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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

I'm not really getting a "we have long accepted and moved on from TJ" vibe (from your prior post) here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

There may be cases like that, but likely not many. We know of many students with advanced math classes, top grades, etc. who very much wanted to attend TJ and did not write anything in their essays to indicate otherwise, yet were not admitted.

Honest question - how are you sure that they wanted to go to TJ? Just because they told you? Or because they did a good job of convincing you that they shared your dreams?

People are strikingly unaware of how easy it is for a kid to convince their parents they want to go to TJ, only to then write in the essay that they don't. And now, they conveniently have an admissions process that their parents hate that they can blame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

I'm not really getting a "we have long accepted and moved on from TJ" vibe (from your prior post) here.

Thats ok - you are free believe what you want to believe. I commented on several other AAP threads here, not just TJ related. The fact is if really move on or whether you believe I moved on doesn't really matter one way or other. The truth is we can't change what already happened and even if TJ adjusts its admission process in future it doesn't really help any of my kids - we are past that. My kid(s) is fortunate to have both parents in stem fields and able to meet all the academic needs until their college. Our base school is well rated and not that far behind from TJ and course offerings aren't too bad. Granted, TJ offers some courses that are offered nowhere else, but it shouldn't be too difficult to supplement if my kid is interested. We/parents didn't attend TJ and still ended up graduating from top universities. TJ doesn't determine your career, its just a place for like minded kids to pursue their interests. Also, no one really cares about HS once you go to college. Having said, why I am still interested and commenting? I think the new process is flawed and I hope enough people realize it and fight for some meaningful changes in the future and hopefully help TJ aspirants in future! I hope I am not sounding too pretentious here!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Heh - I'm pretty sure this comment is referring to me. I'm the one many of you call "the savior". And I didn't write that comment. Believe it or not, there are MANY people on this forum who disagree with the status-quo crowd. But I'm glad to know I'm living rent-free in your head. It's interesting - you got some facts about me right, and other ones wrong. I suspect that you genuinely believe that all of these pro-reform posters are the same person... does that help you sleep at night, thinking that there are fewer of us than there really are?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

Asians still represent 55-60% of the students because Asians still represent 55-60% of the applicants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

I'm not really getting a "we have long accepted and moved on from TJ" vibe (from your prior post) here.

Thats ok - you are free believe what you want to believe. I commented on several other AAP threads here, not just TJ related. The fact is if really move on or whether you believe I moved on doesn't really matter one way or other. The truth is we can't change what already happened and even if TJ adjusts its admission process in future it doesn't really help any of my kids - we are past that. My kid(s) is fortunate to have both parents in stem fields and able to meet all the academic needs until their college. Our base school is well rated and not that far behind from TJ and course offerings aren't too bad. Granted, TJ offers some courses that are offered nowhere else, but it shouldn't be too difficult to supplement if my kid is interested. We/parents didn't attend TJ and still ended up graduating from top universities. TJ doesn't determine your career, its just a place for like minded kids to pursue their interests. Also, no one really cares about HS once you go to college. Having said, why I am still interested and commenting? I think the new process is flawed and I hope enough people realize it and fight for some meaningful changes in the future and hopefully help TJ aspirants in future! I hope I am not sounding too pretentious here!

I guess what I believe is that, if you talk about this regularly around your DD or she's aware that you're posting about TJ at this length, it wouldn't come as a surprise if she is still somewhat pre-occupied with having been turned down under the new admissions system. You don't sound pretentious, but you do sound rather invested in the school's processes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

Asians still represent 55-60% of the students because Asians still represent 55-60% of the applicants.

Thanks, you just provided a valid point supporting the argument. Isn't the new process supposed to encourage those who felt left out earlier (or not able to compete in the previous process) to apply to TJ?

The changes are done so that hyper focussed stem kids (or parents) will lose all the advantages they had ex: test(s), teacher recommendations, higher importance to GPA etc. The new process very heavily relies on creative writing abilities and kids who aren't are articulate enough will be punished, even though they could be superior in math or science. So, yes, we can't confidently say the new process is really selecting top/deserved students and at the same time didn't even achieve the intended diversity. So, who is winning at the end??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

I'm not really getting a "we have long accepted and moved on from TJ" vibe (from your prior post) here.

Thats ok - you are free believe what you want to believe. I commented on several other AAP threads here, not just TJ related. The fact is if really move on or whether you believe I moved on doesn't really matter one way or other. The truth is we can't change what already happened and even if TJ adjusts its admission process in future it doesn't really help any of my kids - we are past that. My kid(s) is fortunate to have both parents in stem fields and able to meet all the academic needs until their college. Our base school is well rated and not that far behind from TJ and course offerings aren't too bad. Granted, TJ offers some courses that are offered nowhere else, but it shouldn't be too difficult to supplement if my kid is interested. We/parents didn't attend TJ and still ended up graduating from top universities. TJ doesn't determine your career, its just a place for like minded kids to pursue their interests. Also, no one really cares about HS once you go to college. Having said, why I am still interested and commenting? I think the new process is flawed and I hope enough people realize it and fight for some meaningful changes in the future and hopefully help TJ aspirants in future! I hope I am not sounding too pretentious here!

I guess what I believe is that, if you talk about this regularly around your DD or she's aware that you're posting about TJ at this length, it wouldn't come as a surprise if she is still somewhat pre-occupied with having been turned down under the new admissions system. You don't sound pretentious, but you do sound rather invested in the school's processes.

Actually, its the other way, I keep reassuring DD that TJ doesn't really matter in the long run and point to many known examples we see in our neighborhood/friends such as TJ kids and base HS kids usually end up in same universities. Well, she can even see us/parents as an example as well - we didn't attend TJ. I am sure she will get over it during summer as she will take a break from academics, TJ related discussions in school/friends and get busy with other activities. Today is the last day of school, so I assume/hope in a few days, TJ will no longer come up for discussion in our house .

But, you are partially correct, I am (or have been since last year) somewhat invested in the process as I have been worried that TJ isn't selecting deserving candidates and killing the dreams of so many kids under the disguise of diversity, which isn't really happening anyway. I just hope that it will be rectified in the future and even if it doesn't help my kids, it might benefit others. Thats all I have to say in this thread!

Also, to the original point of thread, I sincerely hope TJ will punish those who unethically claimed as qualified for free meals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Heh - I'm pretty sure this comment is referring to me. I'm the one many of you call "the savior". And I didn't write that comment. Believe it or not, there are MANY people on this forum who disagree with the status-quo crowd. But I'm glad to know I'm living rent-free in your head. It's interesting - you got some facts about me right, and other ones wrong. I suspect that you genuinely believe that all of these pro-reform posters are the same person... does that help you sleep at night, thinking that there are fewer of us than there really are?

When you hire at your company do you hire the best applicant or the one the deserves it...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

Who cares why the kids are in those classes? If they're taking Algebra II or Pre-Calc in 8th and have earned As in all of their math classes, they're undoubtedly more qualified to handle TJ math than kids who are only taking Algebra I in 8th and have not yet been graded on any math of any real substance. Those kids are also undoubtedly naturally good at math, as they would not be capable of earning As in such accelerated classes. I'd take the kid who has proven math ability over the kid who hasn't yet demonstrated any math ability.

I do.

There are kids who are not accepted into TJ that confuse people and I would bet that those are kids who wrote in their essay that they don't want to attend TJ. They can't tell their parents that because their parents are so focused on TJ. They can't tank their classes because it would cause a problem at home. So they write that they don't want to attend TJ in the timed essay that their parents will not see.

That tells me that there are kids who are checking off all the boxes but are not interested in TJ. Which leads me to wonder why they are in Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade. Sure, they seem to be up to the task but they are not taking the class because they want to take the classes.

While I think that is a small percentage of the kids applying, it happens. Just like there are kids who go to TJ because their parents bribe them to attend. It is a small percentage of the kids who attend but it happens.

When I see the parents of a 2nd grader worried about what they need to do so their kid can go to TJ, I know that is the parent talking and not the kid.

TJ should be a decision made by the kid because they want that type of program and experience, not because the parents want it for the kid.

I think I saw a similar post earlier and I assume its the same person - So how sure are you about this? Are you a current/former TJ faculty? Did you actually grade any essays? I can't vouch other kids, but at least in our case, we have long accepted and moved on from TJ, but my kid is unable to do so. She couldn't digest why her perfect GPA, always outshined others in classes, stem electives/activities, awards etc couldn't secure admission but others who barely had anything to say for themselves got in. The only comfort she has is there are many others from her school, some of them are better than her in her opinion also didn't get in and they are all equally disappointed. Its wrong to assume that everyone of them wrote in their essays that they didn't want TJ, even if they could lie to parents, but its easy for kids to sense interest in each other ex: they tend to pair up with other kids who are equally motivated so one kid will not be a drag on others in group etc. Btw, you can easily understand if the kid is really interested or doing it because of parents. I can very easily see if my DD is doing something (academics or otherwise) out of interest or because I pushed to do. If you can't see in your kid, then you probably don't understand your kid well enough. Sorry for being sarcastic

The poster you refer to graduated from TJ in the late 90s and therefore she is an expert on all things TJ. She is very unhappy with the manner in which TJ has evolved. As per her, all kids from the top feeder schools are only admitted because they are prepped and Curie gave them all the answers. The really smart kids (and smartness cannot be measured by Math advancement) live in other parts of the County and the reform has helped bring them to the fore. Per her, all parents from the top feeder schools are toxic who don’t have a clue how to raise well rounded kids. She tries to not be overt with her racial animus but everyone can see through that.

If you challenge her on any objective criteria, she will accuse you of looking down on the underprivileged kids (starting her commentary with Gross or Disgusting). Her imprint is on every TJ discussion and there is nothing constructive. But she believes herself to be very knowledgeable and that parents thank her for her great inputs.

And when she reads this, she will respond with a Bingo.

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring? - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

I'm not really getting a "we have long accepted and moved on from TJ" vibe (from your prior post) here.

Thats ok - you are free believe what you want to believe. I commented on several other AAP threads here, not just TJ related. The fact is if really move on or whether you believe I moved on doesn't really matter one way or other. The truth is we can't change what already happened and even if TJ adjusts its admission process in future it doesn't really help any of my kids - we are past that. My kid(s) is fortunate to have both parents in stem fields and able to meet all the academic needs until their college. Our base school is well rated and not that far behind from TJ and course offerings aren't too bad. Granted, TJ offers some courses that are offered nowhere else, but it shouldn't be too difficult to supplement if my kid is interested. We/parents didn't attend TJ and still ended up graduating from top universities. TJ doesn't determine your career, its just a place for like minded kids to pursue their interests. Also, no one really cares about HS once you go to college. Having said, why I am still interested and commenting? I think the new process is flawed and I hope enough people realize it and fight for some meaningful changes in the future and hopefully help TJ aspirants in future! I hope I am not sounding too pretentious here!

I guess what I believe is that, if you talk about this regularly around your DD or she's aware that you're posting about TJ at this length, it wouldn't come as a surprise if she is still somewhat pre-occupied with having been turned down under the new admissions system. You don't sound pretentious, but you do sound rather invested in the school's processes.

Actually, its the other way, I keep reassuring DD that TJ doesn't really matter in the long run and point to many known examples we see in our neighborhood/friends such as TJ kids and base HS kids usually end up in same universities. Well, she can even see us/parents as an example as well - we didn't attend TJ. I am sure she will get over it during summer as she will take a break from academics, TJ related discussions in school/friends and get busy with other activities. Today is the last day of school, so I assume/hope in a few days, TJ will no longer come up for discussion in our house .

But, you are partially correct, I am (or have been since last year) somewhat invested in the process as I have been worried that TJ isn't selecting deserving candidates and killing the dreams of so many kids under the disguise of diversity, which isn't really happening anyway. I just hope that it will be rectified in the future and even if it doesn't help my kids, it might benefit others. Thats all I have to say in this thread!

Also, to the original point of thread, I sincerely hope TJ will punish those who unethically claimed as qualified for free meals.

Oh btw, my kid/DD isn't even aware that this forum even exists! All she knows is I spend a good amount of time on reddit and I probably have too much influence on both my kids with my very liberal ideas/positions to the annoyance of my spouse who thinks I should let kids form their own opinions

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:STEM isn't all about advanced math. I understand that it is one component of the program, but it is more then just advanced math.

If there is any positive that comes out of this is that we might see some of the hyper competitive parents and the hyper focused on prestige parents stop pushing their kids in math.

I understand that some kids love math, my kid does. He takes a class on the weekend and another for math competitions. He loves it.

I fully believe that there are math loving kids that are naturally gifted in math and can handle Algebra in 6th grade. I think that is a small number of kids.

I see parents posting on this board asking about Geometry over the summer because they think their kid is in a better place for TJ if they have Algebra II in 8th grade.

We also see parents asking about expunging Algebra 1 grades after poor results in 7th grade, C's to F's. We see parents on the FCPS board asking about how to deal with kids in 9th who are struggling with Algebra II.

Chill out and let the kids move at math at a pace that makes sense for them. I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

It's certainly ok to let the kids move at their own pace. Just that the kids who couldn't finish Geometry HN by 8th grade do not belong to TJ level.
Don't try to chase the high speed train if your speed is not ready. Find the right track. This is good for everybody.
Don't always think about making the high speed train slow down to wait for you. It won't help you. It just makes everybody slow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STEM isn't all about advanced math. I understand that it is one component of the program, but it is more then just advanced math.

If there is any positive that comes out of this is that we might see some of the hyper competitive parents and the hyper focused on prestige parents stop pushing their kids in math.

I understand that some kids love math, my kid does. He takes a class on the weekend and another for math competitions. He loves it.

I fully believe that there are math loving kids that are naturally gifted in math and can handle Algebra in 6th grade. I think that is a small number of kids.

I see parents posting on this board asking about Geometry over the summer because they think their kid is in a better place for TJ if they have Algebra II in 8th grade.

We also see parents asking about expunging Algebra 1 grades after poor results in 7th grade, C's to F's. We see parents on the FCPS board asking about how to deal with kids in 9th who are struggling with Algebra II.

Chill out and let the kids move at math at a pace that makes sense for them. I don't think there should be a boost for Algebra II or Pre Calc in 8th grade because I think it only increases the math acceleration race that is not healthy. How many of the kids in those classes are there because their parents want them at TJ and how many are there because they love math and are naturally good at math?

It's certainly ok to let the kids move at their own pace. Just that the kids who couldn't finish Geometry HN by 8th grade do not belong to TJ level.
Don't try to chase the high speed train if your speed is not ready. Find the right track. This is good for everybody.
Don't always think about making the high speed train slow down to wait for you. It won't help you. It just makes everybody slow.

Great analogy! For kids who can go faster than average, can still do at the base school with plenty of HN and AP/IB courses. You don’t need to sacrifice kids who can go at much faster pace that base schools might not offer! Diversity is perfectly fine, but not at the expense of diluting the talent pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:improve the qualification bar then:

minimum requirement: Geometry HN, weighted GPA 3.8+
give extra credits for national awards, state awards and regional awards
use teacher's recommendation (better let the teacher mark a recommendation score to make it easier for calculation)
remove geographic quota. let's be fair. It's all about academic merit.

Even better

HN Geometry req
Use Unweighted GPA from STEM classes
Do Not use teacher recs they are unreliable and have shown to be racially biased
Add hard geographic quotas proportional to the region's population

I like this.

If there aren’t enough qualified applicants then put those spots into pool for remaining applicants.

I’m torn on Geometry though. I know great STEM kids who ended up in Alg I honors in 8th. And by requiring Geometry we’ll get parents pushing more kids to take it too soon. Bad consequence.

Maybe this will help you. If you take Algebra I in 8th the base school can generally meet all the math needs. TJ should be for the most advanced students who have a harder time getting their needs met at a base school.

Not universally true. There are various reasons why kids may end up in Alg I. I wouldn’t want to eliminate 100% of those kids.

And do we want parents to push their kids into geometry any more than they already do? As we’ve seen, they will do anything to get their kids in. We already have way more kids in Geometry than should be there.

DP, you can't obtain perfect. Requiring that we sacrifice the 99% so that we chase after that 1% is irrational foolishness.

I also don’t like encouraging parents to push their kids into geometry prematurely.

I don't like encouraging parents to push their kids who aren't smart at STEM into schools like TJ.
Algebra I in 7th is NOT a high bar. Smart kids all over the world do fine with it. If a kid can't hack algebra in 7th, that kid is at best somewhat above average. About 10% of FCPS kids take Algebra in 7th and are fine with it. There is no reason to dip down into the pool of kids who are slightly above average in math for a magnet STEM school.

I'd rather see kids get pushed into geometry prematurely, struggle, and get bad grades in their middle schools than see them pushed into TJ, where they will struggle and wash out of the school. Overaccelerated kids who get bad grades in middle school can expunge the grade and retake the class the following year. Kids who wash out of TJ can't really recover from that.

One of my kids friends who was actually from AAP, couldn't qualify for Algebra I 7th grade and got a B+ in 8th grade Algebra I in 8th grade along with couple of other B+/A- etc, made it to TJ. I presume the kid had impressive and creative essays. There are several other kids perfect GPAs, stem electives, plenty of after school activities, some of those who took Algebra 2 or even Pre-cal in 8th, couldn't get into TJ. May be their essays weren't as impressive, but is it fair? Not sure, but I am sure some of you think that its perfectly fair and every smart kid should be able to write stellar essays and do not accept that stem smartness doesn't always translate into creating writing abilities. Anyways!

It this is true i.e. the AAP kid who couldn’t get into algebra I in 7th grade and got B+ in 8th shouldn’t be preferred over a strait A students. It’s totally wrong and pretty much sumps what’s wrong new process. I have heard similar stories, kids with wealthy parents, who struggled in math and sconce were able to get in. Those who like the new process will keep defending it no matter ho many examples we throw at them!