We frequently get asked the question: what is the TJ Student Portrait Sheet (SPS)?
The Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) is a series of mini-essays that demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills as well as interest in STEM. Apart from the Problem-Solving Essay (PSE), this is a major component in the admissions process.
Format
- Number of questions: 4 short-answer prompts
- Character limit: Maximum of 1,500 characters per response
- Total time: 60 minutes (1 hour) for all 4 questions
- Test format: Computerized exam (typed, not hand-written)
Real Sample Questions from the 2021 Admissions Exam
Here are 2 of the 4 questions that appeared on the actual 2021 TJ Admissions exam:
Sample Question #1: Leader
You have probably heard the expression "born leader". The phrase implies that the qualities which make a good leader are innate — you're either born with the skills it takes to be a leader, or you're not. Others believe that key leadership qualities can be learned over time implying that learners can be taught to lead.
Discuss which leadership style you agree with in detail. Describe a situation about your experience with leadership. Lastly, name a person who exemplifies the leadership.
Sample Question #2: Goal-Directed and Resilient Individual
There are times when we are faced with challenges while working towards achieving a goal. Tell us about a time when you set a goal and had to overcome a challenge to achieve that goal.
What was your goal; what challenges did you have to overcome; what did you do in response to achieve your goal? Please respond in a short answer/essay format and use examples and include specific details.
The 8 Skills You Need to Demonstrate
In 2014, the FCPS School Board developed and adopted the "Portrait of a Graduate," which includes a set of skills every student should demonstrate. For the SPS, you need to show mastery of 8 total skills:
Portrait of a Graduate Skills (5):
- Communication — expressing ideas clearly and effectively
- Collaboration — working productively with others
- Ethical and Global Citizen — demonstrating awareness and responsibility
- Creative and Critical Thinker — analyzing problems and generating solutions
- Goal-Directed and Resilient Individual — persevering through challenges
Additional TJ-Specific Skills (3):
- Innovator — creating new ideas or improving existing ones
- Leader — guiding and inspiring others
- Problem Solver — tackling complex challenges methodically
What Graders Are Looking For
On the SPS, students need to demonstrate that they embody these skills by writing essays that pull from their own experience (through extracurriculars and coursework).
In addition to these characteristics, students must show:
- Passion for STEM — demonstrated through STEM extracurriculars and hands-on experiences you write about
- Specific interest in TJ — mentioning specific TJ offerings, labs, or programs you would take advantage of
Pro Tip: The SPS is your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. Use specific, concrete examples from your life — not generic statements anyone could write.
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