Any Northern Virginia CTY parents out there?

[Anonymous]

My daughter is in a GT Center school in Northern Virginia and was invited to take the SAT in the CTY competition. She's 12 yrs old, in 7th grade, and scored:

CR - 640
Math - 540 (she skipped a lot of grid-ins)
Writing - 640 (essay - 8)

Total score 1820

We think she's nuts, but she signed up to take them again in May to try for the SET program with a score of 700. She really wants to go to TJ. Does that help her get in? (Shouldn't matter - but she's also Non-Asian and has an IEP for Austism Spectrum Disorder.)

Also, she will be in Albegra 2 as an 8th grader (currently taking Geometry). Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It certainly won't hurt her to take it again, but it is also unnecessary. The key thing she has going for her, in addition to being very smart of course!, is where she is in math. Past admissions statistics show that no child has ever been accepted if taking 8th grade math ... all admitted are either in Algebra I or Geometry. Moreover, the applicants who have completed Geometry have the highest admittance rate. You can find past years' admissions data as well as "how do I get in" application advice at www.tjtaxi.org. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Well, PP again, and I'm afraid the tjtaxi site is gone. Strange, as it was there for years. I printed out all their advice but it would take quite an effort to find it in my office ... it's not real tidy! What I remember most is how important geometry was to get a boost up. Also, kids coming from good privates do better than kids coming from publics BUT only a very small percentage of total applicants are private school students so not to worry.

The other helpful idea that requires years of advance planning for most of us is to ensure that your child has a "science and math" resume ... compete in competitions, attend appropriate summer camps, develop a related hobby or research interest, etc. Again, I doubt this would be necessary for your child, OP. But for kids more on the cusp, such things would demonstrate a child's true interest in being at TJ, or at least the PARENTS' true interest!!

[Anonymous]

PP one more time. www.fcag.org has TJ admission stats. The latest year (class of 2012) is at this link:

http://www.fcag.org/tjadmits2008.html

Notice that of the 55 kids who were taking math beyond geometry, 33 of them were admitted. Thus, that factor alone makes your daughter as close to a shoo-in as possible in such a high stakes competition.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for taking so much time to reply - I appreciate it! Not sure if this is more stressful for the child or the parent!!

[Anonymous]

Our daughter scored 1800 on the SAT at the same age. She has participated in the Duke TIP program for the past two years (during the summer; it's comparable to the CTY summer programs). I'd encourage your daughter to do the same. It's been one of the most fabulous experiences for her!

[Anonymous]

Even though my daughter has stayed at friends and relatives' houses before - never 3 weeks away without contact from us at all. I think at 12 she's a little scared, though if she knew someone going maybe she'd feel differently. I've let her decide how much of this she wants to do - testing, classes, etc. - because I don't want her to feel like we're pushing her. At the same time, kids at this age never truly understand how good something like this can be for them. Sounds like your daughter had fun! Thanks.

[Anonymous]

She can do one of the overnight programs later (after 8th or 9th grade) if she'd prefer. It's a great experience -- lots of super-smart, often quirky kids who really enjoy each other's company!