TJ Essay And SIS Postponed? from this Sat?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
"I hope that the weighting on the essay/SIS goes way down."

Essays (Average of two) (25%)
Student Information Sheet (20%)
Teacher Recommendations (Average of two) (20%)
Math portion of the Admissions Test (20%)
7th and 8th grade Math and Science Grade Point Average (15%)


Agree completely

+1 (even though my kid writes well and this might hurt his chances)

[Anonymous]

+1
the process is not fair

[Anonymous]

Are the percentages the same now that there is only one essay? And don't forget, even though the SIS is in "essay" format, it is not about the writing but rather a place for the student to write about his or her STEM-related activities. The SIS is judged on how the student shows involvement in his or her interests, not on the quality of writing.

[Anonymous]

No percentages are listed for this year's admissions cycle:

All semifinalists are evaluated for admission based on consideration of the following parts of the final application packet:

Essay Question
All semifinalists respond to an essay question along with the Student Information Sheet. The essay is reviewed based on its content and clarity. Essay responses vary greatly. There are no particular phrases or specific responses for which we look.

Student Information Sheet
Student Information Sheets are completed by all semifinalists. Each Student Information Sheet is reviewed based on content and clarity in relation to the mission of TJHSST. Student Information Sheet responses vary greatly and there are no particular phrases or specific response for which we look.

Teacher Recommendations
All applicants submit two teacher recommendations. Teacher recommendations are reviewed individually then averaged together. Each teacher recommendation is evaluated based on each teacher’s account of the applicant’s characteristics, talents, and potential contributions to TJHSST’s group of learners.

Math Score from the Admissions Test
Semifinalist math test scores range from 30 out of 50 to 50 out of 50.

Math and Science Grade Point Average
The math and science grade point average includes marks from math and science courses taken in 7th grade and the first and second quarters of 8th grade.

http://www.fcps.edu/pla/TJHSST_Admissions/dec_freshman_winter_final.html

[Anonymous]

As a parent, if you are disturbed by the decision to re-administer the test at home, rather than in a proctored setting, please voice your concern and send a message to [e-mail], which was listed in the email sent to the parents today. I just did.

[Anonymous]

An article on the at home proposal:-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/computer-portal-problems-widespread-students-can-retake-tj-essay-tests--at-home/2014/01/30/f483377e-89d6-11e3-916e-e01534b1e132_story.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent, if you are disturbed by the decision to re-administer the test at home, rather than in a proctored setting, please voice your concern and send a message to [e-mail], which was listed in the email sent to the parents today. I just did.

This is "Testing-gate." Does anyone really believe these students are going to write the essays at home with no input from the parents. Hope TJ can tell from the ones that read like a Ph.d. dissertation.

[Anonymous]

I heard a rumor once that a kid wrote on his essay "Please don't admit me-this is my parents' dream."

[Anonymous]

They should just have the semi-finalists take another, tougher math test.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know how the computer problem occurred? Lots of tests are given on computers now, it's not like it's some unusual event. How did this happen?