<p>My son received admission to TJ and AOS. We are now trying to decide the school for him. As a parent, I want to help him to make an informed decision.
I would really appreciate if you can help me clarify the questions:
Is there difference in TJ GPA with AOS GPA? (I was told that TJ students study hard to get the same GPA with similar courses as in base school)
Is there quota in college selection?
Are there any advantages to study in TJ over AOS?</p>
<p>I’m sorry, I’m not sure you’ll find much help on this form. Most of the discussions are related to private, boarding prep schools.</p>
<p>Does “TJ” refer to “Thomas Jefferson School of Science and Technology” in Virginia? If so, then I would guess “AOS” refers to “Academy of Science” in Virginia. (I believe they are both public high schools in Virginia?)</p>
<p>Yes, TJ is Thomas Jefferson School of Science and Technology and “AOS” refers to “Academy of Science” in Virginia. They both are public schools for gifted and talented kids.</p>
<p>PVNova, Congratulations to you and your son. While Mountainhiker correctly notes that this forum is almost entirely devoted to discussions about private boarding schools, there is no rule of exclusivity (e.g., private day schools creep into the discussion as well), and at least part of your question relates to a topic we are all familiar with, finding the right “fit.” You should be able to find plenty of good suggestions on the threads where that topic appears. </p>
<p>TJ is, of course, a singular diamond among public magnet schools. Perhaps it goes unmentioned in this forum partly as an act of willful blindness. Its stats regarding student SAT scores, Intel and Siemens finalists, NMF, NMSF, college placement, eventual Rhodes Scholars, etc., as well as the breadth and depth of its STEM course offerings blow away virtually all of the private schools held dear here. If prestige is what you are after, then look no further. Coupled with its pricetag, TJ offers a source of remediless envy. Let’s make this the last such mention, so those of us who reside outside of its catchment area and inside our private BS bubble can resume our bliss :)</p>
<p>Assuming you and your son are looking for more than a nameplate, then consider that AOS appears to offer a somewhat more low key (much smaller student body, newer school, less established tradition, though with stratospheric stats of its own), but still fabulous educational experience. Ultimately the choice between it and TJ should be S’s, based upon what he feels will suit him - integrated science curriculum at AOS v. smorgashboard of choices at TJ, more competitive sports and extracurricular offerings at TJ v. more leadership opportunities at smaller AOS, more friends going to one or the other, particularly keen interest served better by one or the other, etc. CCers should recognize your choice as similar to that between the larger “sink or swim” and smaller “nurturing” BSs. </p>
<p>As for your specific GPA and college placement questions, I’d suggest going to the schools themselves for clarification, if you really must know. However, I think those questions are beside the point. Both schools have strong track records. If your son finds the right fit, there is no question that he’ll be on the road to academic success. Again, congratulations, and good luck.</p>
<p>My S is just graduating from TJ. It is an absolutely fabulous school. I had never heard of AOS before I saw your thread. It has been the number one ranked public high school in the nation ever since US News started ranking them and I can tell you that when a TJ student applies to a school, that school listens. The admissions officers at all the top universities and colleges in the country have heard of TJ and know what an education there means. My S got into Caltech, Amherst, Cornell (the only Ivy he applied to) among others and I’m sure the TJ association helped because admissions people know the breadth and rigor of the education on offer there. The only advantage to going to AOS it that it would avoid the long bus ride from Loudon into Annandale, where TJ is located. But if your S is sharp enough to get into TJ it would be a shame not to send him there.</p>
<p>Hi, jmgradon, I live in Loudoun county and am interested in your prespective regarding AOS vs. TJ now it’s half a year since your first post. Would greatly apprecaite any insights!</p>
This thread is from 2012 now it is 2015 :).
My son received admission to TJ and AOS. We are now trying to decide the school for him. As a parent, I want to help him to make an informed decision. We live Loudoun County. I would really appreciate if you can help me clarify the questions:
- Is there difference in TJ GPA with AOS GPA? (I was told that TJ students study hard to get the same GPA with similar courses as in base school)
- Are there any advantages to study in TJ over AOS?
- He likes to study Astro Phsicics, Quantum Mechanics, Research. I guess both school provide exposure to this?
- I also like him to continue his other activities outside school...
- Is AoS now well known as TJ to colleges?
Any new insight/guidance/suggestions?
Thanks,
Very true. And in these here parts, we don’t like to bring threads back from the dead. Please start a new discussion. Closing.