College Entrance Exams

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College Entrance Exams

College entrance exams are nationally recognized exams that can help students qualify for college admission, scholarships, and college-readiness exemptions. Some international universities also accept SAT and ACT scores. For more information about international universities that accept these exams, visit:

Guide to International University Admission

Junior-Year Testing Timeline

October of 11th Grade: Take the PSAT/NMSQT
March of 11th Grade: Take the SAT
Additional Option: Take the ACT if required or if it may better demonstrate your strengths

Always check the testing requirements for each college, scholarship, and academic program.

PSAT/NMSQT

Why Take the PSAT?

The PSAT/NMSQT:

  • Prepares students for the SAT
  • May connect students with scholarships and recognition
  • Serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program

National Merit Scholarship Program

Only the PSAT/NMSQT taken during the qualifying year, usually 11th grade, counts for National Merit consideration.

How It Works

  1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT during 11th grade.
  2. High-scoring students may be named Commended Students or Semifinalists.
  3. Schools are usually notified during the student’s senior year.
  4. Semifinalists complete an additional application.
  5. Finalists become eligible for scholarships from colleges, corporations, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Qualification scores vary by state and year. There is no single PSAT score that guarantees National Merit recognition.

PSAT Resources

SAT

Why Take the SAT?

SAT scores may help with:

  • College admission
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Admission to competitive majors and programs

Although some colleges are test-optional, a student's application, course placement, and scholarship eligibility can still be supported by a strong score.

Texas Success Initiative Exemption Scores (TSI)

Students qualify for an TSI exemption in each subject area with the following SAT scores:

  • Reading and Writing: 480 or higher
  • Mathematics: 530 or higher

Register for a Weekend SAT

Weekend SAT registration is completed online through CollegeBoard.

Payment is required to complete registration unless the student has an approved fee waiver.Students who meet eligibility requirements may qualify for an SAT fee waiver. 

Send SAT Scores to Colleges

Students may send SAT scores to up to four colleges or organizations for free when they select their score recipients by the College Board deadline.

Additional score reports may require a fee. Select your colleges carefully when registering.

SAT Resources

 

ACT

The ACT is another college entrance exam accepted by colleges and universities across the United States.

Students may choose to take the ACT if:

  • A college or scholarship requires it
  • They want another opportunity to demonstrate college readiness
  • The ACT testing format better matches their strengths
  • They want to compare their ACT and SAT results

Texas Success Initiative Exemption Scores

Students qualify for an exemption in each subject area with the following ACT scores:

  • English and Reading: Combined score of 40 or higher
  • Mathematics: 22 or higher

Some competitive majors and programs may expect higher scores.

Register for the ACT

ACT registration is completed online.

Payment is required unless the student has an approved fee waiver. Students who meet eligibility requirements may qualify for an ACT fee waiver.

ACT Resources

Practice Resources