Introducing “TJ”
2010-2011
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 3355.3)
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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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Where is TJ?
• 6560 Braddock Rd
Alexandria, VA
22312
Copyright © 2007 National Realty, Northern Virginia Real Estate
http://www.nationalrealty.biz/map/county.htm
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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.
• All students must earn the TJ Diploma.
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The TJ Diploma
• 4 science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Geosystems)
• 4 math (through AP Calculus)
• 3 technology (incl. Computer Science)
• 2 fine/practical arts (incl. “Tech”)
• 4 English
• 4 social studies
• 3 foreign language (in one language)
• 2 Health & Physical Education
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What makes TJ different?
• All courses taught on honors/gifted, AP,
or post-AP level
• Integrated courses for integration of
related ideas & flexible class time
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Freshman Year
IBET
Integrated
Biology,
English &
Technology
An introduction to TJ’s Core Values:
Critical Inquiry & Research, Problem Solving,
Intellectual Curiosity, and Social Responsibility!
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Sophomore & Junior Year
HUM
Integrated Humanities builds strong
habits of inquiry and research
– 10th grade: English & World History &
Geography 2
– 11th grade: English & U.S. History
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Senior Year
Research Laboratories
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Astronomy
Biotechnology
Communication Systems
Computer Systems
Energy Systems
Modern Physics
Oceanography
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Automation & Robotics
Chemical Analysis
Computer Assisted Design
Microelectronics
Neuroscience
Prototyping
Mentorship Program
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Additional Science Courses
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DNA Science
Neurobiology
Numerical Analysis
Nature of Materials
Bio Nanotechnology
Artificial Intelligence
Organic Chemistry
Computational Physics
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Is it just science and tech?
• Electives offered in all subject areas.
• Curricular art, band, orchestra, choir, drama,
journalism, photography, yearbook, etc.
• Foreign languages include: 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 (not 7)
• Block Scheduling
• Common Lunch
• P.M. Break
• No Bells!
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Eight Periods?!
• Period 8 is an activity period
– Guidance activities, study hall, tutoring, lab
work, school publications, etc.
– Clubs & other activities
• Over 150 activities offered
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Life at TJHSST
• Homecoming, Pep Rallies & Sock Hops
• Publications: TjToday, Techniques, Teknos,
Reflections, etc.
• Music: Chorus, Orchestra & Band
• Theatre: One Acts, Shakespeare Troupe, etc.
• Sports: 25 Varsity Sports (incl. crew)
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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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• Genuine 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
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Timeline
• Applications available in September
• Applications due late October
• Admissions Test in December
• Semifinalist Notification in January
• Packets completed in February
• Final Decisions in April
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Eligibility Requirements
• 8th grade to apply to 9th
• Residency in a participating school division
• 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 you attend a private school, you must
verify residency.
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Applications are due
Oct. 22, 2010
An Absolute Deadline!
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“Never put off til tomorrow
what you can do today.”
-Thomas Jefferson
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December
Test Day is
December 4, 2010
• 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
Two-hour math and verbal reasoning test
– 45 Verbal questions
• Scrambled paragraphs
• Logical reasoning
• Reading comprehension
– 50 Math questions
• Word problems and computations
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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 scores
• GPA: 7th grade final marks and 1st quarter 8th
grade marks (core subjects)
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February
All Semifinalists then must:
– Get 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 process considers:
• Student Information Sheet
• Teacher Recommendations
• Math and Science Marks
• Math Admissions Test Scores
• 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 strong
candidate?
• Work hard and get the best grades possible
in all core courses: Math, Science, English,
Social Studies (7th grade and 8th grade)
• Be an enthusiastic learner!
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How can you be a strong
candidate?
• Pursue interests in science, math, and
technology
• Work on writing and communication skills
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How can you be a strong
candidate?
Get involved!
• In-school and out-of-school activities (during
the school year and during the summer), both
organized and self-initiated
• Community Service (NJHS, tutoring, Scouts,
etc.)
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What can you do to prepare
for test day?
• Read! Read!! Read!!!
• Practice essay writing skills
• Become a “human calculator”
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A Human Calculator?
Work on your Math Skills!!
• No calculators allowed for TJ Test
• Go the extra mile in your math class
• Drill your skills
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What can you do to prepare for
test day?
• Find at www.TJAdmissions.org
under “Resources.”
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Questions?
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The Admissions Website
www.TJAdmissions.org
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To learn more about
TJHSST for 2010-2011
Visit us at
Open House!
Saturday, October 2ND
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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TJ Admissions Office
• Amos Simms-Smith, Specialist
– 571-423-3772
– Amos.SimmsSmith@fcps.edu
• Main Office
– 571-423-3770
– tjadmissions@fcps.edu
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