Let's think of ALL the ways that families might game the new TJ admissions process

[Anonymous]

We all know it wil happen! I'll start!

We already know that TJ attracts families from all across the globe and that they move here to attend TJ.

Given that this year is virtual, how about a parent living in another country "rents" an apartment in one of the low-yield regions. They then "enroll" their child virtually, have them attend classes and then put their child's name in the hat to see what happens? MANY children are logging into FCPS classes from outside of the area, so this is not a new thing. If they are worried about getting caught, they can always just use a VPN.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We all know it wil happen! I'll start!

We already know that TJ attracts families from all across the globe and that they move here to attend TJ.

Given that this year is virtual, how about a parent living in another country "rents" an apartment in one of the low-yield regions. They then "enroll" their child virtually, have them attend classes and then put their child's name in the hat to see what happens? MANY children are logging into FCPS classes from outside of the area, so this is not a new thing. If they are worried about getting caught, they can always just use a VPN.

Taking this to the CRAZY extreme:

A company could pop up to provide this "service". The company could "enroll" a bunch of "children" (i.e. these are not actual children, just generic names) in the virtual environment. The company could hire people to "attend" class and do the assignments - not a lot of work given that 3.5 is the GPA cut-off. The company then enters all of the "children" into the lottery and sees who gets in. The company can then sell the spot and the actual child assumes the name of the fake child.

No cameras are required in FCPS, so the school can't know who is really behind the computer. There is readily available voice altering software, so you could easily make an adult sound like a child.

[Anonymous]

From another thread:


Besides, if parents aren’t paying for test prep, then they can rent a one Br apartment in one of the Eastern County regions where very few kids apply at the beginning of 8th grade. And mom can drive Jr to and from the associate AAP MS Center there for a year and pick up the mail once a week. And the exact same kids will end up at TJ— and compete with many fewer kids for lottery spots than they will out of Carson and RRMS.

It took me less than a minute to figure out how to game the system. Before my neighbor told me about two friends who had done just that and were sharing a 1BR apartment to use as an address. It’s nice theY transitioned this year when the kid can DL from their nice Western County homes and not commute.


That’s what idiots like bra band and SB don’t get.


+1. In fact, this year will be very easy TJ admission for the kids whose parents jumped on renting an apartment in a low attendance region as soon as the writing was on the wall. And some parents definitely did. Some of those regions probably don’t get 60 applicants. And outreach this year is going to be impossible. It’s going to be funny when they end up with as many or more Asian kids at TJ next year.

Maybe they could... just spitballing here... put the time, money and energy into actually nurturing STEM talent from PK onward and having high expectations of all kids.

Nah. That’s crazy talk.

Yes, will be really funny! I would have definitely rented an apartment in a low enrollment region, if it increased my child’s acceptance chances. And I’m not even Asian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We all know it wil happen! I'll start!

We already know that TJ attracts families from all across the globe and that they move here to attend TJ.

Given that this year is virtual, how about a parent living in another country "rents" an apartment in one of the low-yield regions. They then "enroll" their child virtually, have them attend classes and then put their child's name in the hat to see what happens? MANY children are logging into FCPS classes from outside of the area, so this is not a new thing. If they are worried about getting caught, they can always just use a VPN.

I thought that because of the lottery TJ will be the most undesirable school in Fairfax County? Why would anyone do this for a subpar school? Also, if people from across the globe are coming here under the current system just for TJ and displacing kids whose families actually live here and have an interest in STEM, maybe the new system will fix that? It's funny that you acknowledge that it happens under the current system but don't want to change it, but are so concerned about it under the new system

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We all know it wil happen! I'll start!

We already know that TJ attracts families from all across the globe and that they move here to attend TJ.

Given that this year is virtual, how about a parent living in another country "rents" an apartment in one of the low-yield regions. They then "enroll" their child virtually, have them attend classes and then put their child's name in the hat to see what happens? MANY children are logging into FCPS classes from outside of the area, so this is not a new thing. If they are worried about getting caught, they can always just use a VPN.

I thought that because of the lottery TJ will be the most undesirable school in Fairfax County? Why would anyone do this for a subpar school? Also, if people from across the globe are coming here under the current system just for TJ and displacing kids whose families actually live here and have an interest in STEM, maybe the new system will fix that? It's funny that you acknowledge that it happens under the current system but don't want to change it, but are so concerned about it under the new system

I think it will still be challenging for another 2-3 yrs. Over the years, though, the demand will go down because it won't be a challenging place to learn, at least challenging enough to go through the hoops and commute required to go there. It's so sad.

[Anonymous]

Private school families will be the most advantaged because they can rent in a low interest region for a short while without even moving there or uprooting their child's education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Private school families will be the most advantaged because they can rent in a low interest region for a short while without even moving there or uprooting their child's education.

perhaps there will be a separate private school pool

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]Private school families will be the most advantaged because they can rent in a low interest region for a short while without even moving there or uprooting their child's education. [/quote]

+1

Or homeschooling families

If you only need to show residency on the date of the application and you are a private/homeschooling family, just rent a short term apartment (or even a long term hotel) a few weeks before the application date. Let the lease go if the child does not get in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We all know it wil happen! I'll start!

We already know that TJ attracts families from all across the globe and that they move here to attend TJ.

Given that this year is virtual, how about a parent living in another country "rents" an apartment in one of the low-yield regions. They then "enroll" their child virtually, have them attend classes and then put their child's name in the hat to see what happens? MANY children are logging into FCPS classes from outside of the area, so this is not a new thing. If they are worried about getting caught, they can always just use a VPN.

I thought that because of the lottery TJ will be the most undesirable school in Fairfax County? Why would anyone do this for a subpar school? Also, if people from across the globe are coming here under the current system just for TJ and displacing kids whose families actually live here and have an interest in STEM, maybe the new system will fix that? It's funny that you acknowledge that it happens under the current system but don't want to change it, but are so concerned about it under the new system

I think it will still be challenging for another 2-3 yrs. Over the years, though, the demand will go down because it won't be a challenging place to learn, at least challenging enough to go through the hoops and commute required to go there. It's so sad.

I think the level could theoretically continue. The school right now is PACKED with kids that have been test prepped within an inch of their lives. Being able to answer the Quant Q is not a good predictor of success. There are plenty within TJ right now that are dismayed at the quality of the actual students that show up.

[Anonymous]

Oh this is an easy one to predict!

Parents/tutors will write the SIS essays this year since it will be given virtually.

Hopefully FCPS reads this thread to see that TJ admissions is just a game of wack-a-mole

[Anonymous]

Sadly, the culture of the classes of 2022-2024 will not be welcoming to URMs. Why would an URM or white family want to send their son/daughter into an environment where they would not be welcomed by the older students.

This will play out in clubs, etc big time. The students already crowd out those that are “other” for slots in clubs and especially club leadership.

The FCPS leaders want quick, easy answers. Those answers don’t exist. Did you see how Brabrand dodged the Curiegate question yesterday? They know that they created the incentives for Curiegate and refuse to own it. They are creating an entirely set of incentives with this new plan. I hope they go in with their eyes OPEN and are not just HOPING.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We all know it wil happen! I'll start!

We already know that TJ attracts families from all across the globe and that they move here to attend TJ.

Given that this year is virtual, how about a parent living in another country "rents" an apartment in one of the low-yield regions. They then "enroll" their child virtually, have them attend classes and then put their child's name in the hat to see what happens? MANY children are logging into FCPS classes from outside of the area, so this is not a new thing. If they are worried about getting caught, they can always just use a VPN.

Translation. “I came up with one wacky idea about gaming TJ admissions. Help me brainstorm ideas for more viable options!”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We all know it wil happen! I'll start!

We already know that TJ attracts families from all across the globe and that they move here to attend TJ.

Given that this year is virtual, how about a parent living in another country "rents" an apartment in one of the low-yield regions. They then "enroll" their child virtually, have them attend classes and then put their child's name in the hat to see what happens? MANY children are logging into FCPS classes from outside of the area, so this is not a new thing. If they are worried about getting caught, they can always just use a VPN.

Translation. “I came up with one wacky idea about gaming TJ admissions. Help me brainstorm ideas for more viable options!”

Lol! Nope, just trying to predict all of the loopholes that will be exploited. FCPS has their head in the sand about how easy it will be for parents to game the system.

[Anonymous]

By setting up a regional vs county-wide lottery, they absolutely open up the “short term” rental loophole. Especially in the virtual environment and with many AAP centers crossing Regions, this is going to happen more than the FCPS staff would like to acknowledge. Families with extra cash will again be buy their way into a much better shot at TJ with a simple lease agreement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Private school families will be the most advantaged because they can rent in a low interest region for a short while without even moving there or uprooting their child's education.

perhaps there will be a separate private school pool

It will be determined by your base school, regardless of which school you're attending, including homeschooling.