Introducing “TJ”
Thomas Jefferson
High School
for
Science and Technology
What is TJ?
A 4-year comprehensive high school for
“those who have demonstrated high
achievement, aptitude, commitment,
intellectual curiosity, and creativity in
mathematics, science, and technology.”
(FCPS School Board Policy 3355.2)
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Where is TJ?
• 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA
• Bus transportation to TJHSST
provided by FCPS & most other
jurisdictions
• Late Buses – 2 x week for FCPS
• Carpooling helps if you are involved
in any after-school activities
(especially sports)
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TJHSST Mission
“…is to provide students a challenging
learning environment focused on math,
science, and technology, to inspire joy at
the prospect of discovery, and to foster a
culture of innovation based in ethical behavior
and the shared interest of humanity.”
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What makes TJ different?
• TJ is the Virginia Regional Governor’s
School for Science and Technology for
Northern Virginia.
• Students are selected through a
competitive selection process.
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What makes TJ different?
• 5 additional credits for graduation:
– 4 technology
– 1 extra math (Calculus)
• All courses gifted and challenging
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What makes TJ Special?
• IBET
Integrated
Biology,
English &
Technology
• (9th Grade Research Block)
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Courses Unique to TJHSST
(examples)
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DNA Science
Neurobiology
Numerical Analysis
Nature of Materials
Bio Nanotechnology
Artificial Intelligence
Organic Chemistry
Computational Physics
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Research Laboratories
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Astronomy
Biotechnology
Computer Systems
Energy Systems
Modern Physics
Oceanography
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Automation & Robotics
Chemical Analysis
Computer Assisted Design
Microelectronics
Neuro Science
Prototyping
Mentorship Program
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Is it just science and tech?
• Electives in all subject areas
• Art, band, orchestra, choir, drama,
journalism, photography yearbook, etc.
• Foreign languages including Chinese,
French, German, Japanese, Latin,
Russian, and Spanish.
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The TJ Day
• School Hours
– 8:30 AM until 3:50 PM
• 8 Periods
• Block Scheduling
• No Bells!
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Eight Periods?!
• Period 8 is an activity period
– guidance activities, clubs, study,
tutoring, mentoring, lab work, school
publications, etc.
• Over 125 activities offered
• A chance to try something new.
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Life at TJHSST
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Homecoming, pep rallies, sock hops, etc.
Newspaper, Yearbook & Magazines
Dance (Swing, Hip Hop & DDR)
Chorus, Orchestra & Band
Theater Program
25 Varsity Sports
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What is TJ looking for?
• Aptitude for successful study of
– science, math, computer science
– technological
• Prior academic
Achievement.
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TJ looking for
• Interest/ Curiosity/ Creativity in study of
math, science, and technology.
• “Background, skills or experiences that
promote the School Board’s goal of
providing diversity in the student body to
enhance a unique learning experience and
to develop future leaders.”
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The
Admissions
Process
October
Applications are due
Oct. 26, 2007
An Absolute Deadline!
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Eligibility Requirements
• Eighth grade (public or private)
• Residency (Fairfax, Fauquier, Arlington,
Loudoun, and Prince William Counties;
Falls Church City)
• Algebra 1 or higher in 8th grade
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Initial Application
• One-page application seeks general
information.
• You choose your Test Site for
December.
• You pay a Processing Fee ($90.
Reduced fee and waivers available on
request).
• If private school, you must verify
residency.
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December
Test Day is
December 1, 2007
• 15 sites (most at middle schools in
Fairfax County)
• Testing accommodations and alternate
date testing available upon written
request
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The TJ Test
– 2 ½ hour aptitude test
– 70 Verbal questions
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Word meanings
Logical reasoning
Analogies
Reading comprehension
– 50 Math questions
• Word problems and computations
• Relationships between quantities
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Essays
On test day, applicants also write two
one-page long essays in response to
specific essay prompts.
• Essay 1 focuses on real-world problem
solving with an ethical component.
• Essay 2 requires self-reflection and selfassessment.
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January
Semifinalist Pool Determination
• Based on a sliding scale of grade point
average and test score
• GPA: 7th grade final marks and 1st quarter
8th grade marks (core subjects)
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February
All Semifinalists then must:
– Get 3 Teacher Recommendations.
– Prepare Student Information Sheet.
All materials are due to your middle school’s
TJ liaison counselor later in February.
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March
Selection committees meet and consider:
– Application Form
– Information Sheet
– Teacher Recommendations
– Marks in Core Subjects
– 7th grade final marks
– first two quarters of 8th grade
– Test Scores and Essay Scores
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April
Notifications mailed out early April.
480 students will be admitted.
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Getting
Prepared
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How can you be a
candidate for
admission to TJ?
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To Prepare for TJ
Work hard and get the best grades
possible in all 7th and 8th grade
core courses:
Math
Science
English
Social Studies
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Preparation for TJ
• Be an enthusiastic learner!
• Pursue interests in
– Science
– Math
– Technology
• Work on writing & communication skills
• Take at least Algebra 1 in 8th grade
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How can you prepare
for the TJ Test?
– Read for comprehension and vocabulary
– Work on math skills
• do hard problems in math
• go the extra mile
– Practice essay writing skills
– Review Student Handbook
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Can be downloaded at
www.TJAdmissions.org
under “Resources.”
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What else?
In-school and Out-of-school Activities
during the school year
and the summer
both
organized and self-initiated
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Odyssey
of the
Mind
School Programs
Science Fair
Math Teams
Class Projects
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Summer Enrichment
Programs
• TJ Summer Tech
• Adventure Camps
QUEST
Summer Programs
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Community Service
• NJHS
• Tutoring
• Scouts etc.
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To learn more about
TJHSST
Visit us at
Open House!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
(8:30 a.m. to Noon)
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• available after
September
24th from
middle school
liaison
counselors
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The Admissions Website
www.TJAdmission.org
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Information/Contacts
• Judy Howard, Admissions Director
Judith.Howard@fcps.edu
– 703-658-5824
• Joshua Strong, Admissions Specialist
Joshua.Strong@fcps.edu
– 703-658-5806
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