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[quote=Anonymous]I suppose you could look at the second round weightings and decide that you should focus mostly on the test rather than keeping your grades up.  But that completely ignores the sliding scale that is used to determine who gets into the second round in the first place.  IMO, their is an overemphasis on prepping for the TJ test.  The test is actually very very simple and any competent 8th grader will not have a problem with the substance.  The only issue really is the length and format of the test.  It's hard to concentrate for that length of time, particularly if you have never done it before.  Since the subtance of the test is not hard, kids should just take old practice exams and take them under exam conditions so that they can get used to it.  Save your $600 (or more)!

Anyway, math grades are important for the first round.  From the TJ website:

[b]How is the Semifinalist Pool calculated?[/b]
First, the GPA (determined by the database) and test scores must fall within the sliding scale used to determine possible pool eligibility. The current sliding scale is as follows:

GPA        Test Score
 
? 3.0       ? 75
 
? 3.33     ? 70
 
? 3.67     ? 65

The scale balances GPA and test score.  A higher GPA can balance a lower test score than a lower GPA would allow.   If your GPA is at least 3.0 but is lower than a 3.33, you would need to have a test score of 75 or higher under the sliding scale. If your GPA is at least 3.33 but lower than 3.67, you would need a test score of 70 or higher under the sliding scale. If your GPA is at least 3.67, you would need a test score of 65 or higher under the sliding scale. 
If you have a GPA lower than a 3.0, you cannot qualify for the pool regardless of your test score.   GPA is actual GPA. We do not round up.   If you have a test score lower than 65, you cannot qualify for the pool regardless of your GPA.  Second, if your GPA and total test score fall within the sliding scale, you ALSO must have a math test score of 30 or higher to qualify as a semifinalist.

If your math score is below 30, you cannot qualify for the semifinalist pool regardless of your GPA and total test score.

[b]How is your GPA calculated?[/b]
GPA is calculated using 7th grade final marks (report card grades) in math, science, English, and social studies AND 1st Quarter 8th grade marks (report card grades) in math, science, English, and social studies. Foreign language also is considered in this calculation if the foreign language is being taken for a full high school credit. We do not look at any other marks.

GPA is calculated using Fairfax County Public Schools grading scale. Please be aware that when GPA is calculated, 7th grade marks carry a full credit (for the full year) and 1st Quarter 8th grade marks carry a quarter credit (.25 for the quarter of the year).

We do not weight courses when GPA is calculated. [/quote]

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