Accepted to TJHSST? What to Do in the Next 30 Days

You did it! You opened your admissions portal, held your breath, and saw the word “Congratulations.” You’re officially in — accepted to TJHSST, one of the most prestigious STEM high schools in the country.

Now what?

Sure, celebrate — you earned it. But once the confetti settles, there’s something else you need to do: start planning. Because while acceptance is a finish line, it’s also a starting line.

Here’s everything you should be thinking about in your first 30 days as an admitted TJ student.

Celebrate, But Don’t Lose Momentum

Take your victory lap. Post your acceptance, share the joy with friends and family, maybe even treat yourself to your favorite dessert.

But remember: the habits that got you here will shape the kind of TJ student you’ll become. This is your time to reflect, plan, and prepare to hit the ground running.

Understand the Power of Early Planning

TJHSST has one of the most rigorous and strategically layered curricula in the nation. Every course choice, every elective, and every summer program you pursue in your first year can radically shape your research, leadership, and college opportunities down the line.

So ask yourself — really — have you thought about:

• What senior research lab you want to join? (AI, Neuroscience, Quantum Physics, Astrobiology...?)

• What courses you need to take each year to qualify for those labs?

• Whether to take summer PE so you can free up space for electives?

• If you should attempt the AP Computer Science skip test this May-June?

• Whether you should try to skip Math 4 or Math 5 using the placement tests?

• If you want to take AP Physics sophomore year, and whether that means you should prep over summer?

• Which electives pair best with the Machine Learning or Engineering Labs?

• Whether your background supports a leap to AP Biology or AP Chemistry, or AP Physics C as a sophomore?

• Should you double up on CS electives, or diversify with design/engineering?

• Have you explored clubs like USACO, Chemistry Team, or Science Bowl, and how to qualify for their competition teams?

• Do you know how your freshman year GPA affects your shot at Olympiad Camps?

• Are you aiming for PRIMES-USA or RSI, and do you know how early you have to start for that?

• Which summer programs offer the best shot at NIH internships or ASSIP placements?

• Should you take Spanish 3 online over summer to clear your schedule?

• Are you thinking about your sequence of Post-APs for junior year — and how to balance that with SAT prep?

• Have you created a 4-year STEM plan that aligns your interests, research, and competitions?

• Have you built a resume-tracking system already? (Spoiler: it’s not too early.)

• Do you know how academic team leadership opportunities happen... and when?

• Are you scheduling in time to breathe and not burn out?

  
  

If not, that’s fine. This is the time to start. We encourage you to plan early with rigor and intensity. And know that you’re not alone — that’s what we do.

Through our CollegePrep programs, we work with newly admitted TJ students to:

• Map out all four years, based on interests and long-term goals

• Build a competitive edge for labs, research, and top colleges

• Strategize summer plans (PE, internships, SAT, Olympiads, research)

• Select electives that actually matter — and skip the resume fluff

• Help students join meaningful clubs and track toward officer roles

We’ve done this. For years. And we can help you own it.

Map Out Your Research Path Early

At TJ, every senior participates in a yearlong research lab, often considered the school’s hallmark experience. Many students use it as a launchpad to:

• College admissions

• Science fairs like ISEF/Regeneron

• Summer internships and fellowships

If you already know your passion — neuroscience, computer science, chemistry, or bioinformatics — start shaping your schedule accordingly. If you’re unsure, don’t worry — just stay curious and explore widely during freshman year.

Think About Summer Right Now

You may be tempted to coast through summer. Don’t.

Here are 4 smart things you can do:

1. Take PE or another course over the summer – This is a common TJ strategy to open up your schedule.

2. Start reviewing math or programming – Many students begin TJ in Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, or Calculus. Note: we have excellent, TJ-specific review materials within our CollegePrep programs that can help you get ahead!

3. Join a STEM camp – It’s a great way to meet future classmates and build early momentum.

4. Rest and recharge — intentionally – You’ll want to begin the fall energized and ready.

Pro tip: balance is everything. Recharge and get ahead.

Start Building Your TJ Resume Now

There are more than 180 clubs at TJHSST — and many offer regional, national, or even international recognition. Your freshman year is a great time to:

• Try different clubs without pressure

• Attend guest lectures and workshops

• Enter early STEM competitions

Ask yourself: “Who do I want to be when I graduate from TJ?” Now trace your path backwards.

Yes, College Planning Starts Now (Kind of)

No pressure, but... you are now at a school that sends dozens of students to MIT, Caltech, Stanford, and every Ivy League. That means college planning can — and should — be embedded naturally into your high school experience.

That’s why programs like our CollegePrep service exist — to help students build their 4-year plans, optimize summer breaks, prep for standardized testing, and craft a meaningful academic identity starting as early as 9th grade.

FAQs: Accepted to TJHSST

Do I need to take PE over the summer?

It’s optional but highly recommended if you want flexibility in your freshman schedule — especially if you’re eyeing electives or want time for extracurriculars.

What’s the APCS Placement Test and should I take it?

If you already know Java or have taken AP Computer Science A elsewhere, this exam lets you skip TJ’s Foundations CS class, to join APCS as a freshman. That opens up faster access to upper-level CS electives.

Should I already know which senior research lab I want?

Not necessarily. But having a sense of what interests you can help guide elective choices and summer opportunities.

Can I get involved in TJ clubs as a freshman?

Absolutely! In fact, it's built-in via 8th period. Many clubs are freshman-friendly, and early involvement helps you grow into leadership roles later.

How can I stand out in such a competitive environment?

Be curious. Be consistent. And be willing to try things outside your comfort zone. The TJ environment rewards effort and growth just as much as raw talent.

Is it too early to think about college?

It’s never too early to plan, but don’t stress about it. Focus on becoming a student who loves learning, and the college resume will build itself. Keep in mind that many opportunities are shaped by your 9th and 10th grade experiences; the students who plan ahead are the ones who tend to be most successful in the Collge admissions process.

Final Thoughts: The Work Starts Now — But You’re Ready

Being accepted to TJHSST is a life-changing opportunity. But it’s not the end goal — it’s a launching pad.

How you spend the next 30 days will shape your next four years. So celebrate smart, plan intentionally, and start building the foundation for a high school experience like no other.

And remember — we’re here to help with all of it.