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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

after so many discussions, there are still people using the prep test as the excuse. It is the looser's logic.
It is ok to cancel the prep test. The capable kids are still capable. They only fail with the ugly geographic quota admission policy.

I am not proponent of prepping, but I am sure you know that its unavoidable. Earlier kids used to prep for math and science and now they are prepping for essays since essays alone pretty much decide the admission in this new process. Prep centers already started creative writing classes and I know at least a few who got private writing coaches just for TJ essays. Ultimately TJ shifted from stem to just writing focus i.e. just need decent grades and very impressive essays and nothing else is actually required or considered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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...

I’ll be honest. I do not always hire the most technically proficient. I hire the one that can do the job, but also can get along with others and advance the mission of the company. I work in tech. You can be a great coder, but if you are arrogant, can’t see other points of view, or work with others, you will fail in the workplace.

Not sure this is necessary analogous to high school entrance selections, but I do believe the highest test scores are not the only attributes needed for success. I think success requires a holistic approach.

The point is you don't care about where they are from or what they look like you care about their actual talent. The whole focus on SES status, and locations is a complete farce.

You are actually incorrect. Do you work? It’s all about DEI in the private sector. I worked at a tech company with a black coding mentorship program to increase the number of African Americans among the dev staff. My company is obsessed with board diversity right now. I’m not sure if or where you work, but it is very much about hiring diverse candidates with skills. If their skills have weaknesses, employers are willing to skill them up. I’d be curious where you work that does not care about diversity.

Large companies have to do political posturing. Small companies only care about performance.

I work in a small tech company now (about 120 people). We care about performance, but we also care about diversity and we don’t tolerate arrogant jerks. We just fired a jerk who was good at his job but was alienating a bunch of the coders won’t his arrogance. Not a culture fit. Gone. Fit matters in a small company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

after so many discussions, there are still people using the prep test as the excuse. It is the looser's logic.
It is ok to cancel the prep test. The capable kids are still capable. They only fail with the ugly geographic quota admission policy.

I am not proponent of prepping, but I am sure you know that its unavoidable. Earlier kids used to prep for math and science and now they are prepping for essays since essays alone pretty much decide the admission in this new process. Prep centers already started creative writing classes and I know at least a few who got private writing coaches just for TJ essays. Ultimately TJ shifted from stem to just writing focus i.e. just need decent grades and very impressive essays and nothing else is actually required or considered.

+ 1
The strong supporters of the new process, are you really under the impression that new process is actually effective at identifying the 'real' stem talent in TJ aspirants? Just read on another thread that kids with 6 stem electives, stem after-school activities and awards along with perfect grades didn't get in, possibly because they didn't have impressive essays - assuming its true, is this how we would like to see TJ in the future? I believe these kids are likely from logfellow/rcms/rockyrun centers where pretty much everyone has 3.8+ gpa, essays will be a deciding factor (600 of 900 points are decided by essays), especially since electives/after-school stuff isn't taken into consideration.

[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: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...

I’ll be honest. I do not always hire the most technically proficient. I hire the one that can do the job, but also can get along with others and advance the mission of the company. I work in tech. You can be a great coder, but if you are arrogant, can’t see other points of view, or work with others, you will fail in the workplace.

Not sure this is necessary analogous to high school entrance selections, but I do believe the highest test scores are not the only attributes needed for success. I think success requires a holistic approach.

The point is you don't care about where they are from or what they look like you care about their actual talent. The whole focus on SES status, and locations is a complete farce.

You are actually incorrect. Do you work? It’s all about DEI in the private sector. I worked at a tech company with a black coding mentorship program to increase the number of African Americans among the dev staff. My company is obsessed with board diversity right now. I’m not sure if or where you work, but it is very much about hiring diverse candidates with skills. If their skills have weaknesses, employers are willing to skill them up. I’d be curious where you work that does not care about diversity.

Large companies have to do political posturing. Small companies only care about performance.

I work in a small tech company now (about 120 people). We care about performance, but we also care about diversity and we don’t tolerate arrogant jerks. We just fired a jerk who was good at his job but was alienating a bunch of the coders won’t his arrogance. Not a culture fit. Gone. Fit matters in a small company.

I'll bet you a million dollars he wasn't an URM or LGBTQ+

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

after so many discussions, there are still people using the prep test as the excuse. It is the looser's logic.
It is ok to cancel the prep test. The capable kids are still capable. They only fail with the ugly geographic quota admission policy.

I am not proponent of prepping, but I am sure you know that its unavoidable. Earlier kids used to prep for math and science and now they are prepping for essays since essays alone pretty much decide the admission in this new process. Prep centers already started creative writing classes and I know at least a few who got private writing coaches just for TJ essays. Ultimately TJ shifted from stem to just writing focus i.e. just need decent grades and very impressive essays and nothing else is actually required or considered.

+ 1
The strong supporters of the new process, are you really under the impression that new process is actually effective at identifying the 'real' stem talent in TJ aspirants? Just read on another thread that kids with 6 stem electives, stem after-school activities and awards along with perfect grades didn't get in, possibly because they didn't have impressive essays - assuming its true, is this how we would like to see TJ in the future? I believe these kids are likely from logfellow/rcms/rockyrun centers where pretty much everyone has 3.8+ gpa, essays will be a deciding factor (600 of 900 points are decided by essays), especially since electives/after-school stuff isn't taken into consideration.

What’s wrong with prepping? Why the opportunities should be given to student who do not even want to spend efforts preparing for something he/she want so badly? You need to prepare for audition, final exam, university admission, job interview, and many others, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

after so many discussions, there are still people using the prep test as the excuse. It is the looser's logic.
It is ok to cancel the prep test. The capable kids are still capable. They only fail with the ugly geographic quota admission policy.

I am not proponent of prepping, but I am sure you know that its unavoidable. Earlier kids used to prep for math and science and now they are prepping for essays since essays alone pretty much decide the admission in this new process. Prep centers already started creative writing classes and I know at least a few who got private writing coaches just for TJ essays. Ultimately TJ shifted from stem to just writing focus i.e. just need decent grades and very impressive essays and nothing else is actually required or considered.

+ 1
The strong supporters of the new process, are you really under the impression that new process is actually effective at identifying the 'real' stem talent in TJ aspirants? Just read on another thread that kids with 6 stem electives, stem after-school activities and awards along with perfect grades didn't get in, possibly because they didn't have impressive essays - assuming its true, is this how we would like to see TJ in the future? I believe these kids are likely from logfellow/rcms/rockyrun centers where pretty much everyone has 3.8+ gpa, essays will be a deciding factor (600 of 900 points are decided by essays), especially since electives/after-school stuff isn't taken into consideration.

What’s wrong with prepping? Why the opportunities should be given to student who do not even want to spend efforts preparing for something he/she want so badly? You need to prepare for audition, final exam, university admission, job interview, and many others, right?

People on these forums always looking for that one diamond in the rough even if it’s sacrificing 100s of gems along the way. At the end, you are not even sure you found that diamond. The fact of the matter is everyone one prepares for every thing and those with ‘right’ kind of preparation will usually succeed. In case of TJ, under old process, either kids who are naturally geniuses at stem or prepared enough to reach that level were able to get in. While under the new process, either kids are naturally good at writing or been coached how to craft impressive essays got in. Preparation didn’t go away, just that essay prep took the front row. As more people realize this, TJ will turn into a language prep school

[Anonymous]

Both intelligence and deligence are necessary to be successful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Now that the deadline has passed, it will be interesting to see how things play out. I don't expect TJ to release updated statistics right away, so we can probably only speculate for now - although they will likely eventually be forced to do so. This whole process was presumably not something they initiated voluntarily, but only because they felt that they were forced to do so.

The Post article says roughly 33% ED among admits, which is roughly 181 students. If, say, 2/3 of them are genuinely ED and were able to provide documentation, that means 60 are not. Given how competitive admissions are, I wouldn't be surprised if almost all of those 60 lose their seats once they lose the wrongly awarded experience factor points. That means roughly 60 seats open up.

It makes sense for them to combine this process with the first round of admits from the wait pool. Even with a yield as high as 90%, which seems unlikely, 55 admits will have declined their seats.

That makes a total of perhaps 115 newly available seats. I suspect they will want to fill as many of those seats with ED applicants as they can.

Of course, this is all just spitballing, and if anyone has insight into more accurate numbers I'd love to hear it!

Or go down the waitlist based on updated scores - removing ED bonus points for those unable to document FARM.

Or I wonder if people who aren't ED are just bumped from the waitlist.

I think those center kids whose parents cannot provide documents will be replaced by kids from the same centers, such as Longfellow or Carson. It will be embarrassing for those kids that lose their admission status as everyone would know why. Some seats may be release to the unallocated pool, which may increase private school admits since these kids couldn't have checked yes at a first place. When dust settles, the percentage of ED will be lower than 33%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both intelligence and deligence are necessary to be successful.

But are you sure an above average gpa with good writing abilities is in need of TJ vs perfect grades, demonstrable stem talent or interest but not as good at writing as the others. I am sure we have people fighting for both sides. Only time will tell which is good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

Exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

Exactly?

This begs me to question, are we really selecting the truly gifted students who will fulfill and advance the schools goal of providing best stem education to the most talented with these new changes? There are posts that compared last years TJ freshman against others, but that comparison will disappear in couple of more years when the entire cohort will be replaced by new admissions. I guess, only time will tell how TJ will do in future. Until then we can keep arguing with each other in the void. I don't mind the changes and I don't mind the diversity, but are we going in a right direction and achieving the goals we wanted, not just the racial mix that looks like an improvement on the paper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

Exactly?

This begs me to question, are we really selecting the truly gifted students who will fulfill and advance the schools goal of providing best stem education to the most talented with these new changes? There are posts that compared last years TJ freshman against others, but that comparison will disappear in couple of more years when the entire cohort will be replaced by new admissions. I guess, only time will tell how TJ will do in future. Until then we can keep arguing with each other in the void. I don't mind the changes and I don't mind the diversity, but are we going in a right direction and achieving the goals we wanted, not just the racial mix that looks like an improvement on the paper.

It sounds like they're selecting much higher quality now that they've reduced the number of families that were gaming admission through these cram schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

Exactly?

This begs me to question, are we really selecting the truly gifted students who will fulfill and advance the schools goal of providing best stem education to the most talented with these new changes? There are posts that compared last years TJ freshman against others, but that comparison will disappear in couple of more years when the entire cohort will be replaced by new admissions. I guess, only time will tell how TJ will do in future. Until then we can keep arguing with each other in the void. I don't mind the changes and I don't mind the diversity, but are we going in a right direction and achieving the goals we wanted, not just the racial mix that looks like an improvement on the paper.

It sounds like they're selecting much higher quality now that they've reduced the number of families that were gaming admission through these cram schools.

Only time will tell! We we are still commenting here in 2026, we can dig up this comment!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

The county's mission is to educate the public and was funded by taxes so your analogy doesn't stand up. However, it can also be argued they are selecting the best especially since they made an effort to negate the effects of these expensive prep schools which skewing admission to make mediocre applicants appear gifted.

Exactly?

This begs me to question, are we really selecting the truly gifted students who will fulfill and advance the schools goal of providing best stem education to the most talented with these new changes? There are posts that compared last years TJ freshman against others, but that comparison will disappear in couple of more years when the entire cohort will be replaced by new admissions. I guess, only time will tell how TJ will do in future. Until then we can keep arguing with each other in the void. I don't mind the changes and I don't mind the diversity, but are we going in a right direction and achieving the goals we wanted, not just the racial mix that looks like an improvement on the paper.

It sounds like they're selecting much higher quality now that they've reduced the number of families that were gaming admission through these cram schools.

It sounds like they’ve replaced kids who demonstrated their aptitude with kids selected largely on the basis of geography and “experience factors,” so FCPS could say admissions were more evenly distributed across the county, regardless of where the kids with the most aptitude actually live.

[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: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...

I’ll be honest. I do not always hire the most technically proficient. I hire the one that can do the job, but also can get along with others and advance the mission of the company. I work in tech. You can be a great coder, but if you are arrogant, can’t see other points of view, or work with others, you will fail in the workplace.

Not sure this is necessary analogous to high school entrance selections, but I do believe the highest test scores are not the only attributes needed for success. I think success requires a holistic approach.

The point is you don't care about where they are from or what they look like you care about their actual talent. The whole focus on SES status, and locations is a complete farce.

You are actually incorrect. Do you work? It’s all about DEI in the private sector. I worked at a tech company with a black coding mentorship program to increase the number of African Americans among the dev staff. My company is obsessed with board diversity right now. I’m not sure if or where you work, but it is very much about hiring diverse candidates with skills. If their skills have weaknesses, employers are willing to skill them up. I’d be curious where you work that does not care about diversity.

Large companies have to do political posturing. Small companies only care about performance.

I work in a small tech company now (about 120 people). We care about performance, but we also care about diversity and we don’t tolerate arrogant jerks. We just fired a jerk who was good at his job but was alienating a bunch of the coders won’t his arrogance. Not a culture fit. Gone. Fit matters in a small company.

I'll bet you a million dollars he wasn't an URM or LGBTQ+

The jerk? White male.

BTW, we have many tech folks that are not white males. We have several women, a few African Americans and many Latino men. Plus we hve the white and Asian males you would expect. It’s really quite a mix. I have no idea who is LGBTQ+.