SAT, ACT and TSI
Colleges/universities require a test which measures a potential student's strengths and weaknesses in reading, writing, mathematics, and problem solving. Depending on the college/university a student applies for, there can be different expectations and/or requirements for what a student should score for admittance into those establishments. We advise students to research their chosen college/university to learn about admission requirements and testing.
- What test(s) does the college/university require a student to take and pass for admission?
- Is there a specific score a student must make to be admitted into their chosen college/university?
Which test is right for you?
Click here to read input from The Princeton Review
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Preparing for the ACT/SAT
Khan Academy is an amazing, free, online tool to assist students in preparing for the SAT and AP tests. Click here to start studying with Khan Academy.
Why should you link Khan Academy and College Board Accounts?
- Linking your accounts will further personalize your practice: the practice recommendations on Khan Academy will be based on your PSAT/NMSQT results
- All future scores from the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 will also be sent to help customize your practice and recommendations on Khan Academy.
- You will be able to jump right into practice without having to take any additional diagnostic quizzes or practice tests to get personalized recommendations.
Students register to take the SAT via College Board. One of the neat things about Khan academy is that you can link it with your College Board account, so the study materials can be adjusted off of your test score reports.
What is the difference between ACT and SAT?
Stands for: American College Test
What is tested: ACT asses knowledge of subjects taught in HS
Website: www.actstudent.org
When to take the test: ACT examination is offered six times in a year in the months of February, April, June, September, October, and December
Penalty for incorrect answers: There is no penalty for wrong answers.
Test Duration: 3 hours and 25 minutes (including 30 minutes for an optional writing test).
Major sections: 4 major sections - English, Math, Reading, and Science reasoning. A fifth section of writing is optional.
Top Score: 36
Popularity: The ACT tends to be relatively more popular in the Midwest and the South
Test owned by: ACT Inc.
Started in: 1959
Stands for: Scholastic Aptitude Test
What is tested: SAT measures literacy and writing skills, and assesses how well a student analyzes and solves problems.
Website: sat.collegeboard.com/home
When to take the test: In USA, SAT examination is offered seven times a year in the months of January, March, May, June, October, November, December.
Penalty for incorrect answers: There is no penalty for wrong or omitted answers.
Test Duration: 3 hours (+50 minutes with optional essay).
Major sections: 3 major sections- Mathematics, Reading and Writing.
Top Score: 1600
Popularity: The SAT tends to be more popular on the East and West coasts.
Test owned by: College Board
Started in: 1926
Texas Success Initiative Test (TSI)
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas. The tests help Texas schools determine whether you’re ready for college-level courses in the areas of reading, writing, and math. Students may need to take the TSI prior to enrolling in dual credit and/or college. Counselors encourage students to reach out to their intended college/university for more information.
