Testing
Colleges and universities use various methods to determine an applicants readiness for college coursework. Below are some examples of standardized tests required at most colleges and universities.
2020-2021 Testing Dates
SAT Test Dates
ACT Test Date
TSI Testing
TBD
ASVAB
TBD
Standardized Tests:
Millions of students take the SAT each year as a step on their path to college. Visit our site to learn about the test, register, practice, and get your scores.
ACT is a mission-driven nonprofit organization. Our insights unlock potential and create solutions for K-12 education, college, and career readiness.
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-required assessment test to determine college-readiness in reading, writing, and math.
The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense.
Test Prep:
Free SAT test preparation 20 hours of practice on Khan Academy may increase your score, on average, by 115 points.
ACT Academy is the go-to place to get personalized practice.
Helpful Information:
SAT vs ACT: Which Test is Right for You? (The Princeton Review)
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SAT |
VS. |
ACT |
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Content-based test |
Type of Test |
Content-based test |
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Reading: 1, 65-min section; Math: 1, 25-min section (no calculator) and 1, 55-min section (w/ calculator); Writing & Language: 1, 35-min section; Essay: 1, 50-min section (optional) |
Test Format |
English: 1, 45-min section; Math: 1, 60-min section; Reading: 1, 35-min section; Science: 1, 35-min section; Writing: 1, 40-min essay (optional) |
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Reading, relevant words in context, math, grammar and usage, analytical writing (optional) |
Content Covered |
Grammar and usage, math, reading, science reasoning, and writing (optional) |
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Questions are evidence and context-based in an effort to focus on real-world situations and multi-step problem-solving |
Test style |
Straightforward; questions may be long, but are usually less difficult to decipher |
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Math and evidence-based reading and writing are each scored on a scale of 200-800. Composite SAT score is the sum of the two section scores and ranged from 400-1600. |
Scoring |
English, math, reading, and science scores will each range on a scale of 1-36. Composite ACT score is the average of your scores on the four sections; ranges between 1-36 |
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No. You do not lose points for incorrect answers |
Penalty for Wrong Answers? |
No. You do not lose points for incorrect answers |
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You can choose which set(s) of SAT scores to submit to colleges. This will depend on the colleges’ specific guidelines on test score submission- some will require all scores to be sent. |
Score Choice? |
You can choose which set(s) of ACT scores to submit to colleges. This will depend on the colleges’ specific guidelines on test score submission- some will require all scores to be sent. |
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Questions increase in difficulty level as you move through that question type in a section (except reading passage questions, which progress chronologically through the passage) |
Difficulty Levels |
Difficulty level of the questions is random |
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Arithmetic, problem-solving & data analysis, heart of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; formulas provided. |
Math Levels |
Arithmetic, algebra I and II, functions, geometry, trigonometry; no formulas are provided |
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More popular with private schools and schools on the east and west coasts; however, every four-year college in the U.S. accepts SAT score |
Tends to be More Popular? |
More popular with public schools and schools in the Midwest and south; however, every four-year college in the U.S. accepts ACT scores |
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Seven times per year: March, May, June, August, October, November, December (Month in are Weiss offered test dates) |
Offered When? |
Six times per year: February, April, June, September, October, December
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Typically about four weeks before the test date |
Registration Deadlines? |
Typically about four weeks before the test date |
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More Information |