Each year many eighth graders take the admissions test to get accepted into Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ). A majority of students taking the exam prepared in advance, but some took it to extraordinary levels.

Dhruv Patro, an eighth grader, is one of these individuals. He has taken multiple two hour prep classes ever since the beginning of seventh grade on Saturdays and every other Sundays. The classes get him ready for the test by working on his math and English skills. Patro’s parents have spent over $1400 to make sure he gets the biggest advantage during the test.

Patro doesn’t mind that his parents have spent all this money for him to have the highest chance to get admitted into TJ. “I think it was fine because I learned a whole lot.”

Gordon Shi, an eighth grader, has also gone to the upper limits by spending approximately $800 on a summer prep camp which he went to for a month on the weekdays for four hours per session. Even after the classes have ended, Shi constantly honed his skills leading up to the week of the exam itself.

John Konik, an eighth grader, did not take classes like some, but certainly put in the long, hard hours. Konik took one-to-two SAT tests weekly for the past seven months and practiced his reading daily for the last three months. In addition, he has spent several hundred dollars for the books and practice material.

Jahnavi Dave, a seventh grader, has also spent over $800 on TJ preparation, and has taken classes since the beginning of sixth grade. She has taken Saturday classes for two hours; one hour of math, then one hour of English. She also gets approximately one hour of homework weekly for the class.

These students are in the minority as most students take it a bit more easy, like Jenny Li, an eighth grader, who has taken 5-6 practice tests and done several books.

While Jenny Li didn’t pay as much for preparation, she definitely thought that she was ready.

“Yeah, I did think it was enough, doing the practice tests and getting scores that I’m happy with,” she said.

“They definitely went overboard,” Li said in reaction to how much people like Patro spent to prepare, “Some parents think TJ is their future, and if you don’t get in, your life is ruined.”

All of the students are under pressure from their parents to succeed, but they don’t necessarily believe that it’s requisite to get into TJ.

“Definitely a goal, but not a number one priority,” Dave said.

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A version of this article will appear in this year’s volume of the middle school yearbook. To purchase your yearbook, use the school code 13596 at YearbookOrderCenter.com today!