The Do’s and Don’ts of Answering SPS Prompts

The SPS is where most students either stand out or blend in. It's not about having the most impressive achievements—it's about communicating who you are in a way that feels real and memorable.

I've read hundreds of these over the years, and I can tell you: the ones that work aren't necessarily from the students with the longest resumes. They're from students who can tell a genuine story, reflect on what they learned, and connect it to something meaningful. Here's how to do that—and what to avoid.

The Do's

Use the STAR Method

The STAR method provides a structured approach to storytelling that admissions officers appreciate. It ensures your responses are clear, engaging, and focused.

• Situation: Begin by setting the scene for your story. What was the context?
• Task: State the challenge or objective you faced.
• Action: Explain the specific steps you took to address the challenge.
• Result: Conclude with the outcome and reflect on what you learned.

Example:

Instead of writing, “I contributed to my team’s success,” detail a specific instance:

During a robotics competition, our team’s robot malfunctioned during the semifinals. As the programming lead, I quickly diagnosed the issue—a faulty sensor—and rewrote the code within minutes, ensuring our robot could compete. We advanced to the finals, and I learned the value of staying calm under pressure.

This concise story demonstrates technical expertise and resilience, two qualities TJ values.

Be Specific

Admissions officers prefer detailed anecdotes over vague summaries. Focus on one memorable moment rather than a general overview of your achievements.

Strong Example:

“I led my debate team to a regional championship by developing innovative argument strategies and encouraging collaboration during practice sessions.”

Weak Example:

“I worked hard on my debate team.”

Specificity highlights your role and impact, helping your response stand out.

Show Your Growth

Reflecting on your personal growth is essential. Admissions teams want to see how challenges shaped you and enhanced your Portrait of a Graduate skills.

Example:

Describe how a failure taught you resilience:

After struggling to meet a science fair deadline, I learned to manage my time better by creating a detailed schedule. This experience reinforced my ability to set realistic goals, a skill I plan to use in TJ’s research labs.

Tie Back to TJ

Relate your experiences to opportunities at TJ to show how you’ll contribute and thrive. Mention activities like research labs, 8th-period classes, or other TJ-specific programs.

Example:

My experience designing experiments in a resource-limited environment would be invaluable in TJ’s biology research lab. I look forward to applying these skills in hands-on projects.

The Don'ts

Avoid Generic Statements

Simply stating your qualities isn’t enough. Prove them through vivid examples.

Weak Example:

“I am a great leader.”

Strong Example:

When my club president was unexpectedly absent, I stepped up to lead our meeting. I reorganized the agenda and encouraged members to share ideas, ensuring a productive session.

This approach demonstrates leadership in action rather than just stating it.

Don’t Overuse Jargon

While technical achievements are impressive, avoid alienating readers with excessive jargon or unexplained acronyms. Write clearly for a general audience.

Weak Example:

“I debugged our robot’s PID algorithm using FRC-specific commands to optimize motion profiling.”

Strong Example:

I resolved a coding issue that caused our robot to move erratically, ensuring it followed the correct path during competition.

This version is accessible yet still showcases technical expertise.

Skip Redundancy

Each SPS prompt is an opportunity to showcase a different skill or experience. Avoid repeating the same story across multiple responses.

Example:

If you discuss a robotics competition in one prompt, use another to highlight your leadership in organizing a school fundraiser or mentoring peers.

Stay Within the Character Limit

Admissions officers value brevity and clarity. Avoid overly long responses, and focus on making every word count.

Pro Tip:

• Draft your response first without worrying about length.
• Edit for conciseness by removing redundant phrases or unnecessary details.

The Thing That Actually Matters

Here's what I've learned after reading way too many of these: the best SPS responses don't sound "polished." They sound human. They sound like a thoughtful kid who's genuinely reflecting on their experiences—not a kid who's been coached to use impressive vocabulary.

Don't try to be perfect. Try to be real. Tell stories that actually mean something to you. Reflect on what you genuinely learned, not what you think sounds good. Evaluators read thousands of these—they can tell the difference.

And one more thing: your story doesn't need to be about curing cancer or winning a national competition. Some of the most compelling responses I've seen were about small moments—helping a struggling classmate, figuring out a personal challenge, or learning something the hard way. What matters is that it's yours and that you can articulate what it taught you.

Good luck. You've got this.

— Neil, Co-Founder, EduAvenues®, TJHSST Alumnus and Fmr. Board of Directors

FAQ

What is the purpose of the SPS in the TJHSST application process?

The Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) allows applicants to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and how they align with TJHSST’s Portrait of a Graduate skills. It’s your opportunity to present your strengths through specific examples and stories.

How can I make my SPS responses stand out?

Focus on specific moments that demonstrate your skills and use the STAR method to structure your responses. Highlight your personal growth and tie your experiences to how you’ll contribute to TJHSST programs like research labs or 8th-period activities.

What are common mistakes to avoid when answering SPS prompts?

Avoid generic statements, such as saying you’re a leader without providing examples. Don’t overuse jargon, repeat the same story across prompts, or exceed the character limit. Each response should be concise and focused on a unique aspect of your skills.

How can I show my growth in my SPS responses?

Reflect on what you learned from your experiences and how they helped you develop Portrait of a Graduate skills like resilience, collaboration, or problem-solving. Connect these lessons to how you plan to apply them at TJHSST.

What if I don’t have a big achievement to write about?

That’s okay! Focus on smaller but meaningful experiences that highlight your growth, skills, and potential. Even everyday moments, like helping a classmate or solving a personal challenge, can make a powerful story if told effectively.