The Student Information Sheet/Essay

The Student Information Sheet/Essay

Nuts and Bolts

All semifinalists will complete the Student Information Sheet, or SIS, along with an essay at the same site they were assigned to take the December admissions test. The SIS is made up of three questions designed to learn about a semifinalist's prior experiences, goals, and interests. Students will have two hours to complete all three SIS questions and the Essay.

The SIS and Essay responses will be completed online using a computer. Semifinalists can use up to 1650 characters to respond to each SIS question (approximately 380 words) and up to 3700 characters for the essay prompt (approximately 800 words). All responses must be completed within the space provided. Semifinalists will receive one piece of scratch paper to take notes, organize your thoughts, etc. Students should bring several ball point pens or pencils. No other materials are given or allowed.

The Student Information Sheet (SIS)

The Student Information Sheet (SIS) is much more than a list of activities and achievements. It is a way for us to get to know semifinalists better. It is clear that they are all smart kids. Now we want to learn about their interests and passions. How have those interests, passions, and other experiences influenced them? What have they done to explore those interests?

The SIS is also looking for more than why students want to go to TJ. We want to know why they are interested in a school that offers a rigorous STEM focus. Students can take hard math and science classes at any high school in Northern Virginia. What is it about the program TJ offers that is appealing to them?

The Essay Prompt

Remember, TJ students are problem solvers and critical thinkers. They can use their experiences and perspectives to express their views and back up their opinions. We want to know how semifinalists answer the essay prompt based on their perspective, experiences, and problem-solving ability. It is up to the student to decide how to answer the prompt and support their position.

Phone: 571-423-3770

Email: tjadmissions@fcps.edu



10 Tips to Prepare for the SIS/Essay

1. Understand what TJHSST is all about.

Go to tjhsst.edu to review the TJHSST mission statement and to learn about the classes and labs offered at TJ. Remember, there are lots of amazing things at TJ, but it is first and foremost a STEM-focused school.

2. Think about why you want to attend a school like TJHSST.

What does TJ offer that other high schools do not? What makes you think that TJ is the right fit for you? How do activities and programs at TJ tie in with your own personal goals and interests?

TJ students not only take advantage of what the school has to offer, but also contribute to the culture of the TJ community. Think about how your interests, background, etc., could add to TJ's diverse group of learners.

3. Think about what you have done to help show that TJHSST is a right fit for you.

Remember, TJ is a STEM-focused school and the SIS/Essay helps us figure out which applicants would be the best fit for the school. Have you shown an interest in science, technology, engineering, or math prior to now? What have you done to pursue that interest?

4. Practice writing about yourself.

Imagine you are sitting in an interview and someone is asking you questions about yourself. How would you respond? The trick to the SIS/Essay is being able to effectively write your responses. Take some time to write about things you have done, experiences that were important to you, and things you want to do in the future. Also practice writing about why you did them (or want to do them), what you learned (or would like to learn), etc.

5. Write often about lots of different things.

Practice makes perfect! Get in the habit now of writing every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. Practicing daily will help improve your writing skills. (Great writers, like great musicians and great athletes, improve with practice.)

You can practice writing about all kinds of topics. Choose something you read about in a book or heard on the news. Write about something you really enjoyed and why. Write about something you like or something you hate. Use one of the sample questions. The point is that practice helps you get used to writing about lots of different things. You can also ask your siblings, parents, and teachers for ideas so that you get practice writing about topics you did not think up.

Phone: 571-423-3770

Email: tjadmissions@fcps.edu



6. Give thorough and detailed responses. Provide as much detail as possible in your responses. Do not assume that the people reading your responses will know what you mean without explaining what you mean. You only get this one chance and will not have an opportunity to explain your responses afterwards.

7. Practice timed writing. Time management is very important. Find a quiet place to work and use a watch or timer to keep track of time while you practice. You could even get someone to time you.

8. Review your work. While you practice, take a moment to re-read what you wrote. Were your responses clear? Did you answer each part of the prompts completely? Did your responses have lots of details? How much time did you use?

9. Have someone else review your writing too. Ask a friend, family member, or even one of your teachers to read your responses and ask them for feedback on your writing. Ask if the reader thinks that your responses are clear and complete, with detail. Also ask the reader for any advice that could help improve your writing.

10. Be honest.

You have worked hard to make it this far and we want to know what you really think. Do not just write what you think we want to read!

Good luck as you prepare for the SIS/Essay writing.

? TJHSST Admissions Office. All rights reserved.

This document is provided for individual use by applicants. No portion of this document may be printed or used without the expressed permission of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Admissions Office.

Phone: 571-423-3770

Email: tjadmissions@fcps.edu



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