Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son wants to go to TJ on his own, but we were wondering on what he could do to improve his math skills. In his school, he is in the top 3% and is very good at math.
We just want him to get used to the types of TJ questions.

What do his teachers say? If he is top 3% he will probably be fine, since they accept roughly the top 15% of applicants.

What grade is he, and what math course is he in now? It sounds like he is on track for geometry in eighth grade at least which seems to be what the majority of the accepted students do.

OP. He is in Geometry right now. But he catches onto topics quickly.

Is he in 7th or 8th grade?

But not the same as test prep. Looking over a sample test to know the format is not the same as practicing sample tests over and over again. And that is what parents of kids doing a TJ prep class told me they were doing. Hours spent practicing tests and what they thought might be in the tests. And for a lot of those kids, it didn't get them accepted.

Parents were not thrilled to have spent so much money without getting the results they had hoped for. The kids worked and worked and worked, only to not get in, and then the friend who never had to go to those extra classes gets in. It turns out everything they needed to know had been taught in middle school. Yeah, they weren't happy.

What's wrong with "practicing sample tests over and over again"? Like practicing music pieces over and over again. Are you afraid you'll develop an intellectual or music prodigy through practicing a task over and over again? Clearly, it's well established fact that practicing sample tests over and over again improves one's IQ. Think of it as doing laps over and over in the pool if you want to swim fast

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son wants to go to TJ on his own, but we were wondering on what he could do to improve his math skills. In his school, he is in the top 3% and is very good at math.
We just want him to get used to the types of TJ questions.

What do his teachers say? If he is top 3% he will probably be fine, since they accept roughly the top 15% of applicants.

What grade is he, and what math course is he in now? It sounds like he is on track for geometry in eighth grade at least which seems to be what the majority of the accepted students do.

OP. He is in Geometry right now. But he catches onto topics quickly.

Anonymous wrote:My son wants to go to TJ on his own, but we were wondering on what he could do to improve his math skills. In his school, he is in the top 3% and is very good at math.
We just want him to get used to the types of TJ questions.

What do his teachers say? If he is top 3% he will probably be fine, since they accept roughly the top 15% of applicants.

What grade is he, and what math course is he in now? It sounds like he is on track for geometry in eighth grade at least which seems to be what the majority of the accepted students do.

Anonymous wrote:

The TJ admissions site has sample questions to familiarize kids with the format of the test. It isn't a difficult test for a kid who is bright and works hard in school.

We were very low key about it at our house and the lack of stress going into the test was definitely a benefit. Sadly, some of the kids who were the most worked up and stressed about the test because they'd been going to special classes for almost two years ended up not being accepted.

I agree. The key operative here is work hard! Sounds like prepping (lite prepping)

But not the same as test prep. Looking over a sample test to know the format is not the same as practicing sample tests over and over again. And that is what parents of kids doing a TJ prep class told me they were doing. Hours spent practicing tests and what they thought might be in the tests. And for a lot of those kids, it didn't get them accepted.

Parents were not thrilled to have spent so much money without getting the results they had hoped for. The kids worked and worked and worked, only to not get in, and then the friend who never had to go to those extra classes gets in. It turns out everything they needed to know had been taught in middle school. Yeah, they weren't happy.

The TJ admissions site has sample questions to familiarize kids with the format of the test. It isn't a difficult test for a kid who is bright and works hard in school.

We were very low key about it at our house and the lack of stress going into the test was definitely a benefit. Sadly, some of the kids who were the most worked up and stressed about the test because they'd been going to special classes for almost two years ended up not being accepted.

I agree. The key operative here is work hard! Sounds like prepping (lite prepping)

You should not prep. If your child is like my gifted child, they should not need to prep. Prepping is cheating, but may be have the child revise a little bit but not too much. If you feel the urge to prepp, have you gifted child repeat a few times - Never Prepped. Tighten the internet access, never know when the snoopy neighbors might find out my gifted child was googling for TJ Prep resources. Also, Costco has bulk deal on water and healthy snacks. Munch your way to TJ!

This explains the positive correlation between weight and smarts. Fat kids are smarter with the highest IQs.

Good night sleep and a decent high protein breakfast. Bring water and high quality snacks

I agree. Your final recommendation is like desert and cognac after a delightful tasty meal of all round preparation and test-prep!

You should not prep. If your child is like my gifted child, they should not need to prep. Prepping is cheating, but may be have the child revise a little bit but not too much. If you feel the urge to prepp, have you gifted child repeat a few times - Never Prepped. Tighten the internet access, never know when the snoopy neighbors might find out my gifted child was googling for TJ Prep resources. Also, Costco has bulk deal on water and healthy snacks. Munch your way to TJ!

The TJ admissions site has sample questions to familiarize kids with the format of the test. It isn't a difficult test for a kid who is bright and works hard in school.

We were very low key about it at our house and the lack of stress going into the test was definitely a benefit. Sadly, some of the kids who were the most worked up and stressed about the test because they'd been going to special classes for almost two years ended up not being accepted.

Middle school algebra teacher: Do a practice test or two. He needs to be familiar with the format of the test. The logic portion in particular is confusing the first time you see it. He also needs to understand the time constraints on the math section. Most kids are not used to speed testing, and he will need to understand how to balance his time.

Worst advice ever!

I would also say to work hard in his middle school classes- all of them, not only math and science- and get the best grades he can. He will learn everything he needs for the TJ test in those classes. His teachers will see that he is bright and a hard worker by observing his behavior in class and whether he does his work completely and on time. He should read books he enjoys to help with his general knowledge base and writing skills.

If he does all these things, even if he doesn't get into TJ, he will have a great foundation for success in high school. Good luck to him!

Good night sleep and a decent high protein breakfast. Bring water and high quality snacks.

My son wants to go to TJ on his own, but we were wondering on what he could do to improve his math skills. In his school, he is in the top 3% and is very good at math.
We just want him to get used to the types of TJ questions.