TJHSST admissions: the Class of 2031 application
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is a Fairfax County Public Schools STEM high school serving several Northern Virginia school divisions. It admits 8th graders through a holistic review rather than an entrance test. Applications for the Class of 2031 open on 5 October 2026.
An independent guide by EagleTeach, based on the school's published admissions pages. We are not affiliated with Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; always confirm details with the school.
Entry points and deadlines
Applicants are 8th graders who live in a participating school division: Arlington County, Fairfax County (including the City of Fairfax), Falls Church City, Loudoun County or Prince William County.
In FCPS's published criteria for the last cycle (Class of 2030), students needed Honors Algebra I or a higher math course, honors science and at least one other honors course (or Young Scholar identification), and a GPA of at least 3.5 across 7th grade and the first quarter of 8th grade.
FCPS offers 550 freshman seats. Each public middle school is presumptively allocated seats equal to 1.5% of its 8th-grade class; the remaining seats are unallocated, and unused allocated seats join them.
Applications are reviewed for minimum requirements first, and students who don't meet them are told before the essay administration.
Testing
There is no admissions test. Eligible applicants are evaluated holistically on their GPA, a Student Portrait Sheet, a STEM Problem-Solving Essay and experience factors set out in FCPS's admissions policy.
The Student Portrait Sheet asks students to show the attributes in FCPS's Portrait of a Graduate and 21st-century skills; the essay asks them to work through a STEM problem in writing.
Both are completed in a single timed administration in January: last cycle it was on Saturday 24 January 2026, with a make-up date for accommodations and illness.
Key dates for the Class of 2031 (9th grade in fall 2027)
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Monday 5 October 2026, 4pm | Class of 2031 application opens |
| Wednesday 28 October 2026, 4pm | Last time to start an application |
| Friday 30 October 2026, 4pm | Application submission deadline |
| December 2026 | Students who don't meet the minimum requirements are notified (last cycle: 10 December) |
| January 2027 | Student Portrait Sheet and Problem-Solving Essay (last cycle: 24 January) |
| Spring 2027 | Final decisions (last cycle: no later than 30 April) |
How to prepare
- ✓ Start the application before 28 October: an application not started by then can't be submitted.
- ✓ Protect the GPA through the first quarter of 8th grade: it counts towards the 3.5 minimum.
- ✓ Practise timed writing about a STEM problem: explain each step and why you took it, not just the answer.
- ✓ Collect examples of curiosity, collaboration and persistence for the Student Portrait Sheet before the January administration.
Need help with the tests? tutoring in the Washington DC area or online test prep tutoring.
Common questions
Is there a TJHSST entrance test?＋
No. Admission uses a holistic review of GPA, the Student Portrait Sheet, the Problem-Solving Essay and experience factors.
What GPA do you need for TJ?＋
At least 3.5 across 7th grade and the first quarter of 8th grade, in FCPS's last published criteria.
How many students does TJHSST admit?＋
550 freshman seats, with each public middle school presumptively allocated 1.5% of its 8th-grade class.
When is the TJ application deadline?＋
4pm on Friday 30 October 2026 for the Class of 2031; it must be started by 4pm on 28 October.
When are TJ admissions results released?＋
In spring: last cycle's final decisions came no later than 30 April.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 2026-10-13.