National Testing and Collegiate Testing Requirements

College Testing Requirements:

Many colleges look at a student's performance on the ACT or SAT as part of their application process AND eligibility for merit-based scholarships. Make sure you research your colleges of interest to determine their application and scholarship requirements regarding testing.
Separate and apart from the initial application process, colleges also typically require a student to show "college-readiness" on an exam to enter into College English and Math courses. For Texas public colleges, that exam is the TSIA. However, students can use ACT or SAT scores to show "college-readiness" as well. Students who complete the Texas College Bridge program at VAHS through their Senior English and/or Math class can earn a TSIA waiver that can be used at over 50 Texas public colleges (see more information below).

Understanding Test-Optional: After Covid, many colleges changed their application to offer students a "test-optional" selection. In the past two years, many colleges have started to reinstate a test-requirement policy. Be sure you research your colleges of interest and determine the best option for you. Remember, the student "owns" their ACT/SAT Score and decides when and who gets those scores.

Click the links to better understand the pros/cons to test-optional: College Transitions GoingMerry College Board

College Readiness Requirements in Texas

If a student does not meet "college-readiness" on the exam required by their college of interest, it does NOT mean that they will not be able to start classes. It DOES mean that they may have to take "developmental" courses or zero hour corequisite courses along with their College English and Math courses. These courses would not count towards a student's degree but would provide the student support in their core classes in order to help them to be successful.

ACT & SAT Testing

National Testing Entities (College Board, ACT) are separate and apart from the school district.

The ACT is a curriculum-based college entrance exam. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what students have learned in high school English, mathematics, and science courses.

The SAT measures critical thinking skills that are needed for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well test takers analyze and solve problems—skills they learned in school that they will need in college and the areas of English and Math.

School-Day Testing: Each year, the district works with these organizations to provide school-day testing one or twice each year as a courtesy to our students. Registrations for these school-day tests are completed by the district.

Weekend Testing: Students are able to register directly with College Board or ACT to take the SAT and ACT exams on the weekends throughout the year. These registrations are completed by the student (see links below).

Information is listed below on the SAT, ACT, and TSIA exams.

College Board: SAT

Students at VAHS can also access FREE SAT test prep materials through IXL in their Clever account.

ACT

Students at VAHS can also access FREE ACT test prep materials through IXL in their Clever account.

TSIA

TSIA Overview
Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) and Practice Questions
Grayson College Testing Center (test on your own)

Students at VAHS can also access FREE TSIA test prep materials through IXL in their Clever account.

VAHS offers the TSIA several times in April and May each year.

Texas College Bridge Program

Students who are enrolled in the Texas College Bridge Program (embedded into Senior English and Senior Math) can earn their TSIA exemption that is accepted by over 50 state public colleges!!