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https://docs.google.com/document/d/14tSm01ivUxLoMD5vCvid-Cua2h0oFBlKCRv_bP7Eld4/edit?usp=sharing
All Things PSAT, SAT, ACT, TSI Testing
TSI/SAT/ACT/PSAT/ASVAB Calendar for 2024-2025 (printable handout)
We talk a lot about college admission and career testing - this explains what the differences in the tests are and why they are all important. Be sure to check out the blue links to more detailed information. Let me know if you have any questions!
PSAT/ NMSQT
Given to all THS Sophomores and Juniors. As a Sophomore, it is good practice for your Junior year when you will be working towards the National Merit Scholarship Program and for the SAT for college admissions. This test is an academic competition that recognizes and awards scholarships to high-achieving students.
The College Board National Recognition Program awards academic honors to top-performing Hispanic, Black, Indigenous, and rural students. If you're a sophomore or junior who's eligible, you should receive an email from BigFuture inviting you to apply. Your eligibility is based on your performance on the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, or AP® Exams. However, if you know someone who meets the eligibility criteria listed on their WEBSITE but doesn't receive an invitation in January, please encourage them to self-nominate through the College Board website.
**All Sophomores and Juniors need to sign in to the PSAT before October 17th! PSAT Login and Prep Instructions for THS Juniors and Sophomores. PSAT Study materials through Khan Academy are tailored for you, focusing on what you need to practice most. Go see Mrs. Hortenstine if you have trouble logging in.
SAT and ACT
The SAT and ACT are entrance exams required by colleges and universities for admission. It is recommended to take the college entrance exams during your junior year so there is time during the summer and fall of your senior year to retake if necessary before your college admissions deadline. Taylor High School pays for and registers all Juniors for the SAT School Day March 26, 2025. Taylor High School is also a host site for the SAT Saturday November 2, 2024 and June 7, 2025. To register for these, students go to www.collegeboard.org and must pay for the test or use Fee Waivers (if eligible).
All colleges and universities in Texas accept either exam. What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?
Hint: Save money and have your scores sent to four colleges for free when you sign up for the ACT/SAT. Sending scores after you test adds $12 per report for the ACT and the SAT.
But what if? What do you do when you don't know the answer or run out of time? Is there a penalty for guessing? Is there a method to guessing? You can find the answer from Princeton Review HERE!
Looking for test prep options, click here for a list of options! Also, the THS Library has a database in the library called EBSCO Learning Express that has practice tests for the PSAT as well as SAT, AP, STAAR, TSI, etc. Here is a link to a slide show that explains how you access it.
Schoolhouse.world SAT Prep- Schoolhouse.world is a platform for free, peer-to-peer tutoring–where anyone, anywhere can receive live help, build their skills, and pay it forward by becoming a tutor themselves!
Khan Academy SAT Prep- a free, online educational resource for students and teachers that offers a variety of academic subjects.
Register for the tests:
ACT Register for the ACT test - remember to include the writing portion.
SAT Register for the SAT and SAT subject test; Receiving/sending SAT scores
ACT & SAT Fee Waivers
Juniors and Seniors who receive free or reduced lunch can receive vouchers for two free ACT, SAT and SAT subject tests. Students will also receive additional free score reports and may be eligible for college application fee waivers. Please see Ms. Hortenstine in the College Career Military Readiness Office for a fee waiver.
TSI (TSIA2) Exam
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for students interested in enrolling in trade schools, public colleges and universities in Texas. The tests help Texas schools determine whether you’re college and career ready in the areas of reading, writing, and math. It is Taylor High School's goal for our students to graduate TSI Complete / College and Career Ready so this test is important!
TSI Complete:
TSIA2 Math Test - a 950 math score OR a math score below 950 and a math diagnostic level of 6.
TSIA2 Reading & Writing Test- a reading and writing score of at least 945 and an essay of 5 or greater OR a reading and writing score below 945 and a diagnostic level of 5 and an essay score of at least 5.
The test is also for students wanting to take Dual Credit college classes through Temple College.
Not all Texas college students have to take TSIA2. If you’ve met college readiness standards on a standardized test like the SAT (530 Math and 480 Evidence Based Reading and Writing) or ACT (a 23 composite and a 19 on math and English) you may be exempt.
For more information on TSIA2 scores, go to https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/accuplacer/pdf/tsia2-interpreting-your-scores.pdf
If you’re not ready for college-level courses, the tests help determine what types of courses will best prepare you for college-level work. YOU CAN STILL GO TO COLLEGE EVEN IF YOU DON'T DO WELL ON THE TSIA2 TEST! You take TSIA2 tests on a computer and will get your results immediately after you finish the test. Mrs. Hortenstine at Taylor High School gives this test at least once a month.
To Register for the TSI Test or to access SureScore study / test prep Complete this Google Form
Other Resources:
