Self-Paced Course
A complete SPS and PSE course that gives families the core TJ curriculum, instructor feedback, and Q&A support without paying for a rigid weekly class schedule.
Most TJ prep forces families into an expensive class time, then still leaves students with generic practice and vague feedback. Self-Paced gives you the actual TJ curriculum at a much lower price, with room to work around debate, Model UN, Science Olympiad, MathCounts, sports, travel, and schoolwork.
This is not just a folder of videos. Students can submit SPS and PSE responses for line-by-line feedback, ask instructors questions, and use the course with as much parent support at home as your family wants to provide.
TJ prep works best when students practice the right things and get feedback that changes their next draft.
Students can work around tournaments, meets, rehearsals, school projects, and family travel without losing access or falling behind a class.
The curriculum is focused on TJ's actual written components, not generic essay coaching or broad middle-school enrichment.
We push on specificity, reasoning, structure, and whether the response actually reveals the student behind the resume.
More reps can help. TJ readiness usually depends on whether the student is getting better at story selection, reasoning, reflection, and written clarity.
Quick repetition and extra ideas when a student already knows what to fix.
TJ-specific judgment, student voice, and review of actual SPS/PSE responses.
Writing fundamentals, math confidence, and general academic support.
The specific SPS/PSE format, timing, and admissions evaluation expectations.
Weekly accountability and a fixed prep routine.
Higher cost and less flexibility if your student mainly needs curriculum plus feedback.
Built for students who need TJ-specific structure, flexible pacing, and instructor review without committing to a live weekly class.
Our all-in-one program covers every aspect of the TJHSST application, from crafting compelling essays to mastering problem-solving.
Compare Self-Paced and Small Group Coaching side-by-side to find the perfect fit for your student.
Compare ProgramsComplete access through your entire admissions cycle, from sign-up through 8th grade.
Our curriculum is developed by people who actually attended TJ, including a former Endowment Fund Board Member.
Sign up any time and keep access through 8th grade, including all updates at no extra cost.
Similar admission rates to our live small group coaching. The self-paced course works when students commit.
If live structure becomes important, apply your self-paced tuition toward Small Group Coaching, subject to section availability. Compare programs →
Pay once and you're done. No recurring fees, no surprise charges, no hidden costs, ever.
Get comprehensive, line-by-line feedback on up to 15 responses. Pick any prompt from our library.
Students practice with focused SPS and PSE materials built around what TJ evaluates, not a raw prompt-count contest.
Full access through your admissions cycle
Not sure this is the right level of support? Start with the free diagnostic first.
*8th graders enrolling within 7 days of the admissions exam are not eligible for refunds.
Join hundreds of families who've achieved their TJ dreams with our program.
"The self-paced course was perfect for our busy schedule. The SPS and PSE content was comprehensive and really prepared my son for what to expect. He got admitted!"
"The feedback on my daughter's essays was incredibly detailed. The instructors really took time to understand her story and help her improve each response."
"Worth every penny. We started in 6th grade and the continuous access meant we could revisit material as needed. The Padlet Q&A was super helpful."
This course is administered via Google Classroom, a highly intuitive platform similar to those students use at school. It includes pre-recorded videos and guides that teach students how to plan, structure, and write their responses, along with examples and templates. After working through the material, students can submit their responses for individualized line-by-line feedback from our instructors.
We use Padlet for students to ask and answer questions. One of our instructors, a TJHSST alumnus, will respond typically within a couple of hours with a detailed answer. Students can also view responses to other students' questions in the shared Q&A archive. For additional questions, students can contact us via email.
On average, the course takes about 40-50 hours to complete. This includes 15-20 hours for all video content and written materials, plus an additional 25-30 hours to complete the practice prompts. Students have completed the course in as little as two weeks or spread it over several years, depending on their pace.
Students receive access until the end of their admissions cycle. For example, a student who signs up in 6th grade will have access through 7th and 8th grade, including any course updates at no additional cost. Signing up early provides continuous access without monthly or annual fees.
While we offer live coaching, the self-paced online course has similar admission rates to small group coaching. If the student commits to completing the course, the self-paced course is highly effective. If you're interested in live coaching, we offer small group coaching.
Yes! We encourage younger students to start with the self-paced course. If students wish to switch to small group coaching as they approach 8th grade, contact us to apply the tuition paid toward small group coaching. We accommodate switch requests subject to availability.
The course includes 15 feedback credits. Each credit allows you to submit one response to any prompt from our library for comprehensive, line-by-line feedback. If you need more, you can purchase additional credits anytime, simple and straightforward, no complicated packages.
Yes! You start with 15 feedback credits, and you can purchase additional credits whenever you need them. It's a simple per-credit system, one submission equals one credit. Note that it takes approximately seven days to review a response, so plan your submissions accordingly.
Enroll in the full self-paced course, start the curriculum on your schedule, and add coaching later only if your student needs more live structure.
