Why is there such a racial/ethnic disconnect with TJ Admissions?

[Anonymous]

Threads like this keep proving that we are so far from a post racial society that the very phrase is a joke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"There has been speculation about the excuses FCPS might be using to discriminate against Asian students. One possible explanation might be the essays that all applicants must write as part of the TJ admission process. Asian students may not be as politically correct in their essays because they have not received coaching on such topics. Asian students are more likely to write about how hard they work to learn more and to achieve higher grades. That would not be considered as politically correct as writing about how wonderful diversity is, or how loving other people is more important than hard work and excelling in academics. But it’s only speculation since no one knows why, and how, FCPS is keeping deserving Asians out of TJHSST—yet it is common knowledge that they are."

Asian students haven't been coached in TJ essays? Do you seriously believe that all the Asian TJ prep industry managed to overlook this significant component in admissions?
Besides, the Asian mentality is to conform to the prevailing worldview and conceal own opinions, if this is what it takes to achieve one's goals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"There has been speculation about the excuses FCPS might be using to discriminate against Asian students. One possible explanation might be the essays that all applicants must write as part of the TJ admission process. Asian students may not be as politically correct in their essays because they have not received coaching on such topics. Asian students are more likely to write about how hard they work to learn more and to achieve higher grades. That would not be considered as politically correct as writing about how wonderful diversity is, or how loving other people is more important than hard work and excelling in academics. But it’s only speculation since no one knows why, and how, FCPS is keeping deserving Asians out of TJHSST—yet it is common knowledge that they are."

Asian students haven't been coached in TJ essays? Do you seriously believe that all the Asian TJ prep industry managed to overlook this significant component in admissions?
Besides, the Asian mentality is to conform to the prevailing worldview and conceal own opinions, if this is what it takes to achieve one's goals.

You are engaged in stereotyping Asians. Trying to achieve one's goals by concealing own opinions is not limited to Asians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"There has been speculation about the excuses FCPS might be using to discriminate against Asian students. One possible explanation might be the essays that all applicants must write as part of the TJ admission process. Asian students may not be as politically correct in their essays because they have not received coaching on such topics. Asian students are more likely to write about how hard they work to learn more and to achieve higher grades. That would not be considered as politically correct as writing about how wonderful diversity is, or how loving other people is more important than hard work and excelling in academics. But it’s only speculation since no one knows why, and how, FCPS is keeping deserving Asians out of TJHSST—yet it is common knowledge that they are."

Asian students haven't been coached in TJ essays? Do you seriously believe that all the Asian TJ prep industry managed to overlook this significant component in admissions?
Besides, the Asian mentality is to conform to the prevailing worldview and conceal own opinions, if this is what it takes to achieve one's goals.

Asians are not the only group to prep for TJ. Whites prep as much if not more than Asians and it's just that their mentality is to conceal this fact if that is what it takes to achieve one's goal of appearing as if they do not prep. Whites have individual tutors come to their houses for each subject such as writing, math, science etc. even if that cost lot of money. Most Asians that prep go to classes for group instructions that are not as effective but cheaper since mot of them cannot afford such individualized tutoring by subject specialized tutors. Which case is prepping more?

[Anonymous]

Asians are not the only group to prep for TJ. Whites prep as much if not more than Asians and it's just that their mentality is to conceal this fact if that is what it takes to achieve one's goal of appearing as if they do not prep. Whites have individual tutors come to their houses for each subject such as writing, math, science etc. even if that cost lot of money. Most Asians that prep go to classes for group instructions that are not as effective but cheaper since mot of them cannot afford such individualized tutoring by subject specialized tutors. Which case is prepping more?

Generalization, much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Asians are not the only group to prep for TJ. Whites prep as much if not more than Asians and it's just that their mentality is to conceal this fact if that is what it takes to achieve one's goal of appearing as if they do not prep. Whites have individual tutors come to their houses for each subject such as writing, math, science etc. even if that cost lot of money. Most Asians that prep go to classes for group instructions that are not as effective but cheaper since mot of them cannot afford such individualized tutoring by subject specialized tutors. Which case is prepping more?

Generalization, much?

Only to the extent to show generalization against Asians.

[Anonymous]

I don't have time to read such a long thread, but can someone succinctly state why there really is any need for a school like TJ in a prosperous suburb like Fairfax County. I associate magnet schools with city school systems that are desperately trying to retain middle class students.

I see a lot of racial invective from skimming these posts but no one really has made a case that the advantages of this school outweigh the disadvantages. It seems like a magnet - but a magnet for resentment and taking resources away from others to benefit the few. At some point do local politicians and School Board members just pull the plug on TJ and focus on the needs of all the students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Asians are not the only group to prep for TJ. Whites prep as much if not more than Asians and it's just that their mentality is to conceal this fact if that is what it takes to achieve one's goal of appearing as if they do not prep. Whites have individual tutors come to their houses for each subject such as writing, math, science etc. even if that cost lot of money. Most Asians that prep go to classes for group instructions that are not as effective but cheaper since mot of them cannot afford such individualized tutoring by subject specialized tutors. Which case is prepping

Oh, my, maybe this happens with kids at the so-called feeder schools, but not in most of the area. I have never heard of anyone doing this, white, Asian, black, Hispanic, or purple, but I live in the less tony part of the county. Kids who need tutors or prep classes to get into TJ, no matter what race or background they are, will have a rough time once they are there. It is true that there are kids already at TJ who need tutoring to stay there. These kids have time for nothing but academics, and that is too bad, because high school should be a time for exploring and learning about many different interests. In addition, colleges have less interest in kids who have no interests outside of school and academic activities. Kids who have time for music or sports or art or theater in addition to school are way more interesting to colleges.

It would be interesting to see how many of the kids who have needed help in Algebra II as freshmen worked with tutors or prep classes to help them get into TJ. It would certainly help TJ a lot if they could come up with an admissions process that is impossible to prep for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have time to read such a long thread, but can someone succinctly state why there really is any need for a school like TJ in a prosperous suburb like Fairfax County. I associate magnet schools with city school systems that are desperately trying to retain middle class students.

I see a lot of racial invective from skimming these posts but no one really has made a case that the advantages of this school outweigh the disadvantages. It seems like a magnet - but a magnet for resentment and taking resources away from others to benefit the few. At some point do local politicians and School Board members just pull the plug on TJ and focus on the needs of all the students?

Technically, it is not a magnet school, it is a Governor's school. From the VDOE:

Virginia Governor's Schools provide some of the state's most able students academically and artistically challenging programs beyond those offered in their home schools. With the support of the Virginia Board of Education and the General Assembly, the Governor's Schools presently include summer residential, summer regional, and academic-year programs serving more than 7,500 gifted students from all parts of the commonwealth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have time to read such a long thread, but can someone succinctly state why there really is any need for a school like TJ in a prosperous suburb like Fairfax County. I associate magnet schools with city school systems that are desperately trying to retain middle class students.

I see a lot of racial invective from skimming these posts but no one really has made a case that the advantages of this school outweigh the disadvantages. It seems like a magnet - but a magnet for resentment and taking resources away from others to benefit the few. At some point do local politicians and School Board members just pull the plug on TJ and focus on the needs of all the students?

There are many magnet high schools in the suburbs. TJ is not the only magnet high school in the country. People started 'wondering' whether TJ is necessary only after it became majority Asian several years ago. Wonder why TJ was so great for over 20 years but all of sudden became not so great in the last 5 or 6 years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have time to read such a long thread, but can someone succinctly state why there really is any need for a school like TJ in a prosperous suburb like Fairfax County. I associate magnet schools with city school systems that are desperately trying to retain middle class students.

I see a lot of racial invective from skimming these posts but no one really has made a case that the advantages of this school outweigh the disadvantages. It seems like a magnet - but a magnet for resentment and taking resources away from others to benefit the few. At some point do local politicians and School Board members just pull the plug on TJ and focus on the needs of all the students?

There are many magnet high schools in the suburbs. TJ is not the only magnet high school in the country. People started 'wondering' whether TJ is necessary only after it became majority Asian several years ago. Wonder why TJ was so great for over 20 years but all of sudden became not so great in the last 5 or 6 years?

not just TJ but pretty much any HS or college that starts having 30-40% asian numbers.

Cal, UCLA, UC-Irvine, TJ, Stuy, Bronx Science, Hunter College HS (the last three i mentioned are elite NYC magnets), tons of schools in the Bay Area...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/nyregion/05hunter.html?pagewanted=all

The only school that has increased asian enrollment that doesn't get backlash I think is CalTech - Because as elite it as it is, not many people want to go and those that do don't are about the demographics.

Middle Class and UPMC whites in liberal cities many times definitely have resentment against asians because they are competition for jobs, real estate/housing, resources, etc.

The most elite of whites I don't think care because asians are viewed as competent labor for their companies and don't really compete with them for slots at prestigious private schools and other resources due to being shielded by such competition by extreme wealth/inter-generational wealth.

I think it is better being asian oddly enough in places where it is 95%+ white (midwest, rocky mountain states) - then you are viewed as an individual and not as some mongol 'horde' out to take away jobs, school seats, college slots, real estate nabes, etc.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/04/22/asian-americans-affirmative-action-and-the-political-restructuring-doctrine-does-the-doctrine-work-when-there-are-minority-groups-on-both-sides-of-the-issue/

Tons of writings like this were done in the political and blog scene both on left and right after SCOTUS ruled on the most recent affirmative action case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have time to read such a long thread, but can someone succinctly state why there really is any need for a school like TJ in a prosperous suburb like Fairfax County. I associate magnet schools with city school systems that are desperately trying to retain middle class students.

I see a lot of racial invective from skimming these posts but no one really has made a case that the advantages of this school outweigh the disadvantages. It seems like a magnet - but a magnet for resentment and taking resources away from others to benefit the few. At some point do local politicians and School Board members just pull the plug on TJ and focus on the needs of all the students?

there is no valid reason. the competition for admissions is out of control. Closely related to the immigration of asians and indians that is out of control. 800,000 H1Bs , not to mention the huge amounts of F1 student visas. Americans are taking work and school from their own children and giving it to asian immigrants.

But people don't respond unless it directly affects them. That is why we have allowed 10s of millions of illegal immigration for unskilled labor for all these years. Never affected us, now it is working up the chain. someday when doctors are outsourced to india for radiology, oncology and other specialties then medical doctors will care. Someday when lawyers are outsourced to india for shitlaw and other types of menial work, then lawyers will care.

Is it really better to allow hundreds of thousands of smart, hard working, asians immigrate and take our children's jobs, rather than have smart locals but not as hard working, get the opportunity.

I would rather we give these opportunities to us citizens and not the asian immigrants.

just how I feel, I would rather support other citizens first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have time to read such a long thread, but can someone succinctly state why there really is any need for a school like TJ in a prosperous suburb like Fairfax County. I associate magnet schools with city school systems that are desperately trying to retain middle class students.

I see a lot of racial invective from skimming these posts but no one really has made a case that the advantages of this school outweigh the disadvantages. It seems like a magnet - but a magnet for resentment and taking resources away from others to benefit the few. At some point do local politicians and School Board members just pull the plug on TJ and focus on the needs of all the students?

there is no valid reason. the competition for admissions is out of control. Closely related to the immigration of asians and indians that is out of control. 800,000 H1Bs , not to mention the huge amounts of F1 student visas. Americans are taking work and school from their own children and giving it to asian immigrants.

But people don't respond unless it directly affects them. That is why we have allowed 10s of millions of illegal immigration for unskilled labor for all these years. Never affected us, now it is working up the chain. someday when doctors are outsourced to india for radiology, oncology and other specialties then medical doctors will care. Someday when lawyers are outsourced to india for shitlaw and other types of menial work, then lawyers will care.

Is it really better to allow hundreds of thousands of smart, hard working, asians immigrate and take our children's jobs, rather than have smart locals but not as hard working, get the opportunity.

I would rather we give these opportunities to us citizens and not the asian immigrants.

just how I feel, I would rather support other citizens first.

competition doesn't stop at borders. I don't think people should be shielded in the marketplace or harmed due to where they were born.

People do not have that choice - I support your claim if one could choose where to be born/get work permits for.

I am sure you 'compete' in the marketplace everyday by going to big box stores, grocery stores, amazon, i.e. any business that competes for you on price.

why do you support artificial barriers in order to protect as you say 'not as hard working' people? that is odd. The only people who can not be a hypocrite are those that truly live 'hyper local' - i.e. buy local, produce local, consume local.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have time to read such a long thread, but can someone succinctly state why there really is any need for a school like TJ in a prosperous suburb like Fairfax County. I associate magnet schools with city school systems that are desperately trying to retain middle class students.

I see a lot of racial invective from skimming these posts but no one really has made a case that the advantages of this school outweigh the disadvantages. It seems like a magnet - but a magnet for resentment and taking resources away from others to benefit the few. At some point do local politicians and School Board members just pull the plug on TJ and focus on the needs of all the students?

there is no valid reason. the competition for admissions is out of control. Closely related to the immigration of asians and indians that is out of control. 800,000 H1Bs , not to mention the huge amounts of F1 student visas. Americans are taking work and school from their own children and giving it to asian immigrants.

But people don't respond unless it directly affects them. That is why we have allowed 10s of millions of illegal immigration for unskilled labor for all these years. Never affected us, now it is working up the chain. someday when doctors are outsourced to india for radiology, oncology and other specialties then medical doctors will care. Someday when lawyers are outsourced to india for shitlaw and other types of menial work, then lawyers will care.

Is it really better to allow hundreds of thousands of smart, hard working, asians immigrate and take our children's jobs, rather than have smart locals but not as hard working, get the opportunity.

I would rather we give these opportunities to us citizens and not the asian immigrants.

just how I feel, I would rather support other citizens first.

competition doesn't stop at borders. I don't think people should be shielded in the marketplace or harmed due to where they were born.

People do not have that choice - I support your claim if one could choose where to be born/get work permits for.

I am sure you 'compete' in the marketplace everyday by going to big box stores, grocery stores, amazon, i.e. any business that competes for you on price.

why do you support artificial barriers in order to protect as you say 'not as hard working' people? that is odd. The only people who can not be a hypocrite are those that truly live 'hyper local' - i.e. buy local, produce local, consume local.

You really want to talk about locals? How about we give all the land back to the Indians or at least honor the various treaties as nations are supposed to. Are you in favor of that?

[Anonymous]

The above post was in reply to "citizens first" post not the one after.