06/12/2026
My new book on mastering TJ's Student Portrait Sheet (SPS).
On sale now on Amazon. Purchase link at the bottom of the post.
Approx 500+ pages
Module 1 — Understanding TJ Admissions and the SPS
A complete portrait of TJHSST, the applicant pool, and the three-stage admissions process; what the SPS is and what it replaced; the six qualities admissions readers look for; and six common myths about TJ admissions debunked.
Module 2 — The 1500-Character Mindset
Why character limits change everything: the math of 1,500 characters, the "photograph versus slideshow" principle, the compression reflex, two proven length profiles, a diagnostic exercise, and side-by-side sample responses.
Module 3 — Building Your Story Bank
A repeatable system for generating raw material — 30 brainstorming prompts, a story-bank entry template, sample entries, signature-story identification, and a worked example.
Module 4 — The Four SPS Prompt Families
Decoding every prompt type: Problem-Solving, Contribution to the TJ Community, Personal Experience, and the Optional/Wildcard prompt — plus cross-prompt strategy and a method for decoding unfamiliar prompts.
Module 5 — Anatomy of a Strong SPS Response
The four-part structure — Hook, Setup, Action, Reflection, plus the Closer — each dissected, with an annotated walkthrough, identification practice, and dedicated Hook Drills and Reflection Drills.
Module 6 — Writing Techniques for Compact Essays
Show-don't-tell in 1,500 characters, specificity over generality, verbs over adjectives, active voice, rhythmic sentence control, voice and authenticity — capped by an integrated drill set.
Module 7 — The Twenty-Five Most Common Mistakes
The 25 errors that sink an SPS essay before paragraph two, each explained and corrected, finishing with a printable Self-Audit Checklist.
Module 8 — Practice Prompt Bank: Fifty Prompts
50 authentic-style practice prompts, each with annotated guidance and sample direction — the largest prompt set in the guide.
Module 9 — Editing & Revision
The Seven-Pass Edit (Clarity, Structure, Voice, Verb Power, Specificity, Length, Mechanics), a before-and-after walkthrough, 20 things you can almost always cut, the final-read protocol, and 5 draft-editing practice exercises.
Module 10 — Six Full SPS Simulations (6 timed simulations)
6 complete, timed practice simulations, each paired with a full model response for self-comparison.
Module 11 — Model Essay Catalog (40 annotated essays)
40 annotated short model essays — a deep library showing exactly what works, line by line.
Module 12 — Sentence Craft & Compression
The mechanics of writing tight: sentence-length variety, varied openings, transitions, first and last sentences, and reflection lines.
Module 13 — Annotated Walkthroughs
14 complete SPS essays examined sentence by sentence — what each line does, why it works, and what you can borrow.
Module 14 — Appendices
The Verb Bank · Phrases to Avoid · Printable Self-Edit Checklist · Final Submission Checklist · Compression Dictionary · Answer Keys for the Compression Drills · Glossary · Further Reading & A Note for Parents.
Module 15 — Final Preparation & Twenty-Five More Prompts
The last two weeks before submission, submission day, what to do when you hate your essays, notes for parents and guardians — plus 25 additional practice prompts.
Module 16 — Study Plan, FAQ & Quick-Reference Cards
A 30-day study plan, a full FAQ, a lightning round of 10 quick prompts, and a one-page reminder card.
Link to buy:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H4ZKBJJL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KRYQSC06OBEM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7wFS3-vunV21fECiM3hQARgi-s_3vZSc6YBoa6D6LrE.kEx2EGuE_FYeH_tVBvvcxxFwSwmbmyhFniidMZvfWnQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Thomas+Jefferson+%28TJ%29+-+SPS+Master+Guide&qid=1781267336&s=books&sprefix=thomas+jefferson+tj+-+sps+master+guide%2Caps%2C213&sr=1-1
