Thomas Jefferson High School’s Admission Process Sparks Debate and Division Within the Community. For many years, Thomas Jefferson has been one of the most distinguished high schools in the United States, known for its amazing academic program and great student body. However, the school has recently come under lots of hate for its use of a merit-based admissions procedure, which people claim they “cherry pick” wealthy and well-connected families. Thomas Jefferson High School is the number one high school in the country and known for being one of the hardest schools.
However, for the class of 2025 and above, a new admissions process has been set. The new admissions process is based on a student’s grade point average, a student portrait sheet where they will be asked to demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st century skills; a problem-solving essay; and experience factors. The application process before the class of 2025 became freshman, was based on an initial screening based on academic performance and standardized test scores followed by a writing application.
The people who set the new admission system say the revisions were meant to boost diversity at the school. In the 2021-2022 school year TJ admitted a class of freshmen that was more diverse than any other in recent memory. Many graduates and current students or students’ parents have a say this.
Yusra has opinions on TJ beyond just the admissions process. When asked about her thoughts about TJ she expresses her emotions by saying it’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs for her. “As much as I tend to feel like I do fit in with others academically, there are definitely times where things make me feel the complete opposite” she says. Many students look on the bright side and think even though it may be tiring right now, their life outside of high school and how successful they might be lifts them up. “There can be times where it gets so draining to the point where I have no self-motivation left. However, all the hard work everyone puts in assures you that you are going to be ready for college and what’s beyond to come” Wahidi says.
Thomas Jefferson High school is a stem-based school that focuses on it’s academics much more than anything else. However, with the workload being heavy, the school offers many fun events after a stressful week. Anuja Singh, a sophomore at TJ, says homecoming week was one of her best memories at TJ. “No matter what time of the year it is, TJ will always be stressful, but the events keep me going, for example TJ’s homecoming week has always been an amazing memory for me.” Anuja says her favorite part about TJ will always be the community. “Although many of my friends transferred out of TJ, the school still holds many great memories and I’m glad I am able to make more every year.”
Some students say the new admission system has affected the way they perceive themselves at TJ. This leaves us with the question of, is TJ worth all the stress and exhaustion?
