Testing

The vast majority of colleges and universities accept BOTH the SAT and the ACT. It is recommended for students to begin taking these college entrance exams December/spring of their Junior year to allow for ample instruction prior to the test, while balancing time to re-take tests multiple times to reach the desired score. Speak with each college/university in regards to their testing policy. 

Colleges are trending toward test-optional admissions which means you may not have to send your test scores in order to be admitted into college. There, however, are things to consider: 

• Other parts of your application are more heavily analyzed (if you do not submit test scores, make sure you have other things on your application that are strong: grades, activities, achievements)
• Test scores may still be required for college course placement and/or scholarship.
• The definition of the language “test-optional” may differ from college to college

Students participating in the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program are eligible to receive fee waivers for these exams. Please see Mrs. Stockton in the College and Career Center located in the back of the library.  

To learn more about each exam or to register, click on the links below. 

• ACT test
• SAT test
• Test Dates
• ACT vs SAT

Helpful Info

What is it?:    The Texas Success Initiative is a law requiring that all students entering a Texas public institution of higher education be assessed for college readiness in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing unless they qualify for an exemption. If students are not able to show academic college readiness, then the student must be placed in (and pay for) developmental courses to help them achieve academic college readiness. 

How can I exempt? Students may qualify as college ready and be exempt from the test in several ways. For CFISD students, the most common exemptions are SAT or ACT scores. 

When do I need it?     

• Dual Credit: Students often first hear of the TSI when they are trying to register to take Dual Credit Classes. If a student does not meet state qualifications based on an exemption, they will be given a TSI referral to take the TSI-Assessment with Lone Star College Cy-Fair. The testing center is open daily, however, there will be opportunities during the spring semester for students interested in Dual Credit to take the TSI-Assessment on Cy-Fair High School's campus. 
• College Registration: Public colleges/universities in Texas will determine if students are TSI exempt.  ​Students not meeting any exemption will need to take the TSI Assessment. Students will need to speak with their college/university for more specific information. 

This year, CFISD gave the PSAT to all classified Sophomores for FREE on October 2 during the school day.  The PSAT was also offered to any junior who registered and paid for the exam.  These results can benefit students by showing them how close they are to achieving academic college readiness. The results can also show students their areas of strength and weakness. Participating in these tests can help lower student anxiety during the actual college entrance tests. These practice situations are true test environments and are good experiences for students. Students interested in taking Dual Credit or AP courses should take these tests seriously. PSAT is used as one measure of Dual Credit qualification and also can show where a student has AP Potential.  
​Want to know more?? See below or visit the PSAT website.

 

Did you take the PSAT this year? On the left is a short video regarding your scores.  Below are links to resources that will also help you understand your results. 

• Understanding Your scores (PDF)
• SAMPLE Score Report PDF
• Understanding your Scores Presentation
• Register for the PSAT @ Cy-Fair