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TEST PREPARATION FOR THE TJ ADMISSIONS TEST

The admissions examination for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology begins with a two hour standardized test, the TJ Admissions Test. Students take a short break and then are given one hour to write two essays to provide a writing sample. Total testing time, with instructions, break, etc., is approximately four hours.

The best preparation for the admissions examination is to take, or have taken, challenging courses in elementary and middle school; to read a great deal; to do math problems beyond those required in class; and to practice your writing skills. A good night's sleep the night before the test, and a good breakfast on test day, also are important.

THE STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR THE ADMISSIONS TEST:
YOUR BEST RESOURCE

For students who wish to learn more about the test, there is a test preparation handbook for the TJ Admissions Test, the Student Handbook for the Admissions Test for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which was prepared by the testing company that produces the admissions test. The Student Handbook for the Admissions Test 2008 is available for you to read online and print. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to read the file. If you do not have access to a computer, ask your middle school TJ liaison counselor to print a copy for you.

The Fairfax County Public Schools Student Handbook for the Admissions Test for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology © NCS Pearson, Inc. is posted on the TJ Admissions website with the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

The Student Handbook describes the test and includes a Study Guide that offers advice on test preparation and test-taking strategies. The handbook also includes a complete sample test (with answer sheet) that you can use for practice. Answers to the sample test also are provided so that you can check your work and identify areas on which you may want to focus as you prepare for test day.

Please Note: The Student Handbook is not available at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology or at the Admissions Office.

PREPARING ON YOUR OWN FOR THE TJ TEST

You can find more information on preparing on your own for the TJ Test, along with Practice Tips, on the Resources Page of the Admissions Website.

TEST PREPARATION CLASSES

Fairfax County and some of the participating school divisions offer TJ test preparation classes in the summer and fall. The fall 2008 Fairfax County TJ test preparation classes are listed in the Adult and Community Education, ACE Classes, mailed to all Fairfax County residents in August. Information also is available on the Fairfax County Public School's website: www.fcps.edu/aceclasses.

The Admissions Office does not recommend, or recommend, test preparation classes. We do not collect information or data regarding the efficacy of such classes.

The Admissions Office does not administer any test preparation programs or classes. Please address your inquiries about test prep classes to the appropriate institution or organization.