TJHSST Admissions Prep · McLean, VA
TJ prep with personal attention.
Prepping for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) admissions exam? This is a chance for students to discover what they bring to the table and learn how to express it. We help your student draw on meaningful experiences, work through unfamiliar problems, and explain their thinking clearly in the Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) and Problem-Solving Essay (PSE).
Our classes are limited to six students, giving instructors time to understand each student’s approach and offer specific feedback throughout the preparation process. Join us at our McLean office for small-group classes, or work one-on-one with an instructor in person or online.
Inside our TJ Prep Sessions
What do students actually do in TJ Prep?
A lot of families ask us this. Our curriculum prepares students for both parts of the TJ assessment—the Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) and Problem Solving Essay (PSE)—through targeted practice, individualized feedback, and strategies developed from years of working with TJ applicants.
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Transcript lightly edited for clarity.
A lot of families ask us, “What do you actually do in TJ prep sessions?”
In sessions, we cover both the Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) and the Problem-Solving Essay (PSE) to prepare students for the official TJ exam. Because we’ve worked with hundreds of students over the years and closely follow how the test evolves, our curriculum is built to reflect what TJ is looking for.
Our sessions are designed around skill building. For the SPS, we help students tell stories that reflect who they are, not just what they’ve done. That means identifying a moment of curiosity, a challenge, or an experience of growth, and learning how to write about these experiences with intention.
In sessions, students outline their activities along with moments that best demonstrate their passions and skills. We work on revising their practice tests and provide targeted feedback to deepen their storytelling and highlight key traits from FCPS’s Portrait of a Graduate.
In PSE sessions, we work on structured thinking and clear explanations. We work through practice prompts together, break down strategies for each question type, and coach students on how to explain their reasoning clearly and confidently. It’s not only about getting to the right answer, but also about making their critical thinking skills shine. We teach students how to write in ways that are both logical and creative.
No matter what prompt students encounter, we’re training them to think critically and building transferable skills so they have the chance to succeed on test day.
Ultimately, we’re proud to help students prepare not only to get into TJ, but also to thrive once they begin their journey there.
Student Portrait Sheet (SPS)
Tell a compelling story.
We help students identify the experiences that best reflect who they are and learn how to write about them with intention.
Identify meaningful experiences that reveal the student’s interests, character, and growth
Develop specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate traits
Use detail and reflection to show who the student is beyond a list of accomplishments
Practice planning, drafting, and revising clear responses within time and character limits
Problem-Solving Essay (PSE)
Think clearly and deeply.
We teach students how to break down unfamiliar problems, develop a logical approach, and explain their reasoning clearly.
Apply middle-school math and science concepts to unfamiliar, multi-step problems
Learn ways to begin, explore possibilities, and work through uncertainty
Explain each step clearly and add assumptions, choices, and conclusions
Demonstrate creative and critical thinking without forcing a single template
Our Students’ Results
70%
of our TJ prep students were offered admission to TJ — a number we’re proud of, knowing there are school-based seat allocations and experience factors outside anyone’s control.
About the TJHSST Entrance Assessment
Two parts. Ninety minutes. Two very different skills.
SPS
Student Portrait Sheet
Students respond to four short-answer prompts, each with a 1,500-character limit including spaces, sharing their experiences, interests, and goals that make them a strong match for TJ.
The SPS is TJ’s way of asking, “Who are you, really?” Strong responses use specific examples and thoughtful reflection to reveal the student’s character and connect to TJ’s values and FCPS’s Portrait of a Graduate attributes.
PSE
Problem-Solving Essay
Students are asked to tackle a multi-step math or science prompt and explain their reasoning in essay form, up to 3,700 characters including spaces.
This isn’t just a math problem—it’s a thinking problem. Strong responses explain the approach, justify assumptions, and support conclusions with clear reasoning.
THE PRINCIPIA APPROACH
Why families choose Principia’s TJ prep
After years of working with hundreds of TJ applicants, we know how much students can grow when someone takes the time to understand their thinking. Our preparation brings together writing and problem-solving instruction, meaningful practice, and individual feedback—with the flexibility to give each student more focused support along the way.
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Small enough to know your child.
In-person classes are capped at six students. Instructors have time to understand individual work, answer questions, and guide discussion while students learn alongside motivated peers.
02
We teach the writing.
Students learn to develop ideas, use specific details, and explain their reasoning. More than 70 SPS and PSE handouts support that instruction and continued practice.
03
Practice with a next step.
Full-length tests are included through our digital portal. Every test completed by the assigned deadline receives individual instructor feedback, so students know what to revise and where to focus.
04
Support that fits your student.
Choose small-group classes, private tutoring, or both. Private sessions can complement a course when a student needs more time or targeted help with a particular skill.
Find the right fit
Which TJ Prep format is right for your student?
The right fit depends on how your student learns, where they are starting, and how much time they have before the assessment.
Small-group classes
Learn alongside other motivated students.
A great fit for students who…
✓
Thrive with discussion and peer interaction
Benefit from a structured class curriculum
✓
Are comfortable working at a shared pace
✓
Want comprehensive SPS & PSE prep
✓
6 students | In person in McLean | Structured curriculum
Private tutoring
Individualized instruction tailored to your student.
A great fit for students who…
Have specific SPS or PSE areas to strengthen
✓
Benefit from more individualized pacing or feedback
✓
Prefer greater scheduling flexibility
✓
Learn best with an instructor’s full attention
✓
1:1 support | In person or online | Flexible pacing
Not sure which is the better fit?
Some students use both: a group course for structure and broad preparation, then a number of private 1:1 sessions for additional support in the areas where they need it most. Tell us about your student, and we’ll make a recommendation.
A *New* flexible alternative
Self-Paced TJ Prep
Build SPS writing and PSE problem-solving skills independently with a structured course built from Principia’s TJ Prep curriculum.
Independent prep · Practice throughout · Personalized final feedback
Work through targeted lessons and practice prompts at your own pace, then complete a final full-length practice test, with personalized instructor feedback on those four SPS responses and the PSE.
Best for: Independent, self-motivated students who want structured TJ preparation on a more flexible schedule or at a lower price point.
Not sure where to begin?
Our free TJ Readiness Assessment takes approximately 90 minutes and includes math multiple-choice questions and an SPS writing response. We review your student’s work to recommend a starting point, whether that’s a group class, private tutoring, or foundational preparation first.
Plan Ahead
TJHSST Admissions Timeline
Each fall, students complete an application to submit basic demographic information and confirm their eligibility. Testing for 2027 is scheduled for early January, but dates can shift—the most up-to-date timeline is always available on TJ’s website.
2026-2027 Official TJ Application Timeline
Monday, October 5th: Applications available at 4 pm
Wednesday, October 28th: Last day to begin application at 4 pm
Friday, October 30th: Application submission deadline (including accommodation and alternate test day requests) at 4 pm
Thursday, December 31st: Notification to applicants who do not meet eligibility requirements
Saturday, January 9th: SPS/Essay writing administration
Thursday, January 14th: Accommodations and alternate test day administration
Saturday, January 23rd: Inclement weather date for 1/9
Thursday, February 4th: Inclement weather date for 1/14
Friday, April 30th: Final notifications released on or before
TJ Prep Classes and Private Tutoring
We offer seventh-grade spring preparation, eighth-grade summer, fall, and winter courses, and private TJ tutoring. Class dates are subject to change.
7th Grade ⋅ Early Preparation
Spring 2027
Build the foundation before test year
Our 7th Grade Spring TJ Prep course gives students an early start by strengthening the writing, reasoning, and problem-solving skills they will need before entering their official TJ admissions test year.
Dates
January 28-May 16, 2027
No class March 25-28.
Sections
Thursday: 4:30-6:30 PM
Saturday: 3:30-5:30 PM
Sunday: 3:30-5:30 PM
Tuition
$1,950
Early Bird Discount: $1,750
Register by Jan 4
Course Format
15 in-person sessions in McLean, VA
Maximum of 6 students per section
Weekly instruction, digital TJ practice tests, and all course materials included
8th Grade ⋅ test year Preparation
SUMMER, FALL, WINTER
Choose the TJ Prep course that fits your timeline
Rising and current 8th graders can begin in the summer, fall, or winter. Each course provides structured preparation, timed practice, individualized feedback, and progressively more challenging work as test day approaches.
NEw
Winter Break TJ Prep
Dates
Dec 21-23 + 28-30
Schedule
Class: 9 am - 12 pm
Lunch break
Practice test: 1-2:30 pm
Included
6 online classes, split into SPS & PSE
6 full-length digital practice tests
Tuition
$1,395
Early Bird Discount: $1,195
Register by Nov 30!
2027
Summer TJ Prep
Dates
June 19-Aug 15
No class July 3-4
Sections
Saturday: 2:30-5:30 PM
Sunday: 2:30-5:30 PM
Included
8 in-person sessions
Weekly instruction
Digital practice tests
6 students max
Tuition
$1,795
Early Bird Discount: $1,595
Register by May 30!
2027
Fall TJ Prep
Dates
TBD
Sections
Thursday: 4:30-7:30 PM
Saturday: 2:30-5:30 PM
Sunday: 2:30-5:30 PM
Included
8 in-person sessions
Weekly instruction
Digital practice tests
6 students max
Tuition
$1,795
Early Bird Discount: $1,595
Register by Aug 1!
Private 1:1 TJ Prep ⋅ Anytime
on your schedule
Preparation built around one student
Private tutoring gives families more control over the pace and focus of their TJ prep. Instructors can spend more time on underlying math or writing skills, challenge students with more advanced material, or complete focused timed practice based on what the student needs most.
Individualized SPS and PSE instruction
Detailed written feedback and revision recommendations
Homework based on student’s timeline
Full-length practice tests through our digital portal
Access to TJ skill-building materials
In-person sessions in McLean or online
Applying to TJ for 10th Grade?
We’ve got you.
Yes, it’s possible — and no, there’s no test this time around. The sophomore round uses a different application process. Explore our preparation and application coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our TJ prep is designed for students who are ready to practice seriously and learn from feedback. It is especially useful when a student needs help with one or more of the following:
Understanding what the TJ admissions writing process asks of them and preparing with a clear plan
Choosing stronger stories and writing more specific SPS responses
Working through unfamiliar math or science problems and explaining the reasoning clearly
Managing pacing, structure, and revision under timed conditions
Turning instructor feedback into visible improvement from one practice test to the next
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A student does not need to start classes with already polished essays or advanced strategies. They do need to be willing to concentrate, try difficult work, listen to feedback, and revise. Useful signs of readiness include:
Sustaining focused effort during a timed assignment
Drafting a response, reviewing feedback, and revising accordingly
Explaining mathematical or scientific reasoning in writing
Completing practice work between sessions
Some students are ready for TJ-specific preparation in seventh grade or earlier. Others begin in eighth grade, or benefit more from strengthening foundational writing and problem-solving skills through private tutoring first. Starting earlier is not automatically better; starting with the right kind of work is.
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The three eighth-grade courses teach the same core SPS and PSE curriculum. What changes most is the practice: each course includes different prompts and tests, along with math worksheets that increase somewhat in difficulty from summer through winter. A small number of official prompts may appear in more than one course.
Some students take one course and then add private tutoring for a particular need. Others take more than one course because repeated, timed application helps the strategies become more natural. At the end of each course, families receive a detailed progress report and an honest recommendation for what should come next, whether that is another class, a few private sessions, or independent practice.
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The schedule depends on the course and the student's preparation plan:
Seventh-grade spring classes: Students complete four full practice tests and work through additional SPS and PSE prompts.
Eighth-grade summer, fall, and winter classes: Students begin completing weekly practice tests after the first week of class.
Private tutoring: The instructor sets the practice schedule based on the student's start date, current needs, and revision progress. Most private students begin weekly practice tests in October and continue through the official assessment.
Access to full-length practice tests through Principia's online portal is included in tuition. Students receive individualized feedback on every test completed by the assigned deadline.
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We do not offer makeup sessions for missed group classes. Students should still complete the assigned homework by the deadline so they can receive feedback, review the materials from the class they missed, and complete the work assigned for the following session.
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We wish we could, but no. TJ uses a holistic review, and several parts of the process are outside any preparation program's control. What we can do is give students serious practice, careful feedback, and a much clearer understanding of how to communicate their thinking. Whatever the admissions decision, those are skills they will use again.
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Once a class has begun, we do not offer refunds, so we recommend checking in with your student beforehand. Our strongest classes are filled with students who are ready to participate, practice, and complete the homework.
If plans change before the course begins:
Cancel three or more weeks before the start date: 100% refund, less the $100 registration fee.
Cancel two weeks before the start date: 50% refund, less the registration fee.
Cancel within one week of the start date: No refund.
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Students should complete TJ practice tests and homework independently, without generative AI, calculators, or other assistive tools. That gives them practice under conditions that reflect the official assessment and gives the instructor an honest picture of what the student can do. If submitted work does not resemble a student's usual writing or reasoning, the instructor will discuss it with the student and, when appropriate, the parent.
Our instructors do not use AI to evaluate student work or generate feedback. Thoughtful, individualized feedback is one of the central parts of the program, and it comes from an instructor who knows the student's strengths, sticking points, and stories.