TJ Prep Blog

Dr. Tripathi shares his experience from 28 years of TJ Prep success. During this time he has seen and adapted to many changes in the TJ admission process. Crucial requirements for success on the new TJHSST (TJ) admission policy are discussed.

A Consumer's Guide to Selecting the Best TJ Student Portrait Sheet and Problem Saving Essay Prep Program

Updated August 2, 2021. Originally, this post was written in 2013. In view of the drastic changes to the TJ admission process. the post has been updated to include the critical requirements for the TJ PS and PSE.

An online search for TJ Prep shows dozens of programs. How is a parent to decide where to go for help?  This answer is created not only by a TJ Prep instructor of over twenty years experience but by a father of two TJ (TJHSST) graduates.  Your foremost objective should be to find the best program for your student. We suggest the following steps to make your final selection and your decision.

You should begin by conducting a survey of available programs on Google, Bing and Yahoo. Print a list then look at the quality of the teacher (not the business owner); if possible, see the teacher in action. Next, you should narrow your list by eliminating any TJ prep program which does not offer a no-cost, no-obligation assessment and a complimentary class. Finally, you should narrow your list further by eliminating programs which require you to pay for multiple classes in advance. A TJ prep program which, once enrolled, requires you to stay with it because you have paid a lot of money in advance may become a trap if your child does not like the program after some time, or if she does not make excellent progress. Your child should enjoy the learning and the motivating atmosphere created by a caring and dedicated instructor who loves to teach, who loves to bring out the best in your child by motivating her to try her best and excel, and who does not treat your child's education as secondary to any other objective.

Most importantly, you should choose a program that meets the following requirements:

  1. Trains and teaches your student to solve any conceivable Math and/or science problem and create a Problem Solving Essay that is concise yet mathematically/scientifically accurate and rigorous.

  2. Trains to your child to accomplish 1 with confidence and without anxiety in 30 minutes.

  3. Train your child to create Student Portrait Sheet essays that reflect your student’s experience and ambitions in the best possible manner.