.png)
The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) admissions process has undergone significant changes in recent years, moving away from standardized testing and focusing more on holistic assessments. A major part of this evaluation comes from the Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) prompts and the Problem-Solving Essay (PSE). Looking at the trends in these prompts from 2021 to 2025, we can observe some patterns—but with the understanding that future applicants should still be ready for anything.
Congratulations to the Test-Takers!
A huge congratulations to all students who have just completed their TJHSST admissions test! Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this moment, and you should be proud of your efforts. For those preparing for the makeup test, good luck! Stay focused, practice effectively, and give it your best shot—we’re rooting for you!
Why Do the Prompts Change for TJHSST Admissions?
TJHSST updates its admissions prompts regularly to ensure that students are being assessed on a well-rounded set of skills. This dynamic approach helps prevent students from simply memorizing responses and instead encourages genuine self-reflection and problem-solving. The shifting nature of the prompts ensures fairness and gives all applicants an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities.
SPS Prompts: Common Themes and Variations
The SPS requires students to showcase their skills, attributes, and thought processes. Over the past five years, some attributes have appeared multiple times, hinting at what TJHSST values in students:
Most Frequent Prompts: Communicator, Creative and Critical Thinker, Goal-Directed and Resilient, and Leader have consistently appeared across different years. This suggests that strong communication skills, perseverance, and innovative thinking are critical qualities TJHSST seeks in applicants.
Recurring but Rotational Themes: Collaborator has been present in multiple years, but not consistently, indicating that teamwork is still important, even if it’s not emphasized every single year.
Less Frequent but Still Present Prompts: Problem-Solver, Global and Ethical Citizen, and Innovator have made occasional appearances, suggesting that while they are valued, they may not be as consistently assessed.
PSE Prompts: Math vs. Science
The Problem-Solving Essay (PSE) assesses an applicant’s ability to break down complex problems and communicate their reasoning effectively. Observing the last five years:
Math-Dominant Trend: The PSE prompt was math-based in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
One Exception (Science in 2022): The only deviation from this trend was in 2022 when the PSE focused on a science-related problem. While math has been the predominant focus, applicants should not assume it will always be math-based.
How Can Applicants Best Prepare?
Given the evolving nature of TJHSST admissions, students should focus on developing critical thinking skills, adaptability, and clear communication rather than relying on pattern recognition. Here are a few strategies:
Practice Open-Ended Writing: Since the SPS and PSE require well-articulated responses, practicing essay writing under timed conditions is beneficial.
Review Problem-Solving Methods: For the PSE, understanding how to approach complex problems step-by-step is key. Focus on explaining your reasoning clearly, rather than just finding the right answer.
Reflect on Personal Experiences: Many SPS prompts require students to discuss personal attributes. Thinking in advance about leadership, resilience, and collaboration experiences can make writing responses easier.
Stay Calm and Flexible: No matter the prompts, a confident and clear response will always stand out.
Key Takeaways for Future Applicants
While we can identify trends in the types of skills assessed, it is crucial to remember that TJHSST’s admissions process is not set in stone. Here’s what applicants should keep in mind:
Prepare for All Prompts: Even though certain themes appear more frequently, applicants should be ready to demonstrate any of the listed skills.
Emphasize Communication and Critical Thinking: These skills have been among the most common across multiple years, reinforcing their importance.
Expect Variability in PSE: While math has been the dominant subject, a science-based problem could return at any time. Ensuring strong reasoning and problem-solving skills in both subjects is essential.
Stay Flexible: Admissions changes can always bring new prompt types, so adaptability is key.
Final Thoughts
Observing trends can give applicants insight into what has historically been tested, but the best approach is to stay well-rounded and prepare for any possibility. TJHSST is looking for students who can think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate resilience—so focus on developing these attributes regardless of what specific prompts may appear in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are the SPS and PSE prompts repeated every year? No, while some themes appear multiple times, new phrasing of prompts or selected attributes can be introduced in any given year. Applicants should be prepared to showcase a variety of skills.
2. Should I expect a math or science problem for the PSE? Math-based prompts have been more common, but a science problem was used in 2022. It’s best to practice both types.
3. How should I prepare for the SPS prompts? Focus on developing strong communication skills and real-life examples that showcase your critical thinking, leadership, and resilience. Being adaptable in your responses is key.
4. What if I don’t get a frequently used prompt? TJHSST assesses a broad range of skills, and any prompt is fair game. Stay flexible and be ready to discuss a variety of experiences.
5. Does the makeup test have different prompts? Yes, past makeup tests have included additional or alternative prompts, but the core evaluation criteria remain the same.
Comments