TJ Prep in Ashburn: Student Portrait Sheet & Problem-Solving Essay
An 8-session winter class for Loudoun 8th graders applying to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, finishing three days before the January 9 sitting.
8 sessions
Nov 14 – Jan 6
2 hours
Per session
Every essay
Gets written feedback
Small group
In person, Ashburn
TJ admissions for 2026–27 at a glance
- Who can apply
- 8th graders in participating divisions, including Loudoun County
- Minimum requirements
- Unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, Algebra I, honors science, and honors English or social studies
- What is assessed
- Student Portrait Sheet, a math/science Problem-Solving Essay, and core GPA
- Portrait Sheet & essay sitting
- Saturday, January 9, 2027
- Final decisions
- April 30, 2027
Source: FCPS TJHSST admissions. Dates are set by FCPS and may change. Full details in our TJ admissions guide.
What the class covers
Problem-Solving Essay
Students solve math and science problems in the style of past and similar TJ prompts, then learn to explain their reasoning clearly and completely.
Student Portrait Sheet
Practice with Portrait Sheet prompts so students can show their real strengths, experiences and growth in their own words.
Feedback on every response
Every essay and practice response comes back with written feedback on what worked and what to sharpen next.
Full timed simulations
Students sit full simulations in the test format: four short Portrait Sheet responses and one Problem-Solving Essay, under the real time limits.
Winter 2026–27 schedule
8 sessions, $600. No class during winter break.
| Session | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat, Nov 14 | 11 AM – 1 PM |
| 2 | Sat, Nov 21 | 11 AM – 1 PM |
| 3 | Sat, Nov 28 | 11 AM – 1 PM |
| 4 | Wed, Dec 2 | 5 – 7 PM |
| 5 | Sat, Dec 5 | 11 AM – 1 PM |
| 6 | Wed, Dec 9 | 5 – 7 PM |
| 7 | Sat, Dec 12 | 11 AM – 1 PM |
| 8 | Wed, Jan 6 | 5 – 7 PM (final review) |
Starting earlier, in 7th grade?
Our year-long Academies of Loudoun program builds the math and reasoning TJ applicants need, and its writing hour alternates ACL and TJ essay prompts all year.
Questions parents ask
Is there still a TJ admissions test?+
No standardized test. FCPS evaluates the Student Portrait Sheet, a Problem-Solving Essay in math and/or science, and core GPA. Both written pieces happen at a single sitting in January.
Can Loudoun County students apply to TJ?+
Yes. Loudoun County is one of the participating divisions, along with Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church and Prince William.
What does the class cost and when does it meet?+
$600 for 8 sessions. Saturdays 11 AM – 1 PM from November 14, three Wednesday sessions 5 – 7 PM, and a final review on January 6, three days before the sitting.
Can you guarantee admission?+
No one honestly can. What we can do is make sure your child walks into the sitting practiced, confident and able to show their thinking clearly.
Questions? Call us at +1 703 401 8779 or +1 703 729 3599.
Pricing & Enrollment
TJ Portrait Sheet & Essay Class
$600
- 8 sessions, Nov 14 – Jan 6, before the Jan 9 sitting
- Saturdays 11 AM – 1 PM, plus 3 Wednesdays 5 – 7 PM
- Written feedback on every essay and Portrait Sheet response
Questions or looking for a different option? Call us at +1 703 401 8779 or +1 703 729 3599. We're happy to help.