TJ admissions decision - repercussions for Class of 2026

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh yes, because our sacred federal judges definitely know all the universally correct answers and us mere plebeians must follow their guidance...

And it was so race blind that close to 80% of the kids selected belong to a group that represented less than 20% of the county population.

And nearly 50% belonged to another group (South Asian) that represents about 5% of the county population.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

More qualified federal judge disagreed with the guy who essentially copied-and-pasted C4TJ talking points into his opinion, proving why he's been stuck at the District Court level for 40 years.

not true

DP. Every part of that was true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That's great for kids who would otherwise be on the waitlist.

OP here, yup good for them. I have a TJ senior and current 8th grade DC was very interested in attending so applied. However, for many reasons, DC is now definitely leaning more into base school. The process took so long DC had many engagements with base school so now feels more connected and excited about it. Even though we have not talked about the new admission process versus the one my DS went through, she is very aware through other kids talking, etc. I think the final straw was when we were at a TJ event (won’t get into details), someone (not TJ student or parent) responded “I guess that is what you get for the lowering the admission standards.” So good for the kids that applied and love stem and are dying to go. My kid is no longer one of them. For the record, I was in the camp of the former admission process could use some changes, but don’t love the new one. Also for the record, my Senior did absolutely no admission test prep and was admitted AND found TJ challenging so all can be true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That's great for kids who would otherwise be on the waitlist.

OP here, yup good for them. I have a TJ senior and current 8th grade DC was very interested in attending so applied. However, for many reasons, DC is now definitely leaning more into base school. The process took so long DC had many engagements with base school so now feels more connected and excited about it. Even though we have not talked about the new admission process versus the one my DS went through, she is very aware through other kids talking, etc. I think the final straw was when we were at a TJ event (won’t get into details), someone (not TJ student or parent) responded “I guess that is what you get for the lowering the admission standards.” So good for the kids that applied and love stem and are dying to go. My kid is no longer one of them. For the record, I was in the camp of the former admission process could use some changes, but don’t love the new one. Also for the record, my Senior did absolutely no admission test prep and was admitted AND found TJ challenging so all can be true.

Would hope that you would at least take a look at Freshmen Preview Night if admitted. TJ can be a wonderful place and the tone of it should change significantly with half the school admitted by the new process instead of a quarter.

Remember also, many parents on this site attempt to make TJ seem less attractive in order to increase the chances of their student getting admitted through lowered applications or increased wait list draw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That's great for kids who would otherwise be on the waitlist.

OP here, yup good for them. I have a TJ senior and current 8th grade DC was very interested in attending so applied. However, for many reasons, DC is now definitely leaning more into base school. The process took so long DC had many engagements with base school so now feels more connected and excited about it. Even though we have not talked about the new admission process versus the one my DS went through, she is very aware through other kids talking, etc. I think the final straw was when we were at a TJ event (won’t get into details), someone (not TJ student or parent) responded “I guess that is what you get for the lowering the admission standards.” So good for the kids that applied and love stem and are dying to go. My kid is no longer one of them. For the record, I was in the camp of the former admission process could use some changes, but don’t love the new one. Also for the record, my Senior did absolutely no admission test prep and was admitted AND found TJ challenging so all can be true.

Would hope that you would at least take a look at Freshmen Preview Night if admitted. TJ can be a wonderful place and the tone of it should change significantly with half the school admitted by the new process instead of a quarter.

Remember also, many parents on this site attempt to make TJ seem less attractive in order to increase the chances of their student getting admitted through lowered applications or increased wait list draw.

Perhaps, but many parents on this site are unwilling to acknowledge any particular diminution in TJ’s appeal (due to many factors, only one of which is the internecine warfare over who belongs at TJ) because they are heavily invested in the notion that TJ is the “crown jewel” of public secondary schools that no one with other alternatives could possibly turn down. It’s always been more complicated than that, and particularly so now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

Nope. Many of our kids did no prep and were ready and eager to immerse themselves in STEM. Stop repeating the prep lie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

Oh, you can game the process now by ticking off the boxes for “experience factors.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

Oh, you can game the process now by ticking off the boxes for “experience factors.”

+1. DD has worked so hard over the years and I feel like I ruined her chance for acceptance because I didn’t answer the “free meals” question correctly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

I am just saying what the judge said. While you just straight up lie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

Nope. Many of our kids did no prep and were ready and eager to immerse themselves in STEM. Stop repeating the prep lie.

If over 30% of those admitted came from just 1 prep center in Loudon it's a safe bet the majority did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

That makes sense!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

Oh, you can game the process now by ticking off the boxes for “experience factors.”

+1. DD has worked so hard over the years and I feel like I ruined her chance for acceptance because I didn’t answer the “free meals” question correctly.

You taught DC integrity which is valuable. Also,. I'm still hoping they investigated everyone who ticked off these boxes and disqualified anyone who lied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am predicting now a larger percentage of kids rejecting their TJ acceptance than recent years past. I know this is not a “hot take” considering all the controversy surrounding the process and how late the decisions are, but I have firsthand knowledge of those that should get in but are a hard no now.

That would be a sensible response given how contentious the process has become, the number of students requiring remediation, and the reports that the upper grades think a lot of the current freshmen don’t belong at TJ.

The fact that the upper grades would think such things about their freshmen colleagues is direct evidence of why change was so necessary at TJ in the first place.

The parents who are doing so very openly is even further evidence.

Amen. TJ is a public school. It should serve children with an interest in STEM - not just rich (mostly Asian) children with an interest in STEM.

The school does serve everyone. There was even a race-blind selection process too which has now been replaced with a racist process - as per a federal judge.

Oh no! You got this all wrong. The old process was the one where wealthy families could purchase advance copies of the test from their local prep center to give their mediocre offspring a leg up on admissions. When the school board got wind of this and put a stop to it, these parents got angry because they could no longer easily game admissions.

The parents were angry because capable kids couldn't get into TJ. It doesn't matter with wealth. It is the intelligence and hard working spirit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
You taught DC integrity which is valuable. Also,. I'm still hoping they investigated everyone who ticked off these boxes and disqualified anyone who lied.

It was not a lie. To answer no was the real lie, since everyone was eligible for free meals. People asked the admissions office and were told they could answer yes. To disqualify someone for answering correctly is unethical. They could maybe investigate and take away the bonus points.