Testing

Testing

Many colleges and universities rely on test results to help make admissions decisions, select scholarship recipients, and determine eligibility for college-level coursework. This page offers information on the most common tests you will need to be familiar with for college preparation and transition.

TSIA Info.pdf

College Entrance Exams

Test scores are a very important piece of college admissions, and each college/university sets its own score requirements. Most colleges/universities will accept either the SAT or the ACT, so students are encouraged to take both exams to determine which exam yields the best results. At MRHS, we encourage our students to take both the SAT and the ACT during their junior year of high school. Juniors should prepare for the SAT and ACT using some of the resources below before taking testing in the fall and again in the spring. Colleges and universities do not consider how many times a test was taken; they consider the highest score. Therefore, students are encouraged to engage in test preparation and to retake the test, if necessary, to achieve the desired score. 


​Some colleges/universities require or recommend applicants to take one or more SAT Subject tests. Even if a subject test is recommended but not required, applicants should take the test. More information about why students may choose to take an SAT Subject test is listed below. *Many colleges have gone Test Optional because of COVID, but it is still in your best interest to test. Research your colleges, attend college visits, and ask questions to determine whether you should send test scores. Scores can impact admissions, scholarship eligibility, and course placement.  


​Students who qualify for Free/Reduced lunch are eligible to receive a testing voucher for both the SAT and the ACT. These vouchers allow two free testing opportunities. Any tests taken beyond that will incur the fee listed on the College Board and ACT web sites. Testing vouchers can be obtained from your College Advisors in the Counselor's Office.


​Please click the links below for more information about each exam.

On Campus Testing

Advanced Placement

Test Prep Resources

Students should start preparing for the SAT and ACT as early as possible. The more work you put in to preparing for a college entrance exam, the better your results will be. To be a competitive applicant, we strongly recommend all students to take time outside of school to prepare for these exams. Some resources are linked below. 

My Katy Cloud Test Prep

Go to My Katy Cloud & search for 'Learning Express' to find free test prep for SAT, ACT, AP, EOC, TSIA, etc.

Khan Academy Test Prep

SAT & AP practice tests and other study resources are offered through Khan Academy. They have both a website and an app that you can download. They also offer other subject study guides if you need help in your core subjects! 

Princeton Review SAT Prep

Princeton Review ACT Prep

Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2)

The Texas Success Initiative (referred to as TSI or TSIA or TSIA2) is a state mandate that requires all degree-seeking undergraduate students going to a Texas public college or university to be assessed to determine college readiness in reading, writing, and math. There are several exemptions, linked below, students can meet to be exempt from taking the TSI assessment.

 

Students who are not TSI exempt are required to take the TSI assessment prior to enrolling in college courses. TSI scores will determine if a student is academically prepared for the rigor of college-level courses. To ensure you do not have to take remedial, non-college-credit courses while in college, those who are not TSI exempt should dedicate time to studying and preparing for the TSI assessment. As with the SAT and ACT, students can test multiple times. Check with your intending college/university to determine how to submit your TSI exemption or scores.

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The TSI Assessment (TSIA2) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.  

Students are considered exempt from the TSIA2 if they meet criteria set by the state of Texas. See exemptions below.

Exemptions:

Get Prepared by Studying with

TSIA2 Test Prep Courses

KISD TSIA2 Canvas Test Prep

Go to My Katy Cloud & search for 'Canvas' to find the tile for TSIA 2 Test Prep for free help with TSIA2.

Free TSIA2 PAA and Practice Resources

TSI Test Prep 

Coming Soon - We will be offering TSI Test Prep for students who have been unsuccessful on the TSI. Students need to register to receive a pass.  

Coming This Year 

Local In-Person SAT/ACT Prep

** Disclaimer: These organizations are not associated with Katy ISD. They are provided as options for families who have requested in-person assistance and are not endorsements. Please read reviews and ask others before registering with any of these services. There are many free options available as well (above).