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- Accuplacer
- ACT Test
- SAT Reasoning Test
- PSAT/NMSQT
- Advanced Placement Exams (AP)
- ASVAB
- Career Cruising
- TAKS Testing
TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) (Texas Education Code 51.3062) is a comprehensive program of assessment, advising, developmental education, and other strategies to ensure college readiness. If you are a first time college student, initial testing may still be required prior to enrollment in your first semester of college. Also, high school juniors and seniors may be eligible to earn college credit while still in high school by enrolling in concurrent enrollment or dual credit programs. A variety of assessments are approved for this initial testing such as THEA & ACCUPLACER.
Assessment of College Readiness in
If you are planning to attend a
ACCEPTED STATE EXAM EXEMPTIONS
|
Reading Math Writing |
|
TAKS ELA 2200 2200 ELA-3 |
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ACT 19 19 Composite-23 |
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SAT 500 500 Combined 1070 |
National Exams
Two of the most common and most important high school national exams are the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT. These standardized tests not only measure a student’s academic capabilities, but also acts as a major influence in college admissions. The test you take will probably be determined by the requirements of the college/university you would like to attend. Some colleges insist on one or the other so check the admissions policies of the college or university that you desire to attend. Make sure you know exactly which tests you are to take.
ACT
The ACT is an achievement test that indicates what students are ready to learn next by measuring what they currently know and can do. The ACT was designed to reflect high school courses because much of the knowledge and skills that are taught in high school are being measured on the ACT; therefore, it is a good measure of overall high school preparation by subject area and of student readiness for college. ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks are the minimum ACT test scores required for students to have a high probability of success in credit-bearing college courses.
ACT’S COLLEGE READINESS
BENCHMARKS
|
College Courses |
ACT TEST |
ACT SCORE |
|
English Comp |
English |
18 |
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Social Sciences |
|
21 |
|
Algebra |
Mathematics |
22 |
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Biology |
Science |
24 |
Students who meet a Benchmark on the ACT have approximately
a 50% chance of earning a B or better and approximately a 75% chance or better
of earning a C or better in the corresponding college courses.
Contact ACT at www.act.org to inquire about testing dates and sites.
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills that a student needs for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well the student analyzes and solves problems. High school juniors and seniors usually take the SAT. The SAT includes a Critical Reading Test, Mathematics Test, and Writing Test. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800 with two writing sub-scores for multiple choice and the essay. The test is given seven times a year. Calendar and other information about the SAT tests can be researched at www.collegeboard.com.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT measures the critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills that you have been developing all your school life. It doesn’t measure things like creativity and motivation, and it doesn’t recognize the special talents that may be important to colleges. The PSAT/NMSQT gives you firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and it also gives you a chance to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs.
The PSAT/NMSQT is administered by high schools. Online registration is not available. Many sophomores and juniors take the test to get as much practice as possible, but only PSAT/NMSQT scores from a student’s junior year are used to award scholarships. PSAT/NMSQT score reports are mailed to the high school principal and are then mailed to students/parents at home in December.
Why take the PSAT/NMSQT?
So you can:
- Compare yourself with other college-bound students around the country.
- Practice for the SAT (The PSAT/NMSQT includes actual SAT questions).
- Assess your verbal, math, and writing skills.
- Forecast your SAT scores.
- Participate in the Student Search Service to get mail from colleges.
What is on the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT/NMSQT includes five sections:
- Two 25-minute verbal sections
- Two 25-minute math sections
- One 30-minute writing skills section
The test requires two hours and ten minutes to complete.
Scholarship and Recognition Programs
By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, you may qualify to enter the competitions for prestigious scholarships and participate in recognition programs.
Advanced Placement Tests
The Advanced Placement Program gives you the opportunity to take college-level courses while you are still in high school. The AP course teaches the student skills that -can lead to success in college. The student will develop writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and study habits that will prepare the student for college academics. Taking rigorous AP courses demonstrates the student’s maturity, willingness to push intellectually, and commitment to academic excellence. The AP Exam provides students with a standardized measure of what they have accomplished in the AP classroom. AP Exams are taken in the final six-weeks of each year.
ASVAB Testing
The ASVAB is given to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who sign up during October each year. The ASVAB is a widely used multiple aptitude test battery. It was developed and is maintained by the Department of Defense. The ASVAB consists of the following eight individual tests:
- Word Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- General Science
- Mechanical Comprehension
- Electronics Information
- Auto and Shop Information
Students are provided with scores on each of these individual tests and three Career Exploration Score composites: Verbal Skills, Math Skills, and Science and Technical Skills. The battery takes approximately three hours to complete and test results are returned to the school in about two weeks.
Career Cruisings
Career Cruising is an interactive career resource designed for people of all ages. This program will help you find the right career, explore different career options, or plan future education and training. Career Cruising has been designed to help students plan their future. It is a web based program that has assessment tools, occupation profiles, and comprehensive post-secondary education information. A portfolio system helps the student organize the career exploration process. Take a tour of this guidance system at www.careercruising.com.
TAKS
As mandated by the 76th Texas Legislature in
1999, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test is administered
each school year. The TAKS measures the statewide curriculum in English
Language Arts; mathematics; science; and social studies at grades 10 and 11.