FAQ: Is the TJ Class Long Enough?

Comment: I have seen more in depth TJ prep classes that meet every week till the week of the exam. These classes meet anywhere from 5 to 8 months for at least two hours a week.

Response: Dalby has been in the test preparation business for over 20 years. Our goal is to provide the best service possible at the lowest cost in time and money. Many parents find it difficult to transport children to and from classes and so we design our program to minimize inconvenience and maximize results; we carefully evaluate the student at the beginning to determine the amount of work necessary to achieve the goal (in this case passing the first cut of TJ admissions) and we keep our classes small (eight students or fewer) so that class time is used more efficiently. Our high success rate speaks volumes.

Dalby has six components to its TJ admissions test program.

A. A diagnostic test to determine the extent of review necessary for effective preparation.

B. A six-session class designed for rising 8th graders.

C. A fifteen-week class of three modules (essay, verbal, math) of five weeks each for 7th graders.

D. Flexible one-on-one tutoring to address the need for supplemental instruction.

E. Required on-site timed practice testing as part of the six-week TJ class.

F. Essay writing classes for 8th graders.

Analysis of the six components

A. In 2008 we administered a diagnostic test to l9 students. Of those l9 students we determined that four of the students were weak candidates* and would need supplemental work to make the first cut of the TJ admissions process. Three of the students entered the class, and one was tutored. One of the four made the first cut (one chose not to take the exam). Of the remaining l6 students all made the first cut.

B. In our six-session classes there were l4 students total. Two groups of six and one group of two. In the summer class two students received supplemental tutoring**. One of those two students had taken a previous course elsewhere. Five of the six, including the student with previous coursework, made the first cut.

C. In response to requests for 7th grade preparation we created the three module course. Not all students take all modules; once again in an effort to conserve family resources, we make recommendations as to which of the particular modules a student will benefit from.

D. Students schedule tutoring for different reasons. Last year five students only did tutoring***. Some students need so little preparation even our six-week class is overkill, some students can't fit the class into their schedules, others need to supplement class time because six sessions isn't enough. (Out of the l4 class students, four received supplemental tutoring.) After the diagnostic test we will be quite frank in our assessment; we encourage the diagnostic test to be taken as soon as possible. Parents need to have a clear idea of the students prospects. The admissions process is very competitive and many qualified students don't make the second cut. However, we believe that our program has long term value in preparing students for other standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT.

E. In the past this testing has been done as part of homework but starting in 2010 it is required that the testing be done at our office at our office. There is no charge for this service for enrolled students. Timed practice is an essential part of any test prep program. Some students feel uncomfortable about test taking and so doing the test at our site helps desensitize them to the process.

F. Essay writing for 8th graders. The regular six-week class covers some essay writing but we have a optional supplemental class for essay writing. We strongly recommend this class because our experience is that the 8th graders are, as a group, pretty poor writers. The essays are an important part of the 2nd round of admissions and should not be neglected. (It never hurts to learn to write better.)

[* Interestingly, three of these students expressed little desire to attend TJ. The student who was tutored repeatly told me she was interested in art, and the others (or their parents) seemed simply interested in keeping their options open. The one who did make the first cut was much more engaged. Nevertheless, all four students improved their math, verbal, and test taking skills.]

[**The girl who took the course elsewhere and did supplemental tutoring did not (in my estimation) need supplemental tutoring but she thought it would be an easy way to stay fresh during the fall. She came for five private sessions in the fall.]

[***Two of the students who were tutored had taken a classroom course elsewhere and wanted to improve scores further. Both made the first cut and one made the second cut (which our review only addresses through improving essay writing skills.)

PART TWO

During Part Two of the admissions process, semifinalists must collect additional information to complete their application packets by late February. At this time, the semifinalists' essays written in December also are reviewed and scored by trained readers/educators.



All semifinalists must obtain three teacher recommendations and fill out a Student Information Sheet to complete their application packets to TJHSST. The recommendations must come from a math teacher, a science teacher, and a third teacher of the applicant's choice. Recommendations should come from teachers the student has had in grade 7 or grade 8. The Information Sheet requests that the student list and describe his/her four most important academic, and four most important after-school or out-of-school, interests, activities, and accomplishments, keeping in mind the TJHSST Mission Statement. The Information Sheet also requires students to write a personal statement.



The teacher recommendations and Student Information Sheet complete the semifinalist's application packet, which also includes two essay scores; report card marks in core subjects (7th grade final marks, 1st and 2nd quarter 8th grade marks); admissions test scores (verbal and mathematics raw scores and percentile ranks); and the student's original application form. No other materials are included or considered in any student's application packet under any circumstances. 



The entire application packet is evaluated holistically by two selection committees consisting of two trained, qualified educators or professionals per team. Applicants are evaluated for admission based on the following criteria:

In this holistic review, no one component of the application packet carries any greater weight than any other. Evaluators look for consistency across the application that correlates with one of the four ratings they may give an applicant. Students ultimately are admitted to TJHSST based on the strength of the final four ratings they receive from the selection committees. 

After committee review, final decisions on admissions are made, and semifinalists are notified in early April whether or not they will be offered admission.