The Student Information Sheet/Essay
Nuts and Bolts
All semifinalists will complete the Student Information Sheet, or SIS, along with an essay at the
same site they were assigned to take the December admissions test. The SIS is made up of
three questions designed to learn about a semifinalist’s prior experiences, goals, and interests.
The Essay question focuses on real-world problem solving, often with an ethical component.
Students will have two hours to complete all three SIS questions and the Essay.
The SIS and Essay responses will be completed online using a computer. Semifinalists can use
up to 1650 characters to respond to each SIS question (approximately 380 words) and up to
3700 characters for the essay prompt (approximately 800 words). All responses must be
completed within the space provided. Semifinalists will receive one piece of scratch paper to
take notes, organize your thoughts, etc. Students should bring several ball point pens or
pencils. No other materials are given or allowed.
The Student Information Sheet (SIS)
The Student Information Sheet (SIS) is much more than a list of activities and achievements. It
is a way for us to get to know semifinalists better. It is clear that they are all smart kids. Now
we want to learn about their interests and passions. How have those interests, passions, and
other experiences influenced them? What have they done to explore those interests?
The SIS is also looking for more than why students want to go to TJ. We want to know why
they are interested in a school that offers a rigorous STEM focus. Students can take hard math
and science classes at any high school in Northern Virginia. What is it about the program TJ
offers that is appealing to them?
Sample Student Information Sheet Questions
•
What are you best at doing (i.e., what is your greatest talent)? Explain your choice.
•
If you could spend one entire day learning about one topic, what would it be? Why?
•
Someone can learn to be a leader. Do you agree or disagree with this statement and
why?
Phone: 571-423-3770
Email: tjadmissions@fcps.edu
www.tjadmissions.org
The Essay Prompt
There is no right or wrong answer to the essay prompt. Remember, TJ students are problem
solvers and critical thinkers. They can use their experiences and perspectives to express
their views and back up their opinions. We want to know how semifinalists would answer the
prompt based on their perspective and experiences. It is up to you to decide how you want to
answer and you can support any position you want.
Sample Essay Questions
•
“As a member of a U.S. research team seeking to develop a vaccine for a common form
of cancer, you have the option to work with a lab in another country that is doing the
same sort of research and is interested in collaboration. Do you choose to work as a
single U.S. research team (which may take longer but bring prestige to your team) or to
work with the other country’s team (which may bring earlier but shared success)?
Include your reasons and ramifications of your choice.”
•
“An observation lab in Australia has stated that they have discovered proof of life on a
planet similar to Earth that is much further advanced than we are. The government has a
choice of funding further exploration of this planet or finding solutions to the problems of
world hunger. You can only fund one project. Which project do you choose and why?”
•
“You are taking a semester exam in your science class and the teacher unexpectedly
must leave the room. While the teacher is gone, a few students start discussing the test
questions and begin yelling answers to one another. They immediately stop when they
see the teacher coming back into the room. The school later discovers what happened in
the classroom and decides that all students in the classroom should be given an “F” on
the exam. Do you agree with the school’s decision? If yes, explain why. If no, explain
and offer your own solution.”
•
“During the 20th century, many advances were made in industry, technology, and
medicine that has helped people live healthier and more productive lives. Describe one
or more improvements or inventions that you would make or develop in the 21st century
that would have a similar impact on society and why you chose that particular
improvement or invention. What will you personally need to do to achieve that goal?”
Phone: 571-423-3770
Email: tjadmissions@fcps.edu
www.tjadmissions.org
10 Tips to Prepare for the SIS/Essay
1. Understand what TJHSST is all about.
Go to www.tjhsst.edu to review the TJHSST mission statement and to learn about the
classes and labs offered at TJ. Remember, there are lots of amazing things at TJ, but
it is first and foremost a STEM-focused school.
2. Think about why you want to attend a school like TJHSST.
What does TJ offer that other high schools do not? What makes you think that TJ is the
right fit for you? How do activities and programs at TJ tie in with your own personal
goals and interests?
TJ students not only take advantage of what the school has to offer, but also contribute
to the culture of the TJ community. Think about how your interests, background, etc.,
could add to TJ’s diverse group of learners.
3. Think about what you have done to help show that TJHSST is a right fit for you.
Remember, TJ is a STEM-focused school and the SIS/Essay helps us figure out which
applicants would be the best fit for the school. Have you shown an interest in science,
technology, engineering, or math prior to now? What have you done to pursue that
interest?
4. Practice writing about yourself.
Imagine you are sitting in an interview and someone is asking you questions about
yourself. How would you respond? The trick to the SIS/Essay is being able to
effectively write your responses. Take some time to write about things you have done,
experiences that were important to you, and things you want to do in the future. Also
practice writing about why you did them (or want to do them), what you learned (or
would like to learn), etc.
5. Write often about lots of different things.
Practice makes perfect! Get in the habit now of writing every day, even if it’s only for a
few minutes. Practicing daily will help improve your writing skills. (Great writers, like
great musicians and great athletes, improve with practice.)
You can practice writing about all kinds of topics. Choose something you read about in
a book or heard on the news. Write about something you really enjoyed and why. Write
about something you like or something you hate. Use one of the sample questions. The
point is that practice helps you get used to writing about lots of different things. You can
also ask your siblings, parents, and teachers for ideas so that you get practice writing
about topics you did not think up.
Phone: 571-423-3770
Email: tjadmissions@fcps.edu
www.tjadmissions.org
6. Give thorough and detailed responses.
Provide as much detail as possible in your responses. Do not assume that the people
reading your responses will know what you mean without explaining what you mean.
You only get this one chance and will not have an opportunity to explain your responses
afterwards.
7. Practice timed writing.
Time management is very important. Find a quiet place to work and use a watch or
timer to keep track of time while you practice. You could even get someone to time you.
8. Review your work.
While you practice, take a moment to re-read what you wrote. Were your responses
clear? Did you answer each part of the prompts completely? Did your responses have
lots of details? How much time did you use?
9. Have someone else review your writing too.
Ask a friend, family member, or even one of your teachers to read your responses and
ask them for feedback on your writing. Ask if the reader thinks that your responses are
clear and complete, with detail. Also ask the reader for any advice that could help
improve your writing.
10. Be honest.
You have worked hard to make it this far and we want to know what you really think. Do
not just write what you think we want to read!
Good luck as you prepare for the SIS/Essay writing.
© TJHSST Admissions Office. All rights reserved.
This document is provided for individual use by applicants. No portion of this document may be printed or used without the
expressed permission of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Admissions Office.
Phone: 571-423-3770
Email: tjadmissions@fcps.edu
www.tjadmissions.org