PSAT Exam


Hopefully you took the PSAT in your Junior year and are working towards taking the SAT Reasoning Test in the Spring. The PSAT contains two 25 minute critical reasoning sections, two 25 minute math sections and a 30 minute writing section. The test is always administered in October, with results returning in late December. When you get your results back, you can see how your verbal and mathematical skills compare to high school students across the country who will be applying for college when you do. This is a very comprehensive report and gives you a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses on the test. Students also have access to "My College QuickStart", CollegeBoard's free personalized tool to prepare students for life beyond high school.

.: PSAT Testing Dates & Information

National Exams: SAT Reasoning/ Subject Tests & ACT


Two of the most common and most important high school national exams are the SAT Reasoning and the ACT Assessment. These standardized tests not only measure a student's academic capabilities, but they also act as a major influence in college admissions.

.: A question commonly asked is what is the difference between taking the SAT and ACT - and should you take both?

The tests you take will probably be determined by the requirements of the colleges you would like to attend. Most accept either test, the SAT Reasoning or the ACT. Some colleges prefer one or the other, so check the catalog or admission procedure section of the college or university information book to make sure you know exactly what tests you are required to take. If you take the exam more than once, most colleges will consider your best score and not be concerned about how often you took the test, although we recommend you not take the test more than three times - and never without doing some preparation before each new test. Just re-testing without preparation will not usually increase your score, and it could go down.

- SAT Reasoning Test Dates & Registration
- ACT Assessment Test Dates & Registration

.: Should I take the SAT Subject Tests?

SAT Subject Tests are not required by all schools. Competitive colleges usually require the writing and math tests and ask you to choose a third test. Many Texas colleges require that you take the writing and math SAT Subject tests. Check admission procedures to find out if you have to take them.

You have to register to take the SAT Subject Tests. They are not a part of the standard SAT Reasoning exam, but they are usually given on the same day and at the same place. Each test lasts one hour and you can take up to three of them on a testing day.

- SAT Subject Test Dates & Registration

State Exam: THEA

If you are planning to attend a Texas Public University, you will need to meet the Texas State Initiative (TSI) Standards. If a student is not exempt then the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) is the easiest way to meet requirements. We recommend that you take the test during your senior year. Although it is not used for admission, there are many schools which use it as a form of placement. Some students are exempt from taking THEA - your counselor will be able to tell you if you need to take the test.

Even if you are going out of state or to a private school, you may want to consider taking THEA. For example, if you want to take coursework at Collin County Community College in the summer, you will not be permitted to register unless you have passed all three sections of THEA.

Registration forms are available outside the door to the Counseling Center or online at www.thea.nesinc.com. Online registration is the preferred way to register.

.: THEA Passing Standard and Exemption Scores

The following scores are required for passing THEA, effective 9/95:

WRITING: 220         
READING: 230      
MATHEMATICS: 230

Any section passed need not be re-taken.

.: Test Scores Required for Exemption from THEA, effective 4/04:

Exemption from the THEA requires a student to meet one of the following requirements.

ACT: A composite score of 23 (or higher) with a minimum of 19 on both English and Math tests.

SAT: A combined score of 1070 (or higher) with 500 minimum on both critical reasoning and math tests.

Partial Exemptions:

TAKS: A minimum scale score of 2200 on the mathmatics and 2200 on the Language Arts with a sub-score of 3 in writing.

ACT: A composite score of 23 (or higher) can be exempt from THEA math if their ACT math score is 19 or higher. A verbal score of 19 (or higher) will exempt a student from taking the Reading and Writing portion of th THEA.

SAT: A student with a composite of 1070 (or higher) with a score of 500 on Math can be exempt from the Math portion of THEA. A Verbal score of 500 (or higher) will exempt a student from the Reading and Writing portion of THEA.

TAKS: A TAKS math score of 2200 (or higher) will exempt a student from THEA math. A score of 2200 with a writing sample of 3 exempts a student from THEA Reading and Writing.