TJ Admission Essay Prep In-Person One-on-One Tutoring
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 Durden — TJ 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.
Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process
2020 Fall TJ Test Prep Course - Class of 2025
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.
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)
Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process
TJ Admission Essay Prep In-Person One-on-One Tutoring
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 Durden — TJ 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.
Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process
2020 Spring TJ Test Prep Course - Class of 2025
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)
Apply to TJHSST and Decision Process
Summer TJ Test Prep Course - Class of 2025
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.
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)
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)