Compare TJ prep
Expert instruction and personal feedback in both. Choose the level of structure your student needs.
TJ-specific curriculum. TJHSST alumni expertise. 24/7 course materials.
The differences that matter
Both cover TJ’s Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) and Problem-Solving Essay (PSE). The difference is how your student learns, gets feedback, and stays on track.
| Your student’s prep | Self-Paced | Small Group Coaching |
|---|---|---|
| How learning works | Set your own routineVideo lessons, guides, and practice whenever the week allows. | Follow a coached planLive online classes and regular assignments in a group of up to 8. |
| Feedback on written responses | 15 instructor feedback creditsOne credit covers one submission reviewed. Extra credits are optional. | Unlimited SPS & PSE feedbackKeep submitting and revising throughout the coaching cycle. |
| Help when your student is stuck | Unlimited human Q&AAsk course questions without using a feedback credit. | Support in and between classesAsk questions during live sessions and while working at home. |
| A busy week or missed class | No fixed class timeReturn to lessons and materials 24/7. | Full session recordingsCatch up online, revisit lessons, and follow up with questions. |
| Proctored practice exams | Available separatelyAdd individual exams or the full series when you need timed practice. | All 10 includedThe full exam series is part of your tuition. |
| Best time to start | Grades 4–8A flexible starting point, including before 7th grade. | Grades 7–8Designed primarily for 8th graders preparing for their application cycle. |
Know who’s behind the feedback. Our TJHSST alumni team is led by Neil Kothari, a former TJ Endowment Fund Board Member with over a decade of TJ prep experience.
Meet your instructorsPractice exams · available separately
Proctored Practice Exams are open to any TJ applicant. Get timed SPS and PSE practice with scoring and detailed feedback.
Join live online or self-proctor at home. No other TJTestPrep enrollment or special link is required.
View exam dates & detailsAlready in Small Group? Your full 10-exam series is included. No need to purchase it again.
A few practical questions
Yes. Self-Paced is the starting point for students below 7th grade. When your student reaches 7th or 8th grade, Self-Paced tuition rolls over toward Small Group Coaching.
Q&A helps students understand lessons and work through questions. Instructor feedback is a detailed review of a submitted SPS or PSE response. Self-Paced includes unlimited Q&A and 15 feedback credits; Small Group includes unlimited response feedback through the coaching cycle.
Self-Paced lets your family set the pace, with no required live-class schedule. Small Group students should plan for about 4–7 hours of work outside the live session most weeks. Consistent practice and revision matter in either format.
