• Applicant: The student in 8^th, 9^th or 10^th grade completing an application.
• Applicant Portal: Central place for student to begin and complete TJHSST application process.
• Class of 2028: The year the Freshman Round applicant will graduate from high school.
• Dropdown Box: Select This box will contain a list from which you will be able to select the category that fits your specific requirement.
• FCPS: Fairfax County Public Schools
• Field: Space allocated for a particular item of information. A field is also called a cell.
• Log Out: You may select 'Log Out' under your User Name at the top right of any page and you will be logged out of the system. If you have made a change on the page, you will be asked if you would like to stay on the page and save your changes or leave the page and not save your changes.
• Menu Buttons: Across the top of every page are the Menu Buttons. Select any of the buttons to open a separate browser window and display the selected website.
• Part 1 of the Application: The first screen of the application (Part 1) is required to be completed in order for an applicant's math requirement to be verified.
• Participating Jurisdictions: The five areas that allow students to apply to TJHSST are Fairfax County, Arlington County, City of Falls Church, Loudoun County and Prince William County.
• Password:
  • FCPS: The password used when accessing your FCPS network account. The password is NOT your Blackboard account password.
  • Non-FCPS: A self-generated password.
• Progress: This screen displays the steps of the application process that have or have not been completed including your final submission to the TJHSST Admissions Office. If you become a qualified applicant, it will continue to display information that includes the final notification process and intent form.
• Save: All characters entered are stored in the system when the "Save" button is used.
• School Contact: The person responsible at each school for verifying the math requirement. This person may also be identified locally as the TJHSST Liaison Counselor. If you are a homeschooled student, then the Admissions Office serves as the School Contact.
• Submit: When all parts of the application are completed, the "Submit" button is used to send the completed application to the TJHSST Admissions Office.
• Tab: One of many boxes across the top of the page, just below the Admissions Logo, that allow you to "enter" that section of the application.
• TJHSST: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ)
• TJHSST Admissions: Department, separate from the school (TJHSST), that coordinates all aspects of the admissions process for TJHSST.
• User Name:
  • FCPS: Your student ID (seven-digit) number received when you started school in FCPS.
  • Non-FCPS: A system-generated ID to be used throughout the process will be assigned following Log In.

For explanations of the various "fields" and "tabs" used throughout the system, click the corresponding tab above.

Applicant Log-In Screen

• User Name:
  • FCPS: Enter your Student ID (7-digit number assigned to you by FCPS) under "User Name" and your Password associated with your student FCPS Network ID and Password (not your Blackboard account password).
  • Non-FCPS: The first time you log in you will not need to enter a User Name but you will need to 'Check' all three boxes on the screen and select your county of residence. Follow the directions on the page entering a Password and the system will provide you with a User Name. From that point forward, you will use your assigned User Name, along with your Password to access your information.

• All information on this screen is required in order to "Create" your account. You will receive an e-mail confirming your account has been established. Be sure to record your User Name and Password in a safe place. You will need them throughout the process.

Application Screen - Applicant Data Fields

• Page 1: Be sure to fill out all fields with a red asterisk (*). If you are an FCPS student, your demographic information will be automatically uploaded from your school's Student Information System. If you have any changes to that information, you will need to contact your school TJHSST Liaison Counselor to make changes in your records at your base middle school. At any time you may "Save" the information you have entered that was not automatically included. We encourage you to save often. Please make sure you have checked with your parent/guardian to get their correct e-mail address. All communication with parents/guardians will be through the e-mail address system. This is the End of Part 1 (the minimal amount of information) that must be completed in order for the school contact to approve the math requirement.
• Page 2: All fields on this page are required. For "Primary Language Spoken in Home", use the drop-down box to make your selection. If you click any of the "Include as" checkboxes on this page, it will copy the information to Page 4.
• Page 3: Please note that the "Alternate Parent/Guardian E-Mail Address" is optional. If you click any of the "Include as" checkboxes on this page, it will copy the information to Page 4. If you want to keep a copy of what you have entered, use the "Print" button and you will be able to print the screen you have entered.
• Page 4: If any fields have not been filled from previous pages, please provide the additional requested information.
• Page 5: Both questions under "Ethnic Group" must be answered. As noted, refer to the TJHSST website in the 'Note' box, if you are unsure how to answer either question.
• Page 6: Select a test site for the jurisdiction in which you reside. City of Falls Church residents may select any test site.
• Page 7: Applicant, please click the checkbox indicating that you approve the Application and are ready to electronically sign.
• What next? Applicant, after you have electronically signed the application, the school TJHSST Liaison Counselor will verify your math requirement (if they have not already done so) and an e-mail will be generated indicating that the parent/guardian may now log in, complete and sign the application, and "Submit" the application.

You will not be able to access the "Submit" button until the application is completed.

Parent/Guardian Log-In Screen

• User Name: The parent/guardian should not attempt to create an account until the applicant has first logged in and created his or her account. When the Applicant logged in to begin the Application process, they entered a parent/guardian e-mail address. An e-mail was then generated from Fairfax County Public Schools providing you the link to the Applicant Portal. If you are attempting to enter an e-mail address and you are receiving an error message, please be aware that the Applicant must have created your e-mail address prior to the parent log-in process. The e-mail address entered by the parent/guardian must match the e-mail address entered for the parent/guardian by the applicant on their Application. Click the "Log-In" button.
• Applicant Name: Enter the applicant name, date of birth and current school name. Select 'Search' to locate your student. On the following screen you should find your student listed. If you do not locate your student, be sure to go to the bottom of the screen and 'Click' on the link for assistance.
• Application: When you finally click the "Applicant Portal" button, you will be directed to the first page in the Applicant Portal. Please read through the entire application to ensure that the information entered by your student is correct and complete. Make sure you have checked the electronic signature box for the Parent and made the appropriate payment.

• Applicant Progress: This screen displays the steps of the application process that have or have not been completed including your final submission to the TJHSST Admissions Office. It will continue to display information that includes the final notification process and intent form.
• Correspondence: This screen will contain all e-mail messages you receive during the application process.
• Applicant Decision: This screen will advise you of your final status if offered admission, denied admission or placed in wait pool. If you were offered admission or placed in the wait pool, you must "accept" or "not accept" the decision to attend TJHSST or remain in the wait pool. You also must select from the dropdown box the local high school you would have attended if you are attending TJHSST. Finally, if you choose not to attend TJHSST, please select the high school you will be attending from the dropdown box.
• Applicant Selection: If you have multiple Applicants you are assisting, selecting this tab will display the Parent/Guardian Log-In screen allowing you to select the Applicant you wish to assist.
• Additional Forms: If you have testing accommodations and need to provide documentation, or if you attend a private school and need to provide proof of residency documents, please refer to this tab for additional information. Also if you are eligible for Free or Reduced Meals (FRM), then you will upload the supporting documentation into the Appropriate Form for FRM. 

These tabs will not be visible unless an applicant is a Freshman Round qualified applicant or is in Sophomore or Junior Round.

• Student Portrait Sheet: This "Tab" is for applicants who are in the Sophomore or Junior Round. This seven-page document is one of the five components used to determine whether a student is offered admission to TJHSST. For qualified applicants in the Freshman Round, this component is completed in a virtual-timed environment.
• Teacher Recommendations: This "Tab" is for applicants who are in the Sophomore or Junior Rounds. These three (in Sophomore or Junior Round) required recommendations are one of the components used to determine whether a student is offered admission to TJHSST.
• Applicant Progress: This screen displays the steps of the application process that have or have not been completed including your final submission to the TJHSST Admissions Office. If you become a qualified applicant, it will continue to display information that includes the final notification process and intent form.
• Correspondence: This screen contains all e-mail messages you have received during the application process.
• Applicant Decision: If you are offered admission or placed in the wait pool, this screen will allow you to enter your decision. You will select from the dropdown box the local high school you would have attended if you are attending TJHSST. Finally, if you choose not to attend TJHSST, you will select the high school you will be attending from the dropdown box.
• Additional Forms:If you have testing accommodations, please refer to this tab for additional information.

Eligibility

Do I have to live in Northern Virginia to apply to TJHSST?

Yes, you must live full time in one of the five participating jurisdictions in Northern Virginia at the time of application. Those jurisdictions are Arlington County, Fairfax County, City of Falls Church, Loudoun County and Prince William County.

Do I have to be in the 8^th grade to apply to the freshman class at TJHSST?

Yes, you must be in 8^th grade to apply to the 9^th grade at TJHSST.

I am in the 9^th grade but I would be willing to repeat 9^th grade if I could go to TJHSST. Can I apply for the freshman class?

No, only current 8^th grade students can apply for the freshman class. You can apply to the sophomore class (10^th grade) at TJHSST. You could do so beginning at the start of April of your freshman year of high school.

Do I need to be in an advanced academic program (AAP) or gifted and talented (GT) to apply to TJHSST?

No, you do not need to be participating in an AAP or GT program in order to apply to TJHSST. However, you do need to be enrolled in the required honors level courses based upon the jurisdiction in which you live. 

Do I need to be in Geometry to apply to TJHSST?

No, the math requirement to apply is that you are enrolled in Honors Algebra I or higher in grade 8.

I am in Math 8 right now instead of Algebra I. Can I apply?

If you are enrolled in Math 8, you would not be eligible to apply.

Application

Can I apply?

Yes, you may apply if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Do I need any special equipment or software to apply online?

You will need a computer with internet access in order to apply online.

Is there a particular browser I need to use to apply online?

You should be able to access the online system using any of the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox 6.0 and higher, Google Chrome or Safari 5+.

How do I get a login and password?

If you are a Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) student, you will be instructed to enter your FCPS Network Student ID and Password. If you are not currently an FCPS student, you will be instructed to enter your desired Password and the system will assign you a User Name.

Do I need to tell my school counselor that I plan to apply?

No, you do not need to inform your counselor that you are applying. Your school TJHSST Liaison Counselor obtains the information regarding your application via the Staff Portal and will verify that you are enrolled in the required math class once you have entered the required minimum information in the application process.

Do you accept late applications after the deadline?

No, applications are not accepted after the deadline. The online system will close at 4:00 pm on the deadline date and any applications not completed by that time may not be submitted.

How will I know if you received my application?

When you apply online and submit your application, you will receive an email notification. (Verification of the application fee does not constitute submission.) Be sure you submit and receive the auto-reply email indicating that you have submitted the application. (Refer to the Applicant Progress Tab inside the application to monitor all notifications including submission of the application.)

I don't have two contact phone numbers, can I still apply?

Yes, you may apply if you don’t have two contact phone numbers. Use the same phone number twice and you will be able to continue with the application process.

What is the difference between a parent/guardian and an alternate parent/guardian?

The application process required one parent as a sponsor of the application. You may enter both parents' names by filling out parent/guardian as well as alternate parent/guardian information.

I want to apply online but can't find my school name in the dropdown box, what should I do?

If you are unable to locate your school in the dropdown box, please contact the Admissions Office. If you reside within a participating jurisdiction, they will add your school to the system so you may continue with your application. Keep in mind that some schools are shown only by their last name. For example, Carl Sandburg MS may be listed as Sandburg MS.

If I attend a private school, can I still submit an application?

Yes. Private school students may submit an application. The process is identical for public, private, and homeschooled students.

I don't want to enter my race or ethnic information, why do you need to know this?

Since 1977, the federal government has mandated that race and ethnicity information be collected in order to be eligible for federal education funds and for accountability reports. Since 2010, the information is used to more accurately reflect the nation's diversity.

May I select any test site in the dropdown box?

There are 17 test sites available. You must test in the jurisdiction in which you live with the exception of the City of Falls Church. We do not have a test site for the City of Falls Church so they may select any test site.

I can’t take the admissions test on the scheduled day. Are there alternate test dates?

There is an alternate test date for students who are unable to test on the scheduled testing day due to religious beliefs, who are sick on the scheduled test day, or who have requested testing accommodations available through the Additional Forms tab in the application. You will not be able to select that date but you must complete the Alternate Test Date Request Form located also through the Additional Forms tab in the application.

I need special support (extended time/medical accommodations), what do I need to do?

In the online application you will have the ability to identify Testing Accommodations that you are requesting and that are supported by a 504 Plan, IEP, English Language Learner Plan or other documentation. The forms will be available through the Additional Forms tab in the application.

I submitted my application online but don’t want to apply anymore, how do I withdraw my application?

Once you have submitted your application online, you must contact the Admissions Office to have it withdrawn.

I don't see my admissions decision, when will I be notified?

Final decisions for Winter Round applicants will be released for the 2022-203 applicants in April 2023. Applicants will be e-mailed when the decisions are available in the Applicant Portal.

If I have a question that isn’t covered in this document where do I go?

Please refer to the Admissions website, www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions, or contact the Admissions Office at 571-423-3770.

Attaching Documents

What do I need to submit with my application (supporting documents)?

You may not need to submit any supporting documents. However, if you are requesting an Alternate Test Date, Testing Accommodations, or are in a private school and must provide Proof of Residency, then you would be required to submit documents as indicated in the Application Process. (These documents are located on the "Forms" tab.)

What kinds of documents can I attach to my application?

You should attach only documents that are requested on Page 6 of the Application. We do not accept any documents that are not requested as part of the Application. Do not submit unsolicited materials that are being used to enhance the application.

How do I attach my supporting documents if I am applying online?

The online application will allow you to attach an electronic copy of your supporting documents. You will be able to browse your computer and select the file you wish to upload. The file will be uploaded when you save the page. Currently we support upload of the following file types/extensions:

• Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
• Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
• OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.fods, .ods)
• OpenDocument Text (.fodt, .odt)
• Portable Document Format (.pdf)

Note: The application does not provide the ability to scan documents, so if you do not have electronic copies of your documents, you will need to scan them prior to uploading to the application.

Payment Information

How can I get an application fee waiver?

There is currently no fee for applying to TJHSST.

Do students pay tuition to attend TJHSST?

No, there is no tuition to attend TJHSST since it is a public school. There are, however, various fees such as lab fees and extra-curricular activity fees that would be similar to any public high school.