TJ Admission Essay Prep In-Person One-on-One Tutoring

TJHSST had announced a new admissions policy from the class of 2027 (2022/23 Freshman Round). Two key components are a “student portrait sheet” and a "problem-solving essay".

TJHSST Admission Eligibility Requirements:


  • New Requirements : Enrolled in both math and science honors courses. Enrolled in one additional honors course or identified as a Young Scholar*. (*Information regarding potential waivers will be forthcoming.)
  • Math Requirements: Applicants to the freshman class at TJHSST must be taking a full-year of Honors Algebra 1 for high school credit or a higher level math course in grade 8 to apply to TJHSST. Algebra 1, Part A does not satisfy the math prerequisite for freshman application. Your school must verify the math course you are enrolled in for grade 8 on the application form.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA): All applicants to TJHSST, at the completion of 7th grade, must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in order to be eligible to apply.

Dates To Remember (2023-2024 Freshman Round)

  • Monday, October 23: Applications Available - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 15:Last Day to Begin Application - 4:00 pm
  • Friday, November 17:Application Deadline - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 6: Notification to Applicants who do not meet minimum Honors and GPA - 6:00pm
  • Saturday, February 3: SPS/Essay Writing Administration
  • Saturday, February 24: Inclement Weather Date for February 3
  • Friday, February 9: Accommodations, Make-Up SPS/Essay Writing Administration
  • Friday, March 1: Inclement Weather Date for February 9
  • Friday, April 26: Final Notifications Released on or Before (Per Regulation)

  • * Dates on calendar above may be subject to change

    Click here for "Steps to Complete the Application"

TJHSST Freshman Application Key Components:

Students will be evaluated on their grade point average (GPA); a portrait sheet where they will be asked to demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st centaury skills; a problem-solving essay; and experience factors.

  • Complete the Student Portrait Sheet: Students will demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st Century Skills.
  • Problem-Solving Essay: May include math and/or science, but will most likely be a test mainly of the students’ ability to organize and communicate conclusions about a complex topic.

☞ Applicants will compose and complete the student portrait sheets and problem-solving essay themselves, but we can help the student to:


Skill Focus

  • Understand what TJHSST wants
  • Write effective essays
  • Manage their time

Student Portrait Sheet

  • Brainstorm and explain accomplishment
  • Think of activities and skills
  • Develop their personal statements

Problem-solving essay

  • Improve problem solving skills and scientific literacy
  • Learn to organize a many step explanation effectively
  • Practice technical writing to communicate the complex ideas
  • Master essay planning
  • Editing

☞ The TJHSST Admission Essay Tutoring will consist of One-on-One tutoring 20 hours (10 sessions) to help the students improve their writing. The student should bring an individual laptop to all the tutoring sessions.

Top 1% "Experienced and Highly Qualified" TJ Admission Essay Tutor

  • Anna DurdenTJ Graduate, College of William & Mary
  • Alexandra Nguyen — University of Virginia, National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Important Information Regarding Covid-related School Closures:

PLC will conform to state and FCPS policy regarding in-person classes. If FCPS schools shut down and transition to remote learning, then PLC will follow suit and change all in-person classes to live-online instruction. We are committed to offering our students the same quality of education while preserving the community’s health and safety.

Before registering for our classes, please be aware that in the event of a switch to live-online instruction we will not offer refunds for purchased tutoring hours.

Tuition: $2,120 for 20 hours Enroll Now

Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process

Click here for TJHSST Admission Exam Information

2020 Fall TJ Test Prep Course - Class of 2025

COVID-19 Update:
We are currently planning to hold the TJHSST Test Prep class in-person. We are strictly limiting the class sizes to five (5) at Fairfax and McLean and three (3) at Vienna to allow for social distancing in our largest classrooms.
Give your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction and the best available practice exams.
"I am very excited to inform you that I have been accepted into Thomas Jefferson High School for the Freshman Class of 2022. I couldn't have done it without your help for the last 6 months. PLC greatly prepared me for both the test and the essay sections and made me feel much more comfortable during both exams. Thank you so much again, and I will definitely keep in touch during my high school career."
- From the student of Successful TJ Applicant (Class of 2022)

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) admission test was changed several years ago and we remain committed to giving your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction.

This class will focus on maximizing you student’s abilities in problem solving and time management. Students will be taught how to prepare themselves for the test and given strategies for test taking. Students are expected to come to class on time, complete any assignments given, and put their efforts into preparation.

New Skills Focus

Reading

  • Key Ideas and Details
  • Craft and Structure
  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Math

  • Pattern Recognition
  • Probability Combinatorics
  • Out-of-the Box Algebra
  • Geometry and Optimization

Science

  • Interpretation of Data
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Evaluation of Models
  • Inferences
  • Experimental Design

Essay

  • Essay Planning
  • Editing
  • Write Effective Essays
  • We help prepare the students for the reading section in order to help them to get the best possible score and to practice for similar standardized tests.
  • We work with students on the science section by discussing the type of information they will be presented, by practicing, and discussing test taking strategies.
  • Math preparation and enrichment will help your student on future tests, including the SAT and the ACT, and will help them develop problem solving strategies.
  • We assign essays to teach students to write effectively on topic in limited time. This allows the students to develop as readers and writes and helps the students formulate responses for the reading and the science sections of the test.
  • Give your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction and three proctored and scored simulation exams.

Top 1% "Experienced and Highly Qualified" TJ Prep Tutor

  • Anna Durden — TJ Graduate, College of William & Mary, She has 6 years experience with TJHSST Exam Prep tutoring.

See below for our full list of courses, offered at our Fairfax, Vienna and McLean facilities.

2020 Fall Program TJ Exam Prep Course Schedule

Session Fairfax Branch McLean Branch Vienna Branch
Day Date Time Day Date Time Day Date Time
1* Sat 8/22 2:00 - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
Sun 8/23 2:00 - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
Sat 8/22 9:00 - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
2 Sat 8/29 2:00 - 5:00pm* Sun 8/30 2:00 - 5:00pm* Sat 8/29 9:00 - 12:00pm*
3 Sat 9/5 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 9/6 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 9/5 9:00 - 12:00pm
4 Sat 9/12 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 9/13 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 9/12 9:00 - 12:00pm
5 Sat 9/19 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 9/20 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 9/19 9:00 - 12:00pm
6 Sat 9/26 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 9/27 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 9/26 9:00 - 12:00pm
7 Sat 10/3 2:00 - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
Sun 10/4 2:00 - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
Sat 10/3 9:00 - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
8 Sat 10/10 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 10/11 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 10/10 9:00 - 12:00pm
9 Sat 10/17 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 10/18 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 10/17 9:00 - 12:00pm
10 Sat 10/24 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 10/25 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 10/24 9:00 - 12:00pm
11 Sat 10/31 2:00 - 5:00pm Sun 11/1 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 10/31 9:00 - 12:00pm
12 Mon 11/2 2:00 - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
(Student Holiday)
Mon 11/2 2:00 - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
(Student Holiday)
Mon 11/2 9:00 - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
(Student Holiday)
13 Tue 11/3 12:00 - 2:00pm
(Student Holiday)
Tue 11/3 3:00 - 5:00pm
(Student Holiday)
Tue 11/3 9:00 - 11:00am
(Student Holiday)
11/7, Sat 2020 TJ Admission Administration Day. Good Luck!!

* Length of each class: 3 hours (Reading - Aspire: 1 hour, Math - Quant Q: 1 hour, Science - Aspire: 1 hour)

Tuition: $1,300 Enroll Now

Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process

Click here for TJHSST Admission Exam Information

TJ Admission Essay Prep In-Person One-on-One Tutoring

TJHSST had announced a new admissions policy from the class of 2027 (2022/23 Freshman Round). Two key components are a “student portrait sheet” and a "problem-solving essay".

TJHSST Admission Eligibility Requirements:


  • New Requirements : Enrolled in both math and science honors courses. Enrolled in one additional honors course or identified as a Young Scholar*. (*Information regarding potential waivers will be forthcoming.)
  • Math Requirements: Applicants to the freshman class at TJHSST must be taking a full-year of Honors Algebra 1 for high school credit or a higher level math course in grade 8 to apply to TJHSST. Algebra 1, Part A does not satisfy the math prerequisite for freshman application. Your school must verify the math course you are enrolled in for grade 8 on the application form.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA): All applicants to TJHSST, at the completion of 7th grade, must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in order to be eligible to apply.

Dates To Remember (2023-2024 Freshman Round)

  • Monday, October 23: Applications Available - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 15:Last Day to Begin Application - 4:00 pm
  • Friday, November 17:Application Deadline - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 6: Notification to Applicants who do not meet minimum Honors and GPA - 6:00pm
  • Saturday, February 3: SPS/Essay Writing Administration
  • Saturday, February 24: Inclement Weather Date for February 3
  • Friday, February 9: Accommodations, Make-Up SPS/Essay Writing Administration
  • Friday, March 1: Inclement Weather Date for February 9
  • Friday, April 26: Final Notifications Released on or Before (Per Regulation)

  • * Dates on calendar above may be subject to change

    Click here for "Steps to Complete the Application"

TJHSST Freshman Application Key Components:

Students will be evaluated on their grade point average (GPA); a portrait sheet where they will be asked to demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st centaury skills; a problem-solving essay; and experience factors.

  • Complete the Student Portrait Sheet: Students will demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st Century Skills.
  • Problem-Solving Essay: May include math and/or science, but will most likely be a test mainly of the students’ ability to organize and communicate conclusions about a complex topic.

☞ Applicants will compose and complete the student portrait sheets and problem-solving essay themselves, but we can help the student to:


Skill Focus

  • Understand what TJHSST wants
  • Write effective essays
  • Manage their time

Student Portrait Sheet

  • Brainstorm and explain accomplishment
  • Think of activities and skills
  • Develop their personal statements

Problem-solving essay

  • Improve problem solving skills and scientific literacy
  • Learn to organize a many step explanation effectively
  • Practice technical writing to communicate the complex ideas
  • Master essay planning
  • Editing

☞ The TJHSST Admission Essay Tutoring will consist of One-on-One tutoring 20 hours (10 sessions) to help the students improve their writing. The student should bring an individual laptop to all the tutoring sessions.

Top 1% "Experienced and Highly Qualified" TJ Admission Essay Tutor

  • Anna DurdenTJ Graduate, College of William & Mary
  • Alexandra Nguyen — University of Virginia, National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Important Information Regarding Covid-related School Closures:

PLC will conform to state and FCPS policy regarding in-person classes. If FCPS schools shut down and transition to remote learning, then PLC will follow suit and change all in-person classes to live-online instruction. We are committed to offering our students the same quality of education while preserving the community’s health and safety.

Before registering for our classes, please be aware that in the event of a switch to live-online instruction we will not offer refunds for purchased tutoring hours.

Tuition: $2,120 for 20 hours Enroll Now

Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process

Click here for TJHSST Admission Exam Information

2020 Spring TJ Test Prep Course - Class of 2025

Start preparing early! Let your student take part in all the spring programs they need and to get a jump start on enrichment for their school work.
"I am very excited to inform you that I have been accepted into Thomas Jefferson High School for the Freshman Class of 2022. I couldn't have done it without your help for the last 6 months. PLC greatly prepared me for both the test and the essay sections and made me feel much more comfortable during both exams. Thank you so much again, and I will definitely keep in touch during my high school career."
- From the student of Successful TJ Applicant (Class of 2022)

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) admission test was changed several years ago and we remain committed to giving your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction.

This class will focus on maximizing you student’s abilities in problem solving and time management. Students will be taught how to prepare themselves for the test and given strategies for test taking. Students are expected to come to class on time, complete any assignments given, and put their efforts into preparation.

New Skills Focus

Reading

  • Key Ideas and Details
  • Craft and Structure
  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Math

  • Pattern Recognition
  • Probability Combinatorics
  • Out-of-the Box Algebra
  • Geometry and Optimization

Science

  • Interpretation of Data
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Evaluation of Models
  • Inferences
  • Experimental Design

Essay

  • Essay Planning
  • Editing
  • Write Effective Essays
  • We help prepare the students for the reading section in order to help them to get the best possible score and to practice for similar standardized tests.
  • We work with students on the science section by discussing the type of information they will be presented, by practicing, and discussing test taking strategies.
  • Math preparation and enrichment will help your student on future tests, including the SAT and the ACT, and will help them develop problem solving strategies.
  • We assign essays to teach students to write effectively on topic in limited time. This allows the students to develop as readers and writes and helps the students formulate responses for the reading and the science sections of the test.
  • Give your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction and three proctored and scored simulation exams.

Top 1% "Experienced and Highly Qualified" TJ Prep Tutor

  • Anna Durden — TJ Graduate, College of William & Mary

You can choose from one of the following offered courses and see below for our full list of courses, offered at our Fairfax, Vienna and McLean facilities.

"2020 Spring TJ Prep Course" Class Schedule

Session Fairfax Branch Vienna Branch McLean Branch
Day Date Time Day Date Time Day Date Time
1* Sat Feb. 29 3:00 - 6:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
Sat Feb. 29* 2:00 - 5:00pm*
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
Sat Feb. 29* 2:00 - 5:00pm*
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
2 Sat Mar. 7 3:00 - 6:00pm** Sat Mar. 7 9:00 - 12:00pm** Sun Mar. 8 2:00 - 5:00pm**
3 Sat Mar. 14 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat Mar. 14 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun Mar. 15 2:00 - 5:00pm
4 Sat Mar. 21 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat Mar. 21 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun Mar. 22 2:00 - 5:00pm
5 Sat Mar. 28 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat Mar. 28 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun Mar. 29 2:00 - 5:00pm
6 Sat Apr. 4 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat Apr. 4 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun Apr. 5 2:00 - 5:00pm
7* Sat Apr. 11 3:00 - 6:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
Sat Apr. 11* 2:00 - 5:00pm*
Full-Length
Simulation Test
Sat Apr. 11* 2:00 - 5:00pm*
Full-Length
Simulation Test
8 Sat Apr. 18 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat Apr. 18 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun Apr. 19 2:00 - 5:00pm
9 Sat Apr. 25 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat Apr. 25 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun Apr. 26 2:00 - 5:00pm
10 Sat May 2 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat May 2 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun May 3 2:00 - 5:00pm
11 Sat May 9 3:00 - 6:00pm Sat May 9 9:00 - 12:00pm Sun May 10 2:00 - 5:00pm
12* Sat May 16 3:00 - 6:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
Sat May 16* 2:00 - 5:00pm*
Full-Length
Final Test
Sat May 16* 2:00 - 5:00pm*
Full-Length
Final Test
13* Sat May 23 3:00 - 5:00pm Sat May 23* 2:00 - 4:00pm* Sat May 23* 2:00 - 4:00pm*

* All Full-Length Tests and Final Class (Session #13) will take place at Fairfax branch, regardless of the location of the class.
** Length of each class: 3 hours (Reading - Aspire: 1 hour, Math - Quant Q: 1 hour, Science - Aspire: 1 hour)

Tuition: $1,300 Enroll Now

Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process

Click here for TJHSST Admission Exam Information

Summer TJ Test Prep Course - Class of 2025

COVID-19 Update:
We are currently planning to hold the TJHSST Test Prep class in-person. We are strictly limiting the class sizes to five (5) at Fairfax and McLean and three (3) at Vienna to allow for social distancing in our largest classrooms.
Give your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction and the best available practice exams.
"My son got accepted to TJ 2023 class! We are very excited and cannot wait to share this great news with you all. We would like to sincerely thank you for the wonderful job you have done preparing him for the test. We especially appreciate Ms. Anna's hard work, solid experience, and amazing patience. He said he would not make it without her help. Again, Thank you all very much!"
- From Parents of Successful TJ Applicant (Class of 2023)

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) admission test was changed several years ago and we remain committed to giving your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction.

This class will focus on maximizing you student’s abilities in problem solving and time management. Students will be taught how to prepare themselves for the test and given strategies for test taking. Students are expected to come to class on time, complete any assignments given, and put their efforts into preparation.

New Skills Focus

Reading

  • Key Ideas and Details
  • Craft and Structure
  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Math

  • Pattern Recognition
  • Probability Combinatorics
  • Out-of-the Box Algebra
  • Geometry and Optimization

Science

  • Interpretation of Data
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Evaluation of Models
  • Inferences
  • Experimental Design

Essay

  • Essay Planning
  • Editing
  • Write Effective Essays
  • We help prepare the students for the reading section in order to help them to get the best possible score and to practice for similar standardized tests.
  • We work with students on the science section by discussing the type of information they will be presented, by practicing, and discussing test taking strategies.
  • Math preparation and enrichment will help your student on future tests, including the SAT and the ACT, and will help them develop problem solving strategies.
  • We assign essays to teach students to write effectively on topic in limited time. This allows the students to develop as readers and writes and helps the students formulate responses for the reading and the science sections of the test.
  • Give your student the best chance for admission through expert instruction and three proctored and scored simulation exams.

Top 1% "Experienced and Highly Qualified" TJ Prep Tutor

  • Anna Durden — TJ Graduate, College of William & Mary

You can choose from one of the following offered courses and see below for our full list of courses, offered at our Fairfax, Vienna and McLean facilities.

2020 Summer TJ Prep "Course A" Schedules

Session Date Fairfax Branch
(T/Th/Sa)
Date Vienna Branch
(Full/Closed)
McLean Branch
(M/W/F)
1 Tue, June 16 9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
Mon, June 15 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
2 Thu, June 18 9:00am - 12:00pm** Wed, June 17 2:00pm - 5:00pm** 9:00am - 12:00pm**
3 Sat, June 20 9:00am - 12:00pm Fri, June 19 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
4 Tue, June 23 9:00am - 12:00pm Mon, June 22 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
5 Thu, June 25 9:00am - 12:00pm Wed, June 24 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
6 Sat, June 27 9:00am - 12:00pm Fri, June 26 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
7 Tue, June 30 9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
Mon, June 29 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
8 Thu, July 2 9:00am - 12:00pm Wed, July 1 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
9 Sun, July 5 9:00am - 12:00pm Fri, July 3 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
10 Tue, July 7 9:00am - 12:00pm Mon, July 6 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
11 Thu, July 9 9:00am - 12:00pm Wed, July 8 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
12 Sat, July 11 9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
Fri, July 10 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
13 Tue, July 14 9:00am - 11:00am Mon, July 13 2:00pm - 4:00pm 9:00am - 11:00am

** Length of each class: 3 hours (Reading - Aspire: 1 hour, Math - Quant Q: 1 hour, Science - Aspire: 1 hour)

Tuition: $1,300 Enroll Now

2020 Summer TJ Prep "Course B" Schedules

Session Date Fairfax Branch
(T/Th/Sa)
Date Vienna Branch
(M/W/F)
McLean Branch
(Full/Closed)
1 Thu, July 16 9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
Wed, July 15 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Diagnostic Test
2 Sat, July 18 9:00am - 12:00pm** Fri, July 17 2:00pm - 5:00pm** 9:00am - 12:00pm**
3 Tue, July 21 9:00am - 12:00pm Mon, July 20 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
4 Thu, July 23 9:00am - 12:00pm Wed, July 22 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
5 Sat, July 25 9:00am - 12:00pm Fri, July 24 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
6 Tue, July 28 9:00am - 12:00pm Mon, July 27 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
7 Thu, July 30 9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
Wed, July 29 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Simulation Test
8 Sat, Aug. 1 9:00am - 12:00pm Fri, July 31 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
9 Tue, Aug. 4 9:00am - 12:00pm Mon, Aug. 3 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
10 Thu, Aug. 6 9:00am - 12:00pm Wed, Aug. 5 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
11 Sat, Aug. 8 9:00am - 12:00pm Fri, Aug. 7 2:00pm - 5:00pm 9:00am - 12:00pm
12 Tue, Aug. 11 9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
Mon, Aug. 10 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
9:00am - 12:00pm
Full-Length
Final Test
13 Thu, Aug. 13 9:00am - 11:00am Wed, Aug. 12 2:00pm - 4:00pm 9:00am - 11:00am

** Length of each class: 3 hours (Reading - Aspire: 1 hour, Math - Quant Q: 1 hour, Science - Aspire: 1 hour)

Tuition: $1,300 Enroll Now

Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process

Click here for TJHSST Admission Exam Information

Call Us: (703) 830-1111