Thomas Jefferson (TJ) Test Prep

[AJones]

This may be a double post, because I can't find my first posting. I am thinking about buying Aristotle Circle's TJ Test Prep Book for $200. Has anyone else bought this book? Is it worth the big price tag? I bought the SSAT books on Amazon but they are missing some of the subtests. I want to give my son the best chance. His teachers say he is likely to get in, but I know it is super competitive and a few extra correct questions could make all of the difference.

[jsteele]

I would avoid this book because it is repeatedly flogged by sock puppets.

[Anonymous]

$200 is steep for a prep book. But, my reality is that I can't afford a private tutor, so I am strongly considering the book as an investment for my child to self-study.

[Anonymous]

Jeff, confirm that I'm not a sock puppet please...FWIW I haven't seen their TJ Prep book but I recently had a chance to review their SAT prep materials and they were impressive.

[Anonymous]

I have two kids at TJ. I recommend:

Barron's New York City SHSAT: Specialized High School Admissions Test
Kaplan New York City Specialized High School Admissions Test

However, my kids did not spend too much time preparing for the test (~ 1 hour per week for 3 months ). If I remember correctly, they scored above 90% on the test. My feeling is that most conscientious students will do well on the admissions test.

I think what makes a significant difference past the first (test) stage is a track record of persistent interests and accomplishments in an STEM area. For example, both my kids have undertaken various applied science/engineering projects, with an increasing degree of complexity, since 3rd grade. I think their ability to talk about (or write about) their interests and, more importantly, explain how the interests have guided their curricular and extra-curricular activities and accomplishments played a significant role in the second stage of the admission process.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:Jeff, confirm that I'm not a sock puppet please...FWIW I haven't seen their TJ Prep book but I recently had a chance to review their SAT prep materials and they were impressive.

I don't know about you, but the first and third posts in this thread are from the same poster. Moreover, that poster has posted several times about Aristotle Circle.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Jeff, confirm that I'm not a sock puppet please...FWIW I haven't seen their TJ Prep book but I recently had a chance to review their SAT prep materials and they were impressive.

I don't know about you, but the first and third posts in this thread are from the same poster. Moreover, that poster has posted several times about Aristotle Circle.

Thanks for the heads up!

[Anonymous]

I tutored TJ hopefuls about five years back. We used the practice test on their website, SSAT/ISEE books, and some PSAT books if a kid needed more of a challenge.

We also did logic puzzles and read articles about science to practice writing. Go to your local library, you can get a lot of quality resources there.