Anonymous
03/07/2024 12:14
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:How do students who need 2.5 and 6 fit math 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and a year of calculus into eight semesters?
They don't. Math 2.5 is for kids who come in with credit for geometry (i.e., skipping Math 1 and 2), but whose algebra/geometry is a bit weak. It helps them get ready for the relatively fast-paced Math 3. The school makes recommendations to take it based on something-or-other (performance in RS1? Some kind of testing?) during the first semester at TJ. Some people ignore the recommendation and go straight to Math 3 anyway.
Math 6 is a gentler introduction to calculus than Calc AB. I don't really know who takes it, other than kids who need to fill a semester before taking full-year calculus and maybe want to make calc a bit easier. E.g., kids who come in with Algebra II take RS and Math 4 in freshman year, and (if they don't do it during the summer) Math 5 in sophomore year, but then have another semester to fill before they can take AP calc in junior year. My kid took RS2, but I guess some take Math 6.
Anonymous
03/07/2024 09:32
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Then what determines the top 1.5%, if not GPA?Anonymous wrote:Currently have a kid at TJ as a freshman. Took no prep classes, and I think that's a pro. Unless the writing skill is incredibly lacking, taking minimal outside prep is great to keep their responses genuine. In terms of the top 1.5%, I would say the GPA is of least concern. I've seen my kid's classmates get in with B's and A-'s.
There are weights for kids who live under the poverty line, FARMs, English Language Learners, and IEPs. After that no one knows how they score the essays. I would assume, and this is a pure assumption, that they take all the kids that would fall into the top 1.5%, identical GPAs, and look at the applications. The top 1.5% are then the kids who have the highest application scores based on essays, and the weighted categories.
The process has led to an increase in the number of FARMs kids accepted at TJ, ironically the group that saw the biggest increase were poor Asian families, so it is hard to say that the process is racially biased. The open selection process for the remaining open slots is less easily understood. I would guess that the number of kids who meet the minimum criteria at the non-traditional feeders is far lower then people on this board think it would be, the Algebra 1 H SOL scores show that those schools have a far smaller number of candidates to even pull from. Think 30 or less, so that the bigger mix up has been who is selected from the traditional feeders where you have a far larger percentage of the population who complete Algebra 1 in 8th grade and will meet the minimum requirements. The type of student coming out of Longfellow, Carson and the like is looking different because there are kids who don't have Geometry being selected from those schools were in the past every kid would have had Geometry and decent number Algebra 2.
Anonymous
03/07/2024 02:53
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
https://tjhsst.fcps.edu/node/3332
How do students who need 2.5 and 6 fit math 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and a year of calculus into eight semesters?
How do students who need 2.5 and 6 fit math 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and a year of calculus into eight semesters?
Anonymous
03/07/2024 02:52
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Then what determines the top 1.5%, if not GPA?Anonymous wrote:Currently have a kid at TJ as a freshman. Took no prep classes, and I think that's a pro. Unless the writing skill is incredibly lacking, taking minimal outside prep is great to keep their responses genuine. In terms of the top 1.5%, I would say the GPA is of least concern. I've seen my kid's classmates get in with B's and A-'s.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 22:46
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
for a middle school that have plenty of applicants that meet admission criteria, how is the top 1.5% calculated?
It's irrelevant because there are far more than 1.5% are well qualified and seats aren't limited.
it's pretty much a race quota based lottery?
No. It's not.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 22:41
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
for a middle school that have plenty of applicants that meet admission criteria, how is the top 1.5% calculated?
It's irrelevant because there are far more than 1.5% are well qualified and seats aren't limited.
it's pretty much a race quota based lottery?
Anonymous
03/06/2024 22:19
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
for a middle school that have plenty of applicants that meet admission criteria, how is the top 1.5% calculated?
It's irrelevant because there are far more than 1.5% are well qualified and seats aren't limited.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 21:07
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Currently have a kid at TJ as a freshman. Took no prep classes, and I think that's a pro. Unless the writing skill is incredibly lacking, taking minimal outside prep is great to keep their responses genuine. In terms of the top 1.5%, I would say the GPA is of least concern. I've seen my kid's classmates get in with B's and A-'s.
Lie
Anonymous
03/06/2024 20:56
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
for a middle school that have plenty of applicants that meet admission criteria, how is the top 1.5% calculated?
Specifically, the strongest middle school feeders are, Carson, Longfellow, Kilmer, Cooper, and possibly Rocky Run. These middle schools fed up to half of the total 550 freshmen students.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 20:53
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Currently have a kid at TJ as a freshman. Took no prep classes, and I think that's a pro. Unless the writing skill is incredibly lacking, taking minimal outside prep is great to keep their responses genuine. In terms of the top 1.5%, I would say the GPA is of least concern. I've seen my kid's classmates get in with B's and A-'s.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 15:37
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
Thanks for this post. I guess I had lottery being that if a kid met certain gpa and got certain mark on test/essay then all went into effective big hat and they pulled names. Also guess prepping will still go on if kids first have to get certain score on test/essay.
Yep. The prep centers instead are coaching kids on how to write strong portrait of a graduate essays and how to tackle the math problem solving essay. Admissions is not a lottery, but it likely functions as a de facto one in the higher SES AAP centers. If there are 100 kids with perfect GPAs and strong essays (perhaps from prepping/coaching), there's no real way to pick the top 1.5%. Too many kids look the same on paper.
The system was put in place to make sure that students from the non-feeder schools had the ability to get into TJ. I doubt anyone thought that much would change at the feeder schools except that the new tests are prepable by more people then in the past.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 15:18
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
for a middle school that have plenty of applicants that meet admission criteria, how is the top 1.5% calculated?
Anonymous
03/06/2024 15:18
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
Thanks for this post. I guess I had lottery being that if a kid met certain gpa and got certain mark on test/essay then all went into effective big hat and they pulled names. Also guess prepping will still go on if kids first have to get certain score on test/essay.
Yep. The prep centers instead are coaching kids on how to write strong portrait of a graduate essays and how to tackle the math problem solving essay. Admissions is not a lottery, but it likely functions as a de facto one in the higher SES AAP centers. If there are 100 kids with perfect GPAs and strong essays (perhaps from prepping/coaching), there's no real way to pick the top 1.5%. Too many kids look the same on paper.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 14:20
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
Thanks for this post. I guess I had lottery being that if a kid met certain gpa and got certain mark on test/essay then all went into effective big hat and they pulled names. Also guess prepping will still go on if kids first have to get certain score on test/essay.
Anonymous
03/06/2024 14:19
Subject: Minimum math at TJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:About how many TJ kids each year end up taking math beyond MVC and linear algebra? Anyone have a guess how the numbers will change for class of 2025 and beyond?
The numbers that I vaguley remember seeing from last years admitted class had about 1/4 of the class only having Algebra 1 H and a good number having taken Algebra 2. I would guess that 3/4 of the students at TJ will be able to take MVC and Linear Algebra based on the math that they had when they entered.
So just a handful of students will be taking the math that is after MVC/LA — differential equations? MVC/LA senior year is probably the most common senior year math for TJ kids?
Yes. About half the class does this. The rest are split between higher and lower.
This is surprising to me as that is then the same math being taken by kids at other high schools— always thought kids at TJ and point of TJ was accelerated math (and science). So strange to me more kids at TJ not on path higher than what other top kids at other AP schools taking.
The same math is taught at TJ, but with greater depth and graded more rigorously. The top third of the class progresses beyond Multivariable, the middle third typically peaks at BC or Multivariable, and the bottom of the class, particularly in recent years, continues to struggle, starting with Math 1 and finishing with much lower math than kids in base schools. If math doesn't come naturally, there's no point doing TJ.
why? wont it make it difficult for kids to get into good colleges?
Why? Because the studetns at TJ are supposed to be focused on STEM and highly interested in math and science. They should be able to dive deeper into math concepts and understand them at that depth.
There is no hidding the fact that the admissions changes were made because of the NAACP threat of a law suit surrounding the lack of Black and Hispanic kids at TJ. I like that they removed the quant test because I do think to rewarded people who could ay for years of prepping. And yes, that would include my child if he decided he wanted to apply to TJ in a few years. He has been at RSM and taking math competition classes since 4th grade. I can see where that gives hima leg up on a quant test. I can also see that there are other kids who are smart and good at math that have not had the same opportunities to participate in programs like RSM or AoPS or mathnasium or anything along those lines for a variety of reasons.
FCPS does offer every student a path to Algebra 1 in 7th grade and I think that any of those kids should have the ability to do well at a school like TJ. I like setting seats aside for every MS so that the kids who come from backgrounds that cannot access the enrichment opportunities or parents who can help them with Khan Academy or maybe even steady enough internet to get to Khan Academy have a chance to attend TJ. They might not end up in the Multivariate classes but they will be exposed to kids with strong academic interests, very capable teachers, and opportunities that they would not have at their base school.
I do think that the requirement should be completing Geometry by 8th grade because I do think that identifies kids who are more able t handle the more rigorous math at TJ. I would hope that a higher standard would encourage the MS with fewer kids in Algebra 1 to find a way to work more closely with those kids in Advanced Math or LIV programs to strengthen their math foundations so that the kids are more capable of succeeding in Algebra and Geometry and then at TJ.
TJ is a public school that should serve all the kids of FCPS and the other countries that pay into it. There is nothing wrong with looking at how we admit students to make TJ more accessible to those students. But they need to find that balance and try to find away to address the legitimate concerns that kids are being excluded because of a lack of access to out of school enrichment.
Is it correct to say seats are set aside for every MS?l or just idea that more kids have chance because of lottery v test scores only? Or is it actually a controlled lottery where pick 2 or whatever number of kids but equally— so 2 from Cooper, 2 from Poe, 2 from Glasgow, etc.
Every MS is guaranteed seats for the top 1.5% of kids who meet the admission criteria. Not all schools have kids with a 3.5 GPA, Honors Science, Honors LA/Social Studies, and Algebra 1 H by 8th grade but the kids who do meet those requirements and apply will be admitted to TJ. The number of seats is determined by the size of the school or 8th grade class, I am not sure which, but is somewhere between 6-9 seats.
Thanks for this post. I guess I had lottery being that if a kid met certain gpa and got certain mark on test/essay then all went into effective big hat and they pulled names. Also guess prepping will still go on if kids first have to get certain score on test/essay.