TJ Admissions

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

Check your math.

Asian 19%
Black 14% (5% lower)
Multiracial/Other* 13% (6% lower)
Hispanic 21%
White 17%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

Check your math.

Asian 19%
Black 14% (5% lower)
Multiracial/Other* 13% (6% lower)
Hispanic 21%
White 17%

The numbers that I saw and were posted here showed a range of 17%-21%. Your numbers appear to be different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

Check your math.

Asian 19%
Black 14% (5% lower)
Multiracial/Other* 13% (6% lower)
Hispanic 21%
White 17%

The numbers that I saw and were posted here showed a range of 17%-21%. Your numbers appear to be different.

Do we have applicant demographics for any year after class of 2025?
https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-offers-admission-550-students-broadens-access-students-who-have-aptitude-stem

Hispanic 21.02%
Asian 19.47%
White 16.94%
Black 14.33%
Other* 13.11%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are prep courses still helpful? I know they used to be really popular, but the change in admissions process supposedly reduced their influence.

My 8th grader says he wants to apply. I'm seeing ads for test prep companies, and not sure if they'd actually be useful or not?

Well yes and no.

If your kid goes into the test cold, they will not have a good feel for the timing and pace. A LOT of kids do not finish the test in the allotted time. Finishing the test improves your chances vs having a great answer on the first essay and then rushing through everything else. So yes practicing probably helps but it's not like you should practice a bunch of math so you can do the better on the math sections, there is one math essay and it is very easy.

Some of the posters are still bitter since they can't buy access to the question banks the prep centers had compiled to give wealthy families an advantage and will just post half-truths. This is probably the best answer you're going to get.

Well, at least you are no longer lying about students buying the actual test answers.

Before Quant Q was implemented to "eliminate" test prep, anyone with $20 and an amazon account could get access to prior test questions of the SHSAT. Without an actual test, you basically get a modified cross section of the applicant pool.

S/o- I looked SHSAR up bc didn’t know what was and a rabbit hole later find one of the specialized NY schools can apply to if take that test is film and tv HS- too cool (at least on paper)!
https://myschools.nyc/en/schools/high-school/?dbn=30Q301

Frankly we could use a few more magnet schools here

The high schools in FCPS, whatever your personal opinion, all offer a wide range of classes to serve a wide range of students. We don't need more magnets here.

Which FCPS school is for performing arts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This wasn't really true before the admissions change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

The largest demographic beneficiaries were white kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

The largest demographic beneficiaries were white kids.

white kids are a majority in the county so that's not terribly surprising.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

The largest demographic beneficiaries were white kids.

On average, classes have had ~27 more white students and ~60 more URMs, which was a huge % increase, more than 200% jump.



More importantly, we’ve seen representation from all middle schools and kids from lower-income families. In fact, per the courts, the students who benefited the most were Asian from low-income families.
https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/221280.P.pdf pg 16
"Nevertheless, in the 2021 application cycle, Asian American students attending middle schools historically underrepresented at TJ saw a sixfold increase in offers, and the number of low-income Asian American admittees to TJ increased to 51 — from a mere one in 2020."

TJ is not just a school for wealthy kids from feeder schools. Or wealthy kids who gained an unfair advantage because their families could afford to get access to previous test questions on an NDA-protected test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

The largest demographic beneficiaries were white kids.

white kids are a majority in the county so that's not terribly surprising.

PP. I agree. Choosing a cross section of the applicant pool will help the largest group the most.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

The largest demographic beneficiaries were white kids.

On average, classes have had ~27 more white students and ~60 more URMs, which was a huge % increase, more than 200% jump.



More importantly, we’ve seen representation from all middle schools and kids from lower-income families. In fact, per the courts, the students who benefited the most were Asian from low-income families.
https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/221280.P.pdf pg 16
"Nevertheless, in the 2021 application cycle, Asian American students attending middle schools historically underrepresented at TJ saw a sixfold increase in offers, and the number of low-income Asian American admittees to TJ increased to 51 — from a mere one in 2020."

TJ is not just a school for wealthy kids from feeder schools. Or wealthy kids who gained an unfair advantage because their families could afford to get access to previous test questions on an NDA-protected test.

You're messing with the data set but even with your selection, you'd have to be blind not to see the lopsided effect of the change.

If wealth were the driver, once again, white kids wouldn't need this to boost their admissions.

[Anonymous]

Wealthy? Lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

The largest demographic beneficiaries were white kids.

On average, classes have had ~27 more white students and ~60 more URMs, which was a huge % increase, more than 200% jump.



More importantly, we’ve seen representation from all middle schools and kids from lower-income families. In fact, per the courts, the students who benefited the most were Asian from low-income families.
https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/221280.P.pdf pg 16
"Nevertheless, in the 2021 application cycle, Asian American students attending middle schools historically underrepresented at TJ saw a sixfold increase in offers, and the number of low-income Asian American admittees to TJ increased to 51 — from a mere one in 2020."

TJ is not just a school for wealthy kids from feeder schools. Or wealthy kids who gained an unfair advantage because their families could afford to get access to previous test questions on an NDA-protected test.

Thanks for clearing this up!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After admissions change, apparently students are no longer tested in middle school math, science and English? I hear they are given just one problem to solve, and asked to write character essays. And that's it. How can they evaluate and differentiate applicant skills with just one problem? Even elementary school math tests have more than one problem on a quiz.

There is one moderately difficult math question. Last year it was one of those "if a train leaves chicago at 2 pm" type questions.
They end up with something approximating a cross section of the applicant pool.
A lot of students return to their base school.
If you look at the demographics of the graduating class, it is still more diverse than in previous COVID years but not nearly as diverse as the freshman classes.

before and even after admissions change, the top half with higher GPA and rigorous courses is still dominated by same ethnicity. Diversity is all in lower half. Why?

This is true at many schools.
Now it is true at TJ too.

This is a democracy and SCOTUS refused to hear the case.
Just like we tell other people to study harder, I would tell asians, get more political.
Once you are politically relevant, your children will be too.

Getting more political may or may not be a good idea - but better reading comprehension would definitely be!

Asians are still the largest demographic and the majority of TJ students and the largest beneficiaries of the changes were low-income Asians. Nevertheless, admissions reflect applications and applications reflect interest. The various demographics groups were admitted within 1% or 2% point difference which indicates the race-blind process is indeed race blind. Bottom line is this program has greater appeal for Asians. Other groups don't appear to be as keen on it.

The largest demographic beneficiaries were white kids.

On average, classes have had ~27 more white students and ~60 more URMs, which was a huge % increase, more than 200% jump.



More importantly, we’ve seen representation from all middle schools and kids from lower-income families. In fact, per the courts, the students who benefited the most were Asian from low-income families.
https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/221280.P.pdf pg 16
"Nevertheless, in the 2021 application cycle, Asian American students attending middle schools historically underrepresented at TJ saw a sixfold increase in offers, and the number of low-income Asian American admittees to TJ increased to 51 — from a mere one in 2020."

TJ is not just a school for wealthy kids from feeder schools. Or wealthy kids who gained an unfair advantage because their families could afford to get access to previous test questions on an NDA-protected test.

You're messing with the data set but even with your selection, you'd have to be blind not to see the lopsided effect of the change.

If wealth were the driver, once again, white kids wouldn't need this to boost their admissions.

It’s not just wealth. It’s wealth plus laser focus on STEM/TJ.

Most white kids DGAF about TJ.

[Anonymous]

On this forum, "wealthy" appears to be a veiled reference to middle-class Asians who spend on academic enrichment rather than on sports like basketball, soccer, or baseball, unlike other ethnic groups?