country participated in the F=ma exam, with the top 360 scorers — including eight from TJ — invited to take the semifinal exam. The top 20 scorers on the semifinal exam were then invited to attend the US Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) study camp at the University of Maryland, where the US team that competes at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is chosen. Three study camp participants were from TJ: Shankar Balasubramanian, TJ ’15, Allen Cheng, TJ ’16, and Charles Wang, TJ ’18.

A US Computing Olympiad (USACO) season typically consists of five online preliminary contests, followed by the US Open national championships. Contests are offered in bronze, silver, and gold divisions. All participants start in the bronze division, and those who score particularly well are promoted to the next division. TJ students typically hear about the US Computing Olympiad (USACO) online contests through Senior Computer Team, which tracks students’ progress in these and other contests on their website. Based on their performance in online training pages and preliminary contests, and in particular on their performance at the US Open, approximately 20 students are invited to a camp for finalists at Clemson University. After competing in six more contests at Clemson, the top performers are selected to represent their country at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). This year, Corwin de Boor, TJ ’15, and Shwetark Patel, TJ ’18, were among the two dozen USACO finalists.

Students scoring in the top twelve on the USAMO are automatically invited to attend the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP) study camp. Top-scoring non-seniors are also invited. The intensive program prepares students in areas of mathematics that are traditionally emphasized more in other countries than in the US, and results in the selection of the six-member team that represents the country at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Four TJ students were invited to participate in MOSP this year: Sam Hsiang, TJ ’16, Akshaj Kadaveru, TJ ’18, Katherine Cheng, TJ ’18, and Lilian Wang, TJ ’18.

Were there Blair or Richard Montgomery kids (I know the program is IB but they take science/math courses) participating in these events too?

[Anonymous]

^ They do. Award winners are usually printed on principal's monthly newsletters along with other school news items but they do not send out "magnet accomplishments" of anything like that. Schools admin tries to be sensitive to 4/5 of student population who are not in the programs to maintain coexistence of all kids.

[Anonymous]

...is the one my kid got into and your kid didn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ They do. Award winners are usually printed on principal's monthly newsletters along with other school news items but they do not send out "magnet accomplishments" of anything like that. Schools admin tries to be sensitive to 4/5 of student population who are not in the programs to maintain coexistence of all kids.

Are there any issues between the magnet program kids and non-magnet program kids at Blair or RM? Do they take any classes together? Just curious since there seems to be some friction between Fairfax's AAP kids and non-AAP kids in middle schools.