My vote is CS in 9th. Your kid may find they love it and want to do more electives in it.

Also, if you take the extra social studies after 10th an easy one is to do World History 1 as the 10th graders take world history 2 and apparently it overlaps a lot with WH1 so the summer session is even easier. Loudoun has an asynchronous version.

Is it better to take CS foundations freshman year or to take a history class as an elective? It seems best to take pre over the summer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

Yes, Thats really sad for the Algebra two kid. I have a daughter that goes to Franklin Middle, and she is just about to take geometry over the summer. She really wants to, because she thinks it will give her an advantage for TJ. I’m trying to tell her not to rush math, since Franklin ms does not even offer algebra two and she would have to sit in the library… So no, Algebra two certainly does not help your TJ sheet, and they will NOT be asking algebra two questions on the pse for sure!

And since you told her you don’t support it, you said no, right?

I told her I would not recommend it. Too much work over 6 weeks, and your rushing math for no reason at all. Franklin does not offer the course, so she would be extremely rusty on algebra two online. It does absolutely nothing for TJ either. But, I can’t really force my daughter to do anything, in the end she will have to make her own decision.

I mean, you can force the issue. Not pay for it, say no, not sign the form, etc. Do you not say no to your kid?

Yes, I say no to my kid. But this is the kind of thing that I just would not RECOMMEND. I told her to think about it, and if she still wants to do it then she can. She really loves math, and if she didn’t then I would obviously immediately say no. But, if this is in her will then i’ll still support her through it… I just said, I don’t recommend.

DC started Algebra1 in 6th, geometry in 7th. His friends did Geometry in summer after 7th, and they were together in Algebra-2 in 8th. Didn't make a difference at TJ, both paths got started at TJ with Math4.

If deciding between which math to do in summer, Geometry after 7th summer is the best. In any case, wouldn't recommend doing Algebra-2 in summer, especially if entering TJ.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

Yes, Thats really sad for the Algebra two kid. I have a daughter that goes to Franklin Middle, and she is just about to take geometry over the summer. She really wants to, because she thinks it will give her an advantage for TJ. I’m trying to tell her not to rush math, since Franklin ms does not even offer algebra two and she would have to sit in the library… So no, Algebra two certainly does not help your TJ sheet, and they will NOT be asking algebra two questions on the pse for sure!

And since you told her you don’t support it, you said no, right?

I told her I would not recommend it. Too much work over 6 weeks, and your rushing math for no reason at all. Franklin does not offer the course, so she would be extremely rusty on algebra two online. It does absolutely nothing for TJ either. But, I can’t really force my daughter to do anything, in the end she will have to make her own decision.

I mean, you can force the issue. Not pay for it, say no, not sign the form, etc. Do you not say no to your kid?

The new admissions process isn’t even that bad… even if u get the pse wrong i’ve seen many many kids still get in by writing a paragraph of their thought process. As for sps, you just answer their question in an amusing way. The criteria’s are- Algebra hns by 8th, 3.5 gpa or above, and be in at least 3 honers courses including math and sci. honers. Everyone is trying to overcomplicate TJ. Just read the process, try a few practice problems, and you’re done. No need for prep or summer courses and think u have the advantage because you’re 3 yrs ahead in math, because that is NOT the criteria.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

Yes, Thats really sad for the Algebra two kid. I have a daughter that goes to Franklin Middle, and she is just about to take geometry over the summer. She really wants to, because she thinks it will give her an advantage for TJ. I’m trying to tell her not to rush math, since Franklin ms does not even offer algebra two and she would have to sit in the library… So no, Algebra two certainly does not help your TJ sheet, and they will NOT be asking algebra two questions on the pse for sure!

And since you told her you don’t support it, you said no, right?

I told her I would not recommend it. Too much work over 6 weeks, and your rushing math for no reason at all. Franklin does not offer the course, so she would be extremely rusty on algebra two online. It does absolutely nothing for TJ either. But, I can’t really force my daughter to do anything, in the end she will have to make her own decision.

I would tell her again it does zero for TJ admission AND because online is harder to learn from may make it harder for her to do well at TJ if she gets in due to a shakier base.

Yes, my kid’s (retired legendary) MS math teacher repeatedly said he did not advise students to take geo on summer for the same reason already mentioned above (there is always an exception for certain students).
Thats the reason my kid didn’t take it.

I took it in the summer it did great at TJ.

Then you are one of those exceptional students, who might needed.
My kid didn’t take it and doing great at TJ as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

Yes, Thats really sad for the Algebra two kid. I have a daughter that goes to Franklin Middle, and she is just about to take geometry over the summer. She really wants to, because she thinks it will give her an advantage for TJ. I’m trying to tell her not to rush math, since Franklin ms does not even offer algebra two and she would have to sit in the library… So no, Algebra two certainly does not help your TJ sheet, and they will NOT be asking algebra two questions on the pse for sure!

And since you told her you don’t support it, you said no, right?

I told her I would not recommend it. Too much work over 6 weeks, and your rushing math for no reason at all. Franklin does not offer the course, so she would be extremely rusty on algebra two online. It does absolutely nothing for TJ either. But, I can’t really force my daughter to do anything, in the end she will have to make her own decision.

I would tell her again it does zero for TJ admission AND because online is harder to learn from may make it harder for her to do well at TJ if she gets in due to a shakier base.

Yes, my kid’s (retired legendary) MS math teacher repeatedly said he did not advise students to take geo on summer for the same reason already mentioned above (there is always an exception for certain students).
Thats the reason my kid didn’t take it.

I took it in the summer it did great at TJ.

DS will work with a writing tutor this summer. He really needs to improve his writing and is interested in TJ. We were able to sell it that he needs to be able to write a strong essays for his TJ application.It's a win-win.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

Yes, Thats really sad for the Algebra two kid. I have a daughter that goes to Franklin Middle, and she is just about to take geometry over the summer. She really wants to, because she thinks it will give her an advantage for TJ. I’m trying to tell her not to rush math, since Franklin ms does not even offer algebra two and she would have to sit in the library… So no, Algebra two certainly does not help your TJ sheet, and they will NOT be asking algebra two questions on the pse for sure!

And since you told her you don’t support it, you said no, right?

I told her I would not recommend it. Too much work over 6 weeks, and your rushing math for no reason at all. Franklin does not offer the course, so she would be extremely rusty on algebra two online. It does absolutely nothing for TJ either. But, I can’t really force my daughter to do anything, in the end she will have to make her own decision.

I would tell her again it does zero for TJ admission AND because online is harder to learn from may make it harder for her to do well at TJ if she gets in due to a shakier base.

Yes, my kid’s (retired legendary) MS math teacher repeatedly said he did not advise students to take geo on summer for the same reason already mentioned above (there is always an exception for certain students).
Thats the reason my kid didn’t take it.

Was it Mr. Huang ?

Clue: He owned a kingdom.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

Yes, Thats really sad for the Algebra two kid. I have a daughter that goes to Franklin Middle, and she is just about to take geometry over the summer. She really wants to, because she thinks it will give her an advantage for TJ. I’m trying to tell her not to rush math, since Franklin ms does not even offer algebra two and she would have to sit in the library… So no, Algebra two certainly does not help your TJ sheet, and they will NOT be asking algebra two questions on the pse for sure!

And since you told her you don’t support it, you said no, right?

I told her I would not recommend it. Too much work over 6 weeks, and your rushing math for no reason at all. Franklin does not offer the course, so she would be extremely rusty on algebra two online. It does absolutely nothing for TJ either. But, I can’t really force my daughter to do anything, in the end she will have to make her own decision.

I would tell her again it does zero for TJ admission AND because online is harder to learn from may make it harder for her to do well at TJ if she gets in due to a shakier base.

Yes, my kid’s (retired legendary) MS math teacher repeatedly said he did not advise students to take geo on summer for the same reason already mentioned above (there is always an exception for certain students).
Thats the reason my kid didn’t take it.

Was it Mr. Huang ?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

This would be heartbreaking for the Alg 2 kid if true. While my child did get in (with a profile of the Alg 2 kid in your scenario) we are not given special insight as to how or why a child was selected.

There was a meeting at our middle school to discuss the sps questions led by a representative from TJHSST. She listed about 10 topics that were general guidelines for the essay questions. Essentially questions were "show how you overcame a difficult situation," "demonstrate how you used your leadership skills in a meaningful way," or "give us an example of how you are a good citizen." I think how personal the response is would be up to the child and a matter of judgement.

Is this middle school Walt Witman middle school? If so, is it legal to go give out SPS questions to few schools and not to others?

Are you serious? Just Google TJ admissions questions and there you go. It's not some secret for the select few middle schools, the rest format and questions are on the TJ page. If you bothered to go to any of the info sessions held for parents around the county you would've received this info
Too. The four essays are always based on the pillars of Portrait of a Graduate and then you have the one multiple part word problem. They're not giving Young Scholars or particular kids an advantage.
It's all there on the page.

Anonymous wrote:yk ppl can lie abt experience factors? Just say u have 1-2 and bam free admission… it’s all based on “equality” so the real smart kids who take like algebra two in 8th and don’t have experience factors get disqualified. Thats the golden ticket.

No they cannot. You have to register for FARMs and you have to have an IEP. Both are easily verified. I suspect that they will know if your race somehow or another changes in 8th grade. The only time there was a FARMs loophole was the first year because the County was providing free meals to all students, due to COVID, so people who would not have qualified for FARMs said they were receiving free meals. I believe admissions walked that back that year and tried to correct that mistake during that admission cycle.

The experience factors are there to give a bump to that kid with LDs or ADHD or who is less likely to have support at home because their parents didn't graduate HS and has worked harder to have a high GPA and take Algebra 1 or Geometry Honors as well as the 2 other Honors classes that they had to have. They might not be in Algebra 2 but they have demonstrated a different type of resilience and perseverance to do well in school and be in a place to apply.

You might not get that but anyone who has had an IEP and worked with resource teachers to learn how they learn gets it. And most people are impressed by the kid who is an A student in honors classes and ahead in math when they have parents who can't help them with their homework. Their path to applying, never mind admission, is far harder than my kid without any learning issues who participates in math competition classes and math competitions because we can afford it. I am sorry that you don't understand that.

Anonymous wrote:My son is currently going to TJ. He didn’t do any “prep” except practice a few PSE-like questions, and SPS-like questions. This new admissions process is meant to cut down the need for prep. He was in Geometry in 8th, and 4.0 gpa.

Same with my kiddo.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I know kids who were in Alg. 2, all hns, and 4.0 gpa that got rejected. But, there are kids in normal Algebra with a lower gpa and accepted. How does the whole process work? Are the sps questions personal questions? Also, I heard many kids did not get the pse question right, and wrote an essay for the wrong answer and still got in… If you got accepted this year, lmk how they select their students. Thanks.

Yes, Thats really sad for the Algebra two kid. I have a daughter that goes to Franklin Middle, and she is just about to take geometry over the summer. She really wants to, because she thinks it will give her an advantage for TJ. I’m trying to tell her not to rush math, since Franklin ms does not even offer algebra two and she would have to sit in the library… So no, Algebra two certainly does not help your TJ sheet, and they will NOT be asking algebra two questions on the pse for sure!

And since you told her you don’t support it, you said no, right?

I told her I would not recommend it. Too much work over 6 weeks, and your rushing math for no reason at all. Franklin does not offer the course, so she would be extremely rusty on algebra two online. It does absolutely nothing for TJ either. But, I can’t really force my daughter to do anything, in the end she will have to make her own decision.

I would tell her again it does zero for TJ admission AND because online is harder to learn from may make it harder for her to do well at TJ if she gets in due to a shakier base.

Yes, my kid’s (retired legendary) MS math teacher repeatedly said he did not advise students to take geo on summer for the same reason already mentioned above (there is always an exception for certain students).
Thats the reason my kid didn’t take it.