As many of you know, the first-round TJ exam featuring math, reading, and science was eliminated in fall 2020. Starting with the 2021-2022 incoming class, prospective students will complete a live, timed Student Portrait Sheet and Problem-Solving Essay.
In order to stand out from the crowd, Principia’s TJ Student Portrait Sheet and Problem-Solving Essay (SPS/PSE) programs focus on telling your unique story and on writing in a clear, concise, and logical way. We’ll cover the importance of structure, self-reflection, and syntax as well as implement time management strategies.
In the previous admissions process, 85% of our students made it to the semifinal round of the TJ test. Of those, two-thirds were offered admission.
Check out our TJ admissions updates here or read our FAQ page for more information.
The Student Portrait Sheet (SPS)
Contrary to what many students and parents think, this is not a simple form that students fill out with a list of activities. It’s the only chance they will get to share their unique experiences that make TJ the right fit. The hour-long SPS, formerly the SIS (Student Information Sheet), now has 4 personal questions that are intended to reveal the applicant’s experiences, interests, and goals. In the past, each response was limited to 1650 characters, but TJ has yet to release any information regarding character counts this year.
In our students’ essays, we encourage incorporating both self-reflection and future aspirations, connecting past experiences and career goals that coincide with FCPS’ Portrait of a Graduate and TJ’s own mission and beliefs.
The Problem-Solving Essay (PSE)
Officially, the TJ Admissions Office calls this a “math/science problem-solving essay,” which consists of a multi-step or multi-variable math or science problem (or a combination of both). We prepare our students for all possibilities; either way, it’s one essay with a 30-minute time limit.
What they’re looking for is not only your ability to solve a problem but the ability to clearly explain your thought process and to demonstrate knowledge on a deeper level, making real-world connections and ethical considerations.
2023-2024 Admissions Timeline*
Applications
Monday, October 23rd - Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 4 pm
Last Day to Begin Application
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 at 4 pm
Writing Date
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024
Inclement Weather Date: Saturday, February 24th
Accommodations Date
Friday, February 9th, 2024
Inclement Weather Date: Friday, March 1st
Estimated Decision Release
Friday, April 26th, 2024, on or before
*According to TJ’s website, dates may change
TJ SPS/PSE Classes @ Principia
Remote classes are held online utilizing the video/whiteboard platform Bitpaper. For updates on the TJ admissions process, check out our page here.
If you have any questions, check out our FAQ page or get in touch at info@principiatutors.com.
Spring 2024
7th Grade TJ SPS/PSE Class
15 weeks
Considering the Student Portrait Sheet and the Problem-Solving Essay included on TJ’s application moving forward, this course is designed to give 7th graders the fundamental tools for writing about themselves and writing towards math/science problems.
Session 2A (Remote): Thursdays, February 8th - May 23rd, 2024 (5 - 7 pm) (FULL)
Session 2B (In-person): Saturdays, February 3rd - May 18th, 2024 (4 - 6 pm) (FULL)
*Off one week for Spring Break on March 28th and 30th
Class Size: Six students max
Tuition: $1,465
Summer 2024
TJ SPS/PSE Class
8 weeks
Our Summer TJ SPS/PSE Class is a five-week intensive course designed to get students prepped for the TJ admissions writing components. Each class includes 1.5 hours focused on the Student Portrait Sheet and 1.5 hours focused on the Problem-Solving Essay, and every Friday during the course is a Practice Day, where students will login and practice writing similar prompts under timed conditions online.
Session A (In-person): Sundays, June 23rd - August 11th, 2024 (2:30-5:30 pm)
Session B (In-person): Saturdays, June 22nd - August 10th, 2024 (2:30-5:30 pm)
Class Size: Six students max
Tuition (8 weeks): $1,395
*Please note classes are subject to change according to the TJ admissions timeline
Fall 2024
TJ SPS/PSE Class
8 weeks
Looking toward the Student Portrait Sheet and the Problem-Solving Essay included on the application, this class is a eight-week course designed to get 8th-grade students ready by tackling their personal and STEM experiences and math/science essays.
Session A (In-person): Saturdays, September 14th - November 2nd (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session B (In-person): Sundays, September 15th - November 3rd (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session C (In-person): Sundays, September 15th - November 3rd (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session D (In-person): Sundays, September 15th - November 3rd (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session E (In-person): Fridays, September 20th - November 8th (4 - 7 pm)
Class Size: Six students max
Tuition: $1,395
*Please note classes are subject to change according to the TJ admissions timeline
Winter 2024-2025
TJ SPS/PSE Class
8 weeks
Looking toward the Student Portrait Sheet and the Problem-Solving Essay included on the application, this accelerated class is an eight-week crash course designed to get 8th-grade students ready by tackling their personal and STEM experiences and math/science essays.
Session A (In-person): Saturdays, November 16th - January 25th, 2024 (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session B (In-person): Saturdays, November 16th - January 25th, 2024 (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session C (In-person): Sundays, November 17th - January 26th, 2024 (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session D (In-person): Sundays, November 17th - January 26th, 2024 (2:30 - 5:30 pm)
Session E (In-person): Fridays, November 15th - January 24th, 2024 (4 - 7 pm)
*All classes off for November 20th-25th and December 18th - January 1st
Class Size: Six students max
Tuition: $1,395
*Please note classes are subject to change according to the TJ admissions timeline
Have a question? Check out our FAQ page or get in touch at info@principiatutors.com.
