Where Do TJHSST Students Go to College

Every year, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) sends graduates to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country. But the real story isn’t just who gets in—it’s where they actually choose to go, and what they choose to study.

As one of the most elite STEM magnet high schools in the United States, TJHSST shapes students who are not only academically exceptional but also unusually intentional about their college and career paths. This isn’t a student body that follows rankings alone—they follow opportunity, fit, research pipelines, and long-term impact.

In this guide, we take a deep dive into where TJHSST students go to college, what majors dominate among graduates, and how recent shifts in cost, admissions policies, and academic interests are influencing their decisions.

Most Popular Majors Among TJHSST Students

While TJHSST offers a rigorous curriculum across disciplines, the school’s STEM focus heavily influences post-graduate academic paths. Below are the most consistently selected majors among TJ students:

Computer Science (CS)

This is the dominant choice, with many students entering college with advanced programming experience, internships, or even published projects. TJ’s CS offerings, like Artificial Intelligence, Mobile App Development, and Systems Engineering, give students a major head start.

Engineering (Various Subfields)

From electrical to mechanical to aerospace, engineering remains a close second to CS. Students often choose engineering after exposure to TJ’s robotics, electronics, CAD, and design thinking courses.

Biological Sciences & Biomedical Engineering

Driven by TJ’s mentorship programs, research labs, and biotech competition culture, a significant number of students pursue biology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. Many enter college with wet-lab experience and even co-authorship on papers.

Mathematics and Physics

Students who participate in math competitions (AMC, AIME, USAMO) and Olympiads often pursue theoretical fields. The emphasis on research, problem-solving, and proof-writing at TJ makes math and physics strong pipelines.

Data Science / Statistics

This has become one of the fastest-growing pathways, especially among students blending CS, math, and applied analytics. Interest in AI, machine learning, and modeling real-world systems has made this a high-interest field.

Public Policy / Government / International Relations

A niche but notable subset of TJ students leverage their STEM education in the direction of policy, national security, and international affairs. This often overlaps with CS and cybersecurity interests.

Business / Finance / Economics

Interest in business is rising, particularly among students interested in entrepreneurship, venture capital, or fintech. Many pair business majors with CS or math minors, creating strong interdisciplinary profiles.

Where Do TJHSST Students Go to College? A Data-Backed Overview

Using alumni reports, school profile data, and public forums, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly attended universities by TJHSST graduates. While exact numbers vary annually, the patterns remain consistent.

Top Colleges for Computer Science

School	Why It’s Popular
Carnegie Mellon University (School of Computer Science)	Regarded as one of the best CS programs globally; many TJ students prioritize it even over Ivies.
University of Maryland - College Park	Offers an elite CS department with in-state tuition benefits for some VA residents; access to DC tech industry.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)	Strong CS reputation, particularly in systems and software engineering.
Georgia Institute of Technology	Known for robotics, cybersecurity, and co-op opportunities; offers excellent value.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	One of the most applied-to schools at TJ; accepted students frequently attend.

Additional schools often considered: UC Berkeley, University of Washington, UVA (Computer Engineering), Virginia Tech (Computer Science), and Cornell (CS).

Top Colleges for Engineering

School	Why It’s Popular
Virginia Tech	In-state tuition with nationally ranked engineering programs; popular for aerospace and mechanical engineering.
MIT	High yield rate among admitted students, particularly in mechanical and electrical engineering.
Purdue University	Competitive in engineering rankings; often chosen for affordability and value.
Georgia Tech	Broad range of engineering specializations and strong industry partnerships.
Cornell University (Engineering College)	Offers both prestige and access to research for those interested in applied science.

Caltech and Stanford are aspirational targets but see fewer matriculants due to selectivity and cost.

Top Colleges for Biological Sciences and Pre-Med

School	Why It’s Popular
University of Virginia	Frequently ranked as the top destination for TJ students; strong pre-med advising and in-state affordability.
College of William & Mary	Smaller class sizes, strong biology research programs, and medical school placement success.
Johns Hopkins University	World-renowned biomedical programs and early access to research, but expensive.
George Washington University	Offers early assurance and BS/MD pathways; proximity to healthcare hubs.
Case Western Reserve University	Strong research integration, generous merit aid, and top-tier medical affiliations.

Many TJ students pursuing pre-med are involved in NIH mentorships, INOVA internships, or science fairs such as ISEF before graduation.

Top Colleges for Math, Physics, and Research

School	Why It’s Popular
University of Chicago	Popular among theoretical-minded students who enjoy interdisciplinary freedom.
Harvard, Princeton, Yale	Highly selective; admits typically pursue research-heavy or interdisciplinary majors.
MIT	Particularly appealing for physics Olympiad participants and math competition finalists.
Caltech	Rarely attended due to size and cultural fit but respected for pure STEM.
UVA (Echols Scholars Program)	Offers flexibility, top-tier faculty access, and enriched research opportunities.

Top Colleges for Business, Finance, and Policy

School	Why It’s Popular
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)	Highly selective; ideal for students blending STEM with business/entrepreneurship.
Georgetown University	Especially attractive for those interested in policy, cybersecurity law, or international relations.
NYU (Stern School of Business)	Strong placement in finance, with growing tech entrepreneurship crossovers.
UVA (McIntire School of Commerce)	In-state option with excellent rankings and tech-business integration.
Virginia Tech (Pamplin College of Business)	Offers interdisciplinary pathways in analytics and finance.

Students interested in public policy often pursue minors in CS or data science to work at the intersection of technology and governance.

Notable College Decision Trends Among TJHSST Students (2022–2024)

• Increased Preference for STEM-Driven Public Universities: More students are choosing CMU, UIUC, Purdue and Georgia Tech over higher-ranked but less STEM-focused private schools.

• UVA Continues to Dominate: With in-state tuition, top-tier academics, and the Echols Scholars Program, UVA remains the most common destination year after year.

• Research Opportunities Drive Enrollment Decisions: Schools offering undergraduate research from day one, mentorships, and honors programs are favored over pure name-brand prestige.

• Cost-Conscious Decision Making: Even among students with Ivy League offers, scholarships and in-state tuition often determine final choices.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Understanding where TJHSST students go to college—and what they choose to study—offers a window into what makes the school unique. These are not students chasing prestige for prestige’s sake. Instead, they are deeply motivated, future-focused learners who prioritize alignment with their academic interests, access to research, and long-term career readiness.

Whether it's UVA, CMU, Georgia Tech, MIT, or a highly selective liberal arts college, TJ students seek out environments where they can innovate, collaborate, and accelerate. The end goal isn’t just admission—it’s impact.

If you're preparing to attend TJ or planning your post-graduation strategy, remember: it’s not just about getting in—it’s about finding the place that will take you further.

FAQ

Are TJHSST students admitted to Ivy League schools?

Yes, TJ students tend to be admitted to Ivys and top schools at significantly higher rates than local public base high schools. However, we also frequently see students selecting institutions like MIT, University of Chicago, New York University, Carnegie Mellon, and Caltech. However, many students stay local and attend UVA, William and Mary, or Virginia Tech.

Which college consistently receives the most TJ graduates?

The University of Virginia has remained the top matriculation choice for multiple years. It’s followed by Virginia Tech and Carnegie Mellon.

How big of a role does cost play in decision-making?

A significant one. Despite elite admissions, many students choose in-state or high-merit-aid options over full-price private universities. The value proposition matters—especially when paired with strong STEM programs.

Do TJHSST students ever attend liberal arts colleges?

Occasionally. A few each year choose schools like Amherst, Williams, or Swarthmore, often for small class sizes, access to professors, or unique research opportunities. It’s more common among students interested in math, philosophy, or interdisciplinary studies.

Are BS/MD programs common destinations?

Not common, but possible. A handful of students are accepted into early assurance medical programs such as Brown PLME, GWU, or VCU-GMU joint tracks, but most pre-meds follow traditional pathways.