Apply

Applications for the 2025-2026 have closed. Access the tryouts study guide here and the 2026 rules manual here!

Tryouts day is tomorrow!

Date: Saturday, September 13th @ TJHSST
Time: 1 PM - 5 PM
Arrival: Door 1 (Dome)
Please arrive between 12:40 and 12:50 PM.

What to bring:

Charged laptop
Writing instruments
Calculator (TI-84 is allowed)
Water + snacks (you can eat between sessions and have water with you all the time)

Tryouts

Tryouts will consist of the following components:

Diagnostic Testing

You will choose 2 out of the 4 subject tests to attempt, each divided by events:
- Biology
  - Anatomy and Physiology
  - Designer Genes
  - Disease Detectives
  - Entomology
  - Water Quality
- Chemistry
  - Chem Lab
  - Forensics
  - Material Science
- Earth & Space Science
  - Astronomy
  - Dynamic Planet
  - Remote Sensing
  - Rocks and Minerals
- Physics & Math
  - Circuit Lab
  - Codebusters
  - Machines
Each test will have 60 multiple-choice questions and should take 50 minutes to complete
Pure build events and Engineering CAD will not be tested
Check the 2026 National Tournament event conflicts to make sure that the events you are interested in won’t overlap

Essay Writing

Long-answer questions
Designed to test your ability to communicate, collaborate, think outside the box, and persevere
Not intended to be prepared for, we are interested in learning about your character

Experimental Design Challenge

A team-based challenge designed to assess your ability to work as part of a team
Not intended to be prepared for, we are interested in your ability to collaborate

Build Supplement (optional)

An optional individual engineering challenge, highly-recommended for applicants interested in build events

FAQs About the Application Process

For questions about other aspects of TJSO, please take a look at our FAQ page.

Should I prepare for the diagnostic test?

We encourage you to prepare for the diagnostic; you can view the study guide posted above for more information.

Whom may I list as my reference in my application?

As the application form indicates, you may list any previous teacher or coach. This includes division B coaches and, if you have been on TJSO before, TJSO sponsors.