Testing Information

GRADUATION CEREMONY REQUIREMENTS

To participate in high school graduation ceremonies, students must have completed all graduation course requirements AND have passed all STAAR EOC exams per the Texas Education Code prior to the ceremony.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTING

The PSAT or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test provides students an opportunity to take a practice SAT test as a part of their college admissions process. All sophomores and juniors will take this test, which is offered in October. Junior scores allow qualification for National Merit status.

The SAT is a test that measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that students have developed over time and necessary skills to be successful in college. The new SAT is measured on a scale ranging from 400 to 1600 with the scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for the Essay. Essay results are reported separately. Strong scores allow colleges to make better admissions and placement decisions. The SAT Subject Tests are multiple-choice tests that measure students’ knowledge of high school level coursework. Many selective colleges and universities require that students take one or more of these tests as part of the admissions process or for placement purposes in college courses. Students should consult the admissions offices of the schools they are considering to determine if the SAT Subject Tests are required. The Subject Tests are offered at certain times during the year. The College Board provides the SAT Score Converter and Score Choice to help you decide between scores on the old SAT, last given in January 2016, and the new SAT. Some colleges require you to send all your scores, so consult the admissions offices of the colleges you are considering for score requirements.

The ACT is a multiple-choice test measuring achievement in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Each sub-test yields a score of 1-36. A composite score is derived from averaging the four sub-tests and is reported on a scale of 1-36. Colleges vary in their admissions requirements and in their use of college admissions test scores. Students should consult the admissions offices for specific information.

The TSI2 (Texas Success Initiative 2) is used to ensure that students will have a successful college experience by helping to determine appropriate placement in hundreds of community colleges, including Austin Community College (ACC). Students who do not qualify for a test exemption must take the TSI2 to be eligible for dual credit courses at ACC. Students should speak with their counselor to see if they qualify for a test exemption.