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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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? [/quote]

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.  [/quote]

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. [/quote]

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 :)

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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.  [/quote]

Its always difficult to argue with an 'expert'. We live in an area with one of the highest number or graduates and post-graduates in the country. I am sure there are several with high achieving parents in these forums and reading/responding to the comments. So any one can through in their level of expertise here. May I throw in my stem phd in the ring?  :)  - I have gone through many years of education and career, seen and/or mentored quite a few people along the way and I can easily sense someone's intelligence if I had a chance to talk to and work with a person for a few days. I can definitely say that the current process is far from ideal in picking the right candidates for TJ. Its full of holes everywhere. Its only designed to sought diversity at the expense of true talent and and the result is it neither achieved the diversity or talent. The other experience factors are likely over represented (~35-40% this year and even more last year due to inclusion of under-represented schools) and asians still represent 55-60% of the students. Reading from the posts on this forum several well deserved candidates couldn't get in because the new admissions process heavily relies on essays and has no clear way of recognizing the stem interest or talent, while grades are all but flattened on due to its significantly less weightage, though you can easily point to some deserved candidates who got in - if things are so random, there are always going to hits among misses.

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I'm not really getting a "we have long accepted and moved on from TJ" vibe (from your prior post) here.  [/quote]

Thats ok - you are free believe what you want to believe. I commented on several other AAP threads here, not just TJ related. The fact is if really move on or whether you believe I moved on doesn't really matter one way or other. The truth is we can't change what already happened and even if TJ adjusts its admission process in future it doesn't really help any of my kids - we are past that. My kid(s) is fortunate to have both parents in stem fields and able to meet all the academic needs until their college. Our base school is well rated and not that far behind from TJ and course offerings aren't too bad. Granted, TJ offers some courses that are offered nowhere else, but it shouldn't be too difficult to supplement if my kid is interested. We/parents didn't attend TJ and still ended up graduating from top universities. TJ doesn't determine your career, its just a place for like minded kids to pursue their interests. Also, no one really cares about HS once you go to college. Having said, why I am still interested and commenting? I think the new process is flawed and I hope enough people realize it and fight for some meaningful changes in the future and hopefully help TJ aspirants in future! I hope I am not sounding too pretentious here!

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