What Are My Chances #3: Longfellow Middle School

If you’re a student at Longfellow Middle School—or a parent watching from the sidelines—you’ve probably heard it before: Longfellow sends a lot of kids to TJ.

And it’s true. Every year, dozens of students from Longfellow apply to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), one of the most prestigious public magnet schools in the country. Even better? Longfellow isn’t just a major source of applicants—it’s also one of TJ’s strongest feeder schools.

But what does that really mean for your chances?

Let’s cut through the hype, dig into the data, and talk about what it actually takes to get into TJ from Longfellow in 2025—and beyond.

The Numbers: A Look at Recent TJHSST Admissions from Longfellow

Let’s start with some real admissions data. This is how Longfellow has performed over the past four admission cycles:

TJ Class Year	Applicants	Offers Extended	Acceptance Rate
2028	139	40	~28.78%
2027	117	30	~25.64%
2026	141	37	~26.24%
2025	149	28	~18.79%

That’s right—Longfellow has been consistently outperforming the general TJ acceptance rate of 15–17%. In three of the last four years, its students were accepted at rates nearing or exceeding 25%.

So, does that mean your odds are better than most?

Yes. But there’s more to the story.

The Advantage—and the Challenge

Longfellow’s reputation as a top academic middle school in Fairfax County gives its students a clear statistical advantage in the TJ admissions process. That said, there's a flip side: you’re competing against the best of the best in your own building.

Each year, Longfellow sends a high volume of exceptionally qualified applicants. That means standing out isn’t just about being “smart” or “good at math”—it’s about crafting an application that shows initiative, creativity, and a clear passion for STEM.

In short: Longfellow students apply in large numbers and get in at high rates, but the competition is fierce.

What’s Behind the Numbers?

A few things explain Longfellow’s consistently strong results:

1. Academic Rigor

Longfellow offers more honors and advanced courses than many other middle schools in the region. A large percentage of students complete Algebra I or even Geometry by 8th grade, which is considered a must-have by many TJ insiders.

2. Strong STEM Culture

Robotics teams, math competitions, science fair prep, coding clubs—you name it, Longfellow has it. Students are encouraged to explore STEM beyond the classroom, which aligns perfectly with TJ’s admissions priorities.

3. Demographics and Preparedness

Longfellow draws from high-performing neighborhoods, which often means students have early access to enrichment, test prep, and parent-guided academic coaching. That support shows up in well-polished applications.

How Can You Improve Your Chances?

If you’re applying to TJ from Longfellow, you already have some advantages—but now you have to make them count.

Excel in Math and Science

You don’t need to be a genius, but you do need to be strong. By 8th grade, most admitted students have completed:

Algebra I or higher
Honors science courses
A track record of A’s or strong B’s, especially in core subjects

If you're still in 6th or 7th grade, consider where you are in the math sequence and talk with your counselor about acceleration options.

Treat the SPS Like a Personal Statement

The Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) is your chance to tell your story—who you are, how you think, what challenges you’ve faced, and what excites you about learning.

Tips:

Avoid generic “I love science” answers.
Focus on specific experiences that shaped your interests.
Talk about how you solve problems, not just what you’ve done.

Practice the Problem-Solving Essay (PSE)

This is one of the most important parts of the TJ application. You’ll be given a complex prompt and asked to walk through your reasoning in a short time.

To prepare:

Practice explaining your logic out loud.
Use clear transitions: “First,” “Then,” “Therefore.”
Prioritize clarity over complexity.

Admissions officers want to understand how you think—not just whether you can get the right answer.

Engage in STEM Outside the Classroom

If you’re not in STEM clubs or competitions yet, start now. It’s not too late.

Some high-impact options:

MathCounts or AMC 8
Science Olympiad or Science Fair
FIRST LEGO League or VEX Robotics
Independent coding or science projects (bonus if you document them)

The goal: don’t just say you love STEM—show it.

Be Strategic About the 1.5% Rule

TJ allocates at least 1.5% of seats per middle school based on 8th-grade population. That means Longfellow usually has 15–18 seats reserved—but that also means you’re competing with your classmates for those limited spots.

Your application isn’t compared against everyone in Fairfax County. It’s compared to others at Longfellow. That’s why standing out is so important.

Final Thoughts: Can You Get In from Longfellow?

Absolutely. In fact, your odds might be among the best in the county.

But don’t confuse advantage with guarantee.

At Longfellow, the bar is high—not just because of TJ, but because of your peers. The best way to compete? Don’t try to be “perfect.” Be focused, genuine, and well-prepared.

Own your STEM interests. Write your story well. Show initiative. That’s what TJ wants—and that’s what can get you there.

FAQ

Does attending Longfellow actually help me get into TJ?

Yes, but with a catch. Longfellow consistently outperforms most other middle schools in terms of TJ acceptance rate. For the past three years, over 25% of applicants from Longfellow were accepted, far above the county average of ~15–17%. But you’re also competing against an extremely strong peer group within your school, so you’ll still need to stand out.

What is the 1.5% rule, and how does it impact Longfellow students?

Fairfax County Public Schools uses a 1.5% allocation model, meaning each middle school is guaranteed at least 1.5% of its 8th-grade enrollment in TJ offers. For Longfellow, this typically means 15–18 guaranteed seats. However, additional students can still be admitted through the "top pool"—those who rank highest countywide regardless of school.

Is there a maximum number of students who can get in from Longfellow?

No. While there’s a minimum number of seats based on the 1.5% rule, there’s no fixed cap. If many Longfellow students rank among the top applicants countywide, they can still be admitted beyond the school’s allocated baseline.

How important are extracurriculars for Longfellow applicants?

Very important. At a school where many students have strong grades and math placement, what often makes the difference is STEM involvement outside of class. This could be robotics, coding projects, math competitions, or even independent scientific exploration.