TJ admissions now verifying free and reduced price meal status for successful 2026 applicants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Well, talk to some other parents, get organized and take your facts to Coalition for TJ or Governor Youngkin. Bellyaching on DCUM is not going to do anything.

It doesn't sound like PP was belly-aching, but just sharing what her kid observed, which is that among those in his cohort "TJ doesn't really matter anymore."

Sorry if the lack of admiration for what the School Board and the Fairfax NAACP triggers you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And this is the statement that Parents and students signed on the application. The admissions office could remove students after admission, but it's highly unlikely they will actually go through with it.


Applicant: Please select the Applicant Electronic Signature Checkbox beside the legal affidavit statement signifying that you are ready to electronically sign the Application.

I understand and acknowledge that the responses and information provided in this application are accurate. I also acknowledge that all writing administrations (collectively "Tests") are considered confidential and are the sole property of Fairfax County Public Schools ("FCPS"). I promise to maintain the Tests as confidential, and I agree not to disclose or discuss any part of the Tests with anyone other than my parents. I understand and accept that if FCPS determines that I have not adhered to the foregoing obligations, I may be: (i) removed from the TJ admissions process; (ii) prohibited from accepting an offer of admission, if one is extended; (iii) ineligible to reapply to TJ; and (iv) removed from TJ as a student in the event FCPS determines that I have violated the foregoing, after I have been admitted to TJ and/or while I am attending TJ as a student.I hereby approve my Application for admission for the Class of 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I further certify that currently I reside full-time in a TJHSST participating school division.

Parent/Guardian, when the Application is completed (including math verification by the TJHSST School Liaison Counselor and electronic signature), the 'Submit' button will be activated and ready for processing. Please "SUBMIT" when the button is available. If you have any questions regarding this process, please refer to the 'Contact Us' tab at the top of the screen.

Parent/Guardian: Please select the Parent/Guardian Electronic Signature Checkbox beside the legal affidavit statement signifying that you are ready to electronically sign the Application.

I, the parent of the above student, confirm that I have read and understand my child’s acknowledgement and agreement (including possible consequences for non-compliance), as set forth above. I agree that the responses and information provided in this application are accurate. I also agree to hold in confidence any information which I receive about the Tests (as defined above).I hereby approve the Application for admission of my child for the Class of 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I further certify that my child resides with me and that I currently reside full-time in a TJHSST participating school division.

This is why it’s unethical to have a copy of the test. Students and parents sign a document agreeing to never discuss the test.

They will not remove kids from the class of 2026.

Why? They had the first and last names of the kids that prepped and the online statements from Facebook that kids had a copy of the test. Did FCPS ever do an investigation? Did they remove anyone? They likely made a few quick phone calls to their lawyers, called it an “investigation” and said move along, nothing to see here. Instead, they decided to focus on illegal racial balancing instead of improving the merit-based admissions process.

Don't waste your breath. These guys just want to call your children cheats because their kids can't hack it. And they just used equity as an excuse to pit minorities against each other. It is pointless to argue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know many points was saying yes to FARMS worth?

90 points

How many total possible points?

Not sure what it means? I think they just added 90 points to total

How many points were the other components worth? GPA. Essays etc

300 GPA, 300 SPS, 300 Math/Science test. up to 225 additional experience points of which meals was 90.

Stop lying on these threads. GPA is only worth 37.5 points, with a minimum possible value of 262.5 through a maximum of 300. The meals bonus was worth over twice as many points as the entire span from a 3.5 GPA through a 4.0.

Huh?

According to the rubric that was made public as part of discovery during the ongoing lawsuit, the score for GPA is 75 * GPA.

Since there is a 3.5 minimum GPA required to be eligible to apply and a 4.0 maximum GPA based on how it was calculated for the purposes of the application, every student will have. GPA score between 362.5 and 400.

As such, the maximum difference in terms of GPA between any two applicants is 400 - 362.5 = 37.5.

To say that GPA is worth 300 points, while strictly true, is misleading, since every applicant earns at least 362.5 of those points.

Since the experience factors are worth either 45 or 90 points each, that means that a 3.5 GPA combined with any experience factor outweighs a 4.0 GPA with no experience factors. In other words, the experience factors are extremely valuable.

Not that valuable. Only 12% of total possible score.

Almost irrelevant since almost everyone accepted had 4.0.

The high-point components of the application are:
300 for the SPS
300 for the math/science essay

They comprise the vast majority of the applicant’s score. If a kid didn’t get in, they probably didn’t write an exceptional essay or portrait.

The essay was apparently very easy and most of the portrait has nothing to do with STEM

The whole thing was/is a disaster.

According to my kid, very few of the students who were expected to get in actually got in i.e., majority of the kids who are generally known to be smart, stood out in the class, perfect or almost perfect GPA, took advantage (and did well) of STEM electives offered by the school, participated in school offered STEM after-school activities etc didn't get admission, but some random and unexpected kids, few of them even had B's got admissions, which surprised many of his peers. He was initially disappointed to be wait listed, but after learning who else got wait listed (and who actually got admissions..lol), he felt TJ doesn't really matter anymore. Well, my kid isn't good at creative writing, which he knows, so its not totally unexpected and as we know GPA doesn't really carry that much weightage compared to portrait sheet and science essay. He was hoping TJ will look into his electives and how well he did in all the courses (as FCPS has whole course work in hand) and consider the after school activities (even if only school based activities are considered), but it didn't really matter at the end (TJ probably didn't look into any of this). Anyways.. this is is how the TJ cohort is going to look like going forward and I doubt anyone realizes a drop in standards and competitiveness any time soon.

There will be two more TJ classes admitted under the merit-based system, and given the lag during which test scores are accumulated and normalized across states, it will likely take another five years before TJ starts getting downgraded by publications like US News.

In the interim, look for FCPS to publicize every instance in which TJ continues to be highly rated as if it confirms they did something right by changing the admissions process, even though these ratings will be based on the performance of students admitted before the change.

An increasing percentage of the highest achieving kids with the most STEM aptitude will decide to stay at their base schools, and TJ will become an above-average school that provides a better education to kids who'd otherwise be attending Annandale, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, etc. And those schools, conversely, could end up declining further if a greater number of kids who otherwise might have been role models at those schools, even if not really viable candidates for admission to TJ under the old merit-based system, end up at TJ instead.

Does FCPS frequently publicize TJ rankings? I haven’t noticed that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And this is the statement that Parents and students signed on the application. The admissions office could remove students after admission, but it's highly unlikely they will actually go through with it.


Applicant: Please select the Applicant Electronic Signature Checkbox beside the legal affidavit statement signifying that you are ready to electronically sign the Application.

I understand and acknowledge that the responses and information provided in this application are accurate. I also acknowledge that all writing administrations (collectively "Tests") are considered confidential and are the sole property of Fairfax County Public Schools ("FCPS"). I promise to maintain the Tests as confidential, and I agree not to disclose or discuss any part of the Tests with anyone other than my parents. I understand and accept that if FCPS determines that I have not adhered to the foregoing obligations, I may be: (i) removed from the TJ admissions process; (ii) prohibited from accepting an offer of admission, if one is extended; (iii) ineligible to reapply to TJ; and (iv) removed from TJ as a student in the event FCPS determines that I have violated the foregoing, after I have been admitted to TJ and/or while I am attending TJ as a student.I hereby approve my Application for admission for the Class of 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I further certify that currently I reside full-time in a TJHSST participating school division.

Parent/Guardian, when the Application is completed (including math verification by the TJHSST School Liaison Counselor and electronic signature), the 'Submit' button will be activated and ready for processing. Please "SUBMIT" when the button is available. If you have any questions regarding this process, please refer to the 'Contact Us' tab at the top of the screen.

Parent/Guardian: Please select the Parent/Guardian Electronic Signature Checkbox beside the legal affidavit statement signifying that you are ready to electronically sign the Application.

I, the parent of the above student, confirm that I have read and understand my child’s acknowledgement and agreement (including possible consequences for non-compliance), as set forth above. I agree that the responses and information provided in this application are accurate. I also agree to hold in confidence any information which I receive about the Tests (as defined above).I hereby approve the Application for admission of my child for the Class of 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I further certify that my child resides with me and that I currently reside full-time in a TJHSST participating school division.

This is why it’s unethical to have a copy of the test. Students and parents sign a document agreeing to never discuss the test.

They will not remove kids from the class of 2026.

Why? They had the first and last names of the kids that prepped and the online statements from Facebook that kids had a copy of the test. Did FCPS ever do an investigation? Did they remove anyone? They likely made a few quick phone calls to their lawyers, called it an “investigation” and said move along, nothing to see here. Instead, they decided to focus on illegal racial balancing instead of improving the merit-based admissions process.

Don't waste your breath. These guys just want to call your children cheats because their kids can't hack it. And they just used equity as an excuse to pit minorities against each other. It is pointless to argue.

If parents thought their kids could get in on their own merits then why would they cheat?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It’s wrong to prepare for some tests. Cogat. The old TJ test.

At the risking of opening up an old can of worms, I've never understood this line of reasoning. Is it better to be unprepared than to be prepared, for anything?

If I'm going to be tested, I want to do as well as I can. Knowing the format of the test and the type of content it addresses seems like an obvious aspect of preparation to undertake. If it's a timed test, then practicing to get a feel for how quickly I need to work also makes sense.

Don't athletes, musicians, actors practice before a tryout? Don't students study before a class exam? Don't job candidates prepare for interviews?

This was exactly my point too. Preparation shows determination, dedication, willingness to learn and grow, and shows the kid will be successful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It’s wrong to prepare for some tests. Cogat. The old TJ test.

At the risking of opening up an old can of worms, I've never understood this line of reasoning. Is it better to be unprepared than to be prepared, for anything?

If I'm going to be tested, I want to do as well as I can. Knowing the format of the test and the type of content it addresses seems like an obvious aspect of preparation to undertake. If it's a timed test, then practicing to get a feel for how quickly I need to work also makes sense.

Don't athletes, musicians, actors practice before a tryout? Don't students study before a class exam? Don't job candidates prepare for interviews?

This was exactly my point too. Preparation shows determination, dedication, willingness to learn and grow, and shows the kid will be successful.

How do the kids know to prepare for the cogat or how to do?

Same for TJ - how are they signing up for these prep programs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't see TJ as a place that should demand that 13 year olds have already devoted their childhood to STEM but should be a place for kids who are smart and motivated and interested in STEM to attend. I also see that many kids do not have the ability to participate in STEM extra curricular activities. Those activities require time, money, and transportation. Yes, many programs offer scholarships for under privileged kids but the child still has to get to the class, which requires transportation and someone to drop off and pick up. Not every child has that ability. Not every ES has the same STEM after school programs.

In my son's middle school, there is an after school bus, and the activities are free.

Which middle school?

Longfellow middle school also has late buses 3 days a week at 4:30 PM

Which activities are free?

At Longfellow lots of after school activities are free - Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Math bowl, Debate.......https://longfellowms.fcps.edu/activities/after-school-program

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Don’t be obtuse.

We don’t need to hear your twisted rationalizations for cheating.

Calling me obtuse and my arguments twisted doesn't make it so. Why not just clearly point out the flaws in my reasoning if they're so evident to you?

We aren’t talking about job interviews or studying for a test.

We are talking about the ways parents are cheating the system to give their kids an unfair advantage in AAP/TJ admissions.

It’s unethical to prep for the CogAT and it’s unethical to use former test questions for the old TJ test. It’s cheating the system. If your kids are bright enough let them qualify for AAP/TJ on their own.

You still haven't explained *why* it's unethical to prep for the Cogat. I don't think you can do so successfully, but you should at least try.

Of course one preps to give oneself an advantage, but what's wrong with that? It's not an *unfair* advantage if I prepare well and others prepare less well.

Simply repeating your ad hominem attacks does nothing to prove that you're right. I have provided arguments in support of my view that preparation per se is never unethical. (I grant that illegal activity, breaches of confidentiality, and cheating are unethical - but then one wasn't unethical for prepping, but for prepping *in that fashion*. Prepping without resort to such unethical means, e.g. by studying, familiarizing oneself with publicly available information, and/or practicing, is perfectly ethical and should be encouraged.) You have neither rebutted my arguments not provided counterarguments of your own - you're just banging your fist on the table and repeating "unethical!"

Why isn't it equally unethical, by your reasoning, to prep for *anything*? When is prepping OK according to you and when is it not OK?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know many points was saying yes to FARMS worth?

90 points

How many total possible points?

Not sure what it means? I think they just added 90 points to total

How many points were the other components worth? GPA. Essays etc

300 GPA, 300 SPS, 300 Math/Science test. up to 225 additional experience points of which meals was 90.

Stop lying on these threads. GPA is only worth 37.5 points, with a minimum possible value of 262.5 through a maximum of 300. The meals bonus was worth over twice as many points as the entire span from a 3.5 GPA through a 4.0.

Huh?

According to the rubric that was made public as part of discovery during the ongoing lawsuit, the score for GPA is 75 * GPA.

Since there is a 3.5 minimum GPA required to be eligible to apply and a 4.0 maximum GPA based on how it was calculated for the purposes of the application, every student will have. GPA score between 362.5 and 400.

As such, the maximum difference in terms of GPA between any two applicants is 400 - 362.5 = 37.5.

To say that GPA is worth 300 points, while strictly true, is misleading, since every applicant earns at least 362.5 of those points.

Since the experience factors are worth either 45 or 90 points each, that means that a 3.5 GPA combined with any experience factor outweighs a 4.0 GPA with no experience factors. In other words, the experience factors are extremely valuable.

Not that valuable. Only 12% of total possible score.

Almost irrelevant since almost everyone accepted had 4.0.

The high-point components of the application are:
300 for the SPS
300 for the math/science essay

They comprise the vast majority of the applicant’s score. If a kid didn’t get in, they probably didn’t write an exceptional essay or portrait.

The essay was apparently very easy and most of the portrait has nothing to do with STEM

The whole thing was/is a disaster.

According to my kid, very few of the students who were expected to get in actually got in i.e., majority of the kids who are generally known to be smart, stood out in the class, perfect or almost perfect GPA, took advantage (and did well) of STEM electives offered by the school, participated in school offered STEM after-school activities etc didn't get admission, but some random and unexpected kids, few of them even had B's got admissions, which surprised many of his peers. He was initially disappointed to be wait listed, but after learning who else got wait listed (and who actually got admissions..lol), he felt TJ doesn't really matter anymore. Well, my kid isn't good at creative writing, which he knows, so its not totally unexpected and as we know GPA doesn't really carry that much weightage compared to portrait sheet and science essay. He was hoping TJ will look into his electives and how well he did in all the courses (as FCPS has whole course work in hand) and consider the after school activities (even if only school based activities are considered), but it didn't really matter at the end (TJ probably didn't look into any of this). Anyways.. this is is how the TJ cohort is going to look like going forward and I doubt anyone realizes a drop in standards and competitiveness any time soon.

There will be two more TJ classes admitted under the merit-based system, and given the lag during which test scores are accumulated and normalized across states, it will likely take another five years before TJ starts getting downgraded by publications like US News.

In the interim, look for FCPS to publicize every instance in which TJ continues to be highly rated as if it confirms they did something right by changing the admissions process, even though these ratings will be based on the performance of students admitted before the change.

An increasing percentage of the highest achieving kids with the most STEM aptitude will decide to stay at their base schools, and TJ will become an above-average school that provides a better education to kids who'd otherwise be attending Annandale, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, etc. And those schools, conversely, could end up declining further if a greater number of kids who otherwise might have been role models at those schools, even if not really viable candidates for admission to TJ under the old merit-based system, end up at TJ instead.

Does FCPS frequently publicize TJ rankings? I haven’t noticed that.

https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-high-schools-ranked-among-best-virginia-and-nation-us-news-and-world-report

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And this is the statement that Parents and students signed on the application. The admissions office could remove students after admission, but it's highly unlikely they will actually go through with it.


Applicant: Please select the Applicant Electronic Signature Checkbox beside the legal affidavit statement signifying that you are ready to electronically sign the Application.

I understand and acknowledge that the responses and information provided in this application are accurate. I also acknowledge that all writing administrations (collectively "Tests") are considered confidential and are the sole property of Fairfax County Public Schools ("FCPS"). I promise to maintain the Tests as confidential, and I agree not to disclose or discuss any part of the Tests with anyone other than my parents. I understand and accept that if FCPS determines that I have not adhered to the foregoing obligations, I may be: (i) removed from the TJ admissions process; (ii) prohibited from accepting an offer of admission, if one is extended; (iii) ineligible to reapply to TJ; and (iv) removed from TJ as a student in the event FCPS determines that I have violated the foregoing, after I have been admitted to TJ and/or while I am attending TJ as a student.I hereby approve my Application for admission for the Class of 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I further certify that currently I reside full-time in a TJHSST participating school division.

Parent/Guardian, when the Application is completed (including math verification by the TJHSST School Liaison Counselor and electronic signature), the 'Submit' button will be activated and ready for processing. Please "SUBMIT" when the button is available. If you have any questions regarding this process, please refer to the 'Contact Us' tab at the top of the screen.

Parent/Guardian: Please select the Parent/Guardian Electronic Signature Checkbox beside the legal affidavit statement signifying that you are ready to electronically sign the Application.

I, the parent of the above student, confirm that I have read and understand my child’s acknowledgement and agreement (including possible consequences for non-compliance), as set forth above. I agree that the responses and information provided in this application are accurate. I also agree to hold in confidence any information which I receive about the Tests (as defined above).I hereby approve the Application for admission of my child for the Class of 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I further certify that my child resides with me and that I currently reside full-time in a TJHSST participating school division.

This is why it’s unethical to have a copy of the test. Students and parents sign a document agreeing to never discuss the test.

They will not remove kids from the class of 2026.

Why? They had the first and last names of the kids that prepped and the online statements from Facebook that kids had a copy of the test. Did FCPS ever do an investigation? Did they remove anyone? They likely made a few quick phone calls to their lawyers, called it an “investigation” and said move along, nothing to see here. Instead, they decided to focus on illegal racial balancing instead of improving the merit-based admissions process.

Don't waste your breath. These guys just want to call your children cheats because their kids can't hack it. And they just used equity as an excuse to pit minorities against each other. It is pointless to argue.

If parents thought their kids could get in on their own merits then why would they cheat?

They don't consider getting every possible advantage to game admission cheating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Don’t be obtuse.

We don’t need to hear your twisted rationalizations for cheating.

Calling me obtuse and my arguments twisted doesn't make it so. Why not just clearly point out the flaws in my reasoning if they're so evident to you?

We aren’t talking about job interviews or studying for a test.

We are talking about the ways parents are cheating the system to give their kids an unfair advantage in AAP/TJ admissions.

It’s unethical to prep for the CogAT and it’s unethical to use former test questions for the old TJ test. It’s cheating the system. If your kids are bright enough let them qualify for AAP/TJ on their own.

You still haven't explained *why* it's unethical to prep for the Cogat. I don't think you can do so successfully, but you should at least try.

Of course one preps to give oneself an advantage, but what's wrong with that? It's not an *unfair* advantage if I prepare well and others prepare less well.

Simply repeating your ad hominem attacks does nothing to prove that you're right. I have provided arguments in support of my view that preparation per se is never unethical. (I grant that illegal activity, breaches of confidentiality, and cheating are unethical - but then one wasn't unethical for prepping, but for prepping *in that fashion*. Prepping without resort to such unethical means, e.g. by studying, familiarizing oneself with publicly available information, and/or practicing, is perfectly ethical and should be encouraged.) You have neither rebutted my arguments not provided counterarguments of your own - you're just banging your fist on the table and repeating "unethical!"

Why isn't it equally unethical, by your reasoning, to prep for *anything*? When is prepping OK according to you and when is it not OK?

The sports analogy fits so well here

Do sports teams care about geographic diversity or SES status, or whether a kid practices more than another and does the "test" multiple times beforehand????

No they care about the kids with the most talent in sports period. Just like TJ should take the best STEAM students period.

And PS to the liberal posters that keep posting about politics. Get the f out of here. There are adults trying to have a conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Don’t be obtuse.

We don’t need to hear your twisted rationalizations for cheating.

Calling me obtuse and my arguments twisted doesn't make it so. Why not just clearly point out the flaws in my reasoning if they're so evident to you?

We aren’t talking about job interviews or studying for a test.

We are talking about the ways parents are cheating the system to give their kids an unfair advantage in AAP/TJ admissions.

It’s unethical to prep for the CogAT and it’s unethical to use former test questions for the old TJ test. It’s cheating the system. If your kids are bright enough let them qualify for AAP/TJ on their own.

You still haven't explained *why* it's unethical to prep for the Cogat. I don't think you can do so successfully, but you should at least try.

Of course one preps to give oneself an advantage, but what's wrong with that? It's not an *unfair* advantage if I prepare well and others prepare less well.

Simply repeating your ad hominem attacks does nothing to prove that you're right. I have provided arguments in support of my view that preparation per se is never unethical. (I grant that illegal activity, breaches of confidentiality, and cheating are unethical - but then one wasn't unethical for prepping, but for prepping *in that fashion*. Prepping without resort to such unethical means, e.g. by studying, familiarizing oneself with publicly available information, and/or practicing, is perfectly ethical and should be encouraged.) You have neither rebutted my arguments not provided counterarguments of your own - you're just banging your fist on the table and repeating "unethical!"

Why isn't it equally unethical, by your reasoning, to prep for *anything*? When is prepping OK according to you and when is it not OK?

By the same token why is it unethical to lie about FARMS status or make up accomplishments on your essay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know many points was saying yes to FARMS worth?

90 points

How many total possible points?

Not sure what it means? I think they just added 90 points to total

How many points were the other components worth? GPA. Essays etc

300 GPA, 300 SPS, 300 Math/Science test. up to 225 additional experience points of which meals was 90.

Stop lying on these threads. GPA is only worth 37.5 points, with a minimum possible value of 262.5 through a maximum of 300. The meals bonus was worth over twice as many points as the entire span from a 3.5 GPA through a 4.0.

Huh?

According to the rubric that was made public as part of discovery during the ongoing lawsuit, the score for GPA is 75 * GPA.

Since there is a 3.5 minimum GPA required to be eligible to apply and a 4.0 maximum GPA based on how it was calculated for the purposes of the application, every student will have. GPA score between 362.5 and 400.

As such, the maximum difference in terms of GPA between any two applicants is 400 - 362.5 = 37.5.

To say that GPA is worth 300 points, while strictly true, is misleading, since every applicant earns at least 362.5 of those points.

Since the experience factors are worth either 45 or 90 points each, that means that a 3.5 GPA combined with any experience factor outweighs a 4.0 GPA with no experience factors. In other words, the experience factors are extremely valuable.

Not that valuable. Only 12% of total possible score.

Almost irrelevant since almost everyone accepted had 4.0.

The high-point components of the application are:
300 for the SPS
300 for the math/science essay

They comprise the vast majority of the applicant’s score. If a kid didn’t get in, they probably didn’t write an exceptional essay or portrait.

The essay was apparently very easy and most of the portrait has nothing to do with STEM

The whole thing was/is a disaster.

According to my kid, very few of the students who were expected to get in actually got in i.e., majority of the kids who are generally known to be smart, stood out in the class, perfect or almost perfect GPA, took advantage (and did well) of STEM electives offered by the school, participated in school offered STEM after-school activities etc didn't get admission, but some random and unexpected kids, few of them even had B's got admissions, which surprised many of his peers. He was initially disappointed to be wait listed, but after learning who else got wait listed (and who actually got admissions..lol), he felt TJ doesn't really matter anymore. Well, my kid isn't good at creative writing, which he knows, so its not totally unexpected and as we know GPA doesn't really carry that much weightage compared to portrait sheet and science essay. He was hoping TJ will look into his electives and how well he did in all the courses (as FCPS has whole course work in hand) and consider the after school activities (even if only school based activities are considered), but it didn't really matter at the end (TJ probably didn't look into any of this). Anyways.. this is is how the TJ cohort is going to look like going forward and I doubt anyone realizes a drop in standards and competitiveness any time soon.

There was no reason to think that anyone would look at anything other then what the application called for. Your child should have been able to write a solid essay. It was a part of the application.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
You all got played, and the result will be that your children will be less safe and that public schools will be less funded.

Youngkin got rid of VMPI as he said he would. Kids will continue to be able to take accelerated math.
In Loudoun, acceleration was taken away ans has now been somewhat reinstated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think they were forced to confront this either when:
1) they had to prepare the report for the TJHSST’s 2021-22 school profile and did not have the data to back it up.
2) They also might have finally realized that some of the wealthy middle schools with traditionally only a small % of students in the 8th grade had the overwhelming majority of the acceptances as FARMs. Traditional number of 8th graders who are FARMs - Carson = about 90, Therou = about 80, Longfellow = about 50, Cooper = about 10. They could not bury their heads in the sand any longer.
3) Teachers or administrators (who actually care about education) at middle schools saw kids who were admitted who were not terribly strong. They were concerned and asked Gatehouse to explain.
4) A reporter (not from the Washington Post who just rubber stamps whatever FCPS says) read DCUM and starting asking some very basic questions.
5) Maybe the students directly in the lawsuit are adding this to their claim. And this is a belated CYA.

Maybe the feeder programs had mathematically-impossible high ED admissions #s.

I think this is exactly the case. The numbers just didn’t add up and FCPS knew they would get caught if their tried to pull the same thing with the class of 2026 as they did with the class of 2025. I would not be shocked if every student admitted from
Longfellow, Cooper, and Carson checked Yes to the free meals question.

Kids who got admitted from Longfellow, Cooper, and Carson are hardworking smart kids. These are not unethical and slacker kids. My child got into TJ from Longfellow and he worked day and night on school + after school activities + doing community service and wrote about those experiences in SPS to get in. We have NOT checked Yes for free meals question.