This class and the associated individual consultations prepare students to write the Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) and problem-solving essay for admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ). Enjoy being confident and prepared!

Registration is now closed for this course.

Class Information

• Weekend class meetings in 2022-2023: 1pm-3pm on Sunday December 18, Saturday January 7, and Sunday January 29
• PLUS: two one-hour private consultations individually scheduled by appointment at either 4pm, 5pm, or 6pm on a weekday during the weeks of January 9-13 and January 16-20, between the second and third class meetings. (Once we receive your registration and payment, we will contact you to schedule individual appointment times.)
• Location: In person at our Annandale location, with Zoom as a fall-back if public health developments make in-person meetings unsafe at that time
• Price: $695 includes three-class package (six total hours instruction) and two private one-hour consultations.

In this class, we strive to (1) strengthen the students’ writing, and (2) brainstorm until students have enough personal anecdotes to support the proposition that they will be superb TJ students. This second objective increases student confidence and purpose no matter where they end up attending high school. The course is taught by Dr. Nancy Levonian, with editing support from professional editors.

Students identify their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) strengths, identify their character strengths, and solidify a vision of their future success. During the third session, students will practice outlining essays under test conditions. Following practice sessions writing the TJ SPS and problem-solving essay, students will receive writing instruction and editing suggestions.

For more information about the TJ Freshman admissions process, click here for the information page on the FCPS website (this link takes you away from the Lives Under Construction website).