Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are TJ BigSibs?
- BigSibs are selected based on the quality of their applications, which are assessed by the BigSib coordinators. They will essentially be your (the LittleSibs’) friends and mentors for your future years. BigSibs will help LittleSibs academically and socially, guiding the transition from middle school into the unique TJ community. BigSibs is popular within the TJ community, and sophomores, juniors and seniors all participate.
- How does the application process work for LittleSibs? What if they get denied?
- The application sent out for LittleSibs to fill out is to guide the coordinators in matching up LittleSibs and BigSibs based on common characteristics and interests. Fill out the Google form by the date specified on the form (usually early June), and you will get matched up with a BigSib. It's impossible for LittleSibs to get denied!
- I don’t want to be the only one with a BigSib... how common is this program?
- TJ BigSibs is a very popular program within the TJ community. Most freshmen have a BigSib and it is not embarrassing in any way to have one. BigSibs is a great way to make new friends and assimilate into the TJ atmosphere!
- When can I actually meet my BigSib? How will I be able to identify my BigSib?
- BigSibs, who are assigned to LittleSibs according to the similarities in interests, will be contacting the LittleSibs through email/Facebook/phone during the summer. BigSibs and LittleSibs should take the time in the summer to meet up and prepare for the upcoming school year, and exchange more information about each other so they can identify each other during BigSibs Official Events, which will occur a few weeks before school begins.
- I have a really busy schedule... how big of a commitment is it to be a part of this program?
- There are no specific meetings or requirements that have to be met while in this program. The only “required” attendance is the BigSibs Official Events we strongly encourage you to attend. LittleSibs may contact BigSibs whenever they feel they need advice or help with a problem, whether that be academic or social. BigSibs are meant to act like older siblings and are happy to help you overcome any of the challenges you may face as a freshman at TJ. Many BigSibs do initiate contact with their LittleSibs first, especially at the beginning of the year, and they try to set up lunches or 8th period meetings, but everything is flexible!
- What if my BigSib is unresponsive or we simply just don’t get along well together?
- As the TJ BigSibs Coordinators, we do our best to ensure that all BigSibs are qualified and that BigSib/LittleSib pairings are successful. If problems do arise, please do not hesitate to e-mail the coordinators at [email protected]. The coordinators will make sure that you are paired with a responsive BigSib and will do their best to alleviate other problems!
- Could I ever change my BigSib?
- Unless the BigSibs has been very unresponsive, changing BigSibs would not be possible. However, the LittleSibs will meet additional upperclassmen at TJ who will also provide guidance. Again, please note that we try our best with the pairings.