SAT & ACT College Entrance Tests
Your Guide to College Admission Testing Success
College Entrance Testing Overview
The SAT and ACT are standardized tests widely used for college admissions in the United States. These tests help colleges assess your readiness for college-level work and compare students from different educational backgrounds.
At TCS, we provide comprehensive guidance to help you navigate the testing process, from choosing the right test to understanding your scores and using them effectively in your college applications.
Key Strategy: We recommend taking both the SAT and ACT, as students often perform better on one test than the other. Colleges will consider your highest scores.
Test Registration
Register for your college entrance exams
College Entrance Testing Guidelines
Strategic timing and approach are crucial for optimal test performance. Follow these evidence-based guidelines for the best results.
When to Test
First Test: December or Early Spring of Junior Year
Taking your first test during junior year gives you time to retake if needed and ensures you have scores for dual credit enrollment.
Second Test: Early Senior Year
Retaking in early senior year allows for score improvement and ensures your best scores are available for college applications.
Why Test During Junior Year?
- ✓ Need qualifying scores by May for dual credit enrollment at Grayson College
- ✓ Multiple opportunities to retest and improve scores before college applications
- ✓ Reduces stress during senior year by having scores in hand early
Which Test to Take
Recommendation: Take Both Tests
Students often score significantly better on one test than the other due to differences in format, content emphasis, and question style.
- • SAT focuses more on reasoning and problem-solving
- • ACT focuses more on curriculum-based content knowledge
- • Colleges accept either test equally
Optimal Testing Frequency
Recommended: Test Twice
- • Research shows potential score increase on second attempt
- • First test familiarizes you with format and environment
- • Second test capitalizes on experience and preparation
Caution: Third Attempts
Research indicates potential score decrease on third attempts. Consider carefully before taking a third test.
College Readiness Benchmarks
Scores indicating readiness for college-level coursework
ACT Benchmarks
SAT Benchmarks
TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Test
These tests are commonly used for entrance to two year community colleges and for dual credit students.
Test Fee Waivers
Qualified students can receive up to 2 fee waivers per high school career to help cover the cost of college entrance exams.
SAT Fee Waivers
Available for students who meet income eligibility requirements
View SAT Waiver GuidelinesACT Fee Waivers
Financial assistance for qualifying students taking the ACT
View ACT Waiver GuidelinesImportant: Students can receive up to 2 fee waivers during their high school career. Contact your guidance counselor to determine eligibility and obtain waivers.
Test Preparation Resources
Free and paid resources to help you prepare for success
Free Test Preparation
FREE Personalized SAT Study Plan
All TCS students (9-11) take the PSAT in the fall of each year. As a result, these students have access to a Free personalized SAT study plan based on their PSAT scores.
Here are the steps:
-
1.
Click on this Collegeboard link
- 2. Enter the access code from your PSAT results (if you did not keep your copy, the school counselor retained a copy in your file)
FREE SAT and ACT Practice Tests
Free SAT Practice
Official College Board SAT practice questions
Free ACT Practice
Official ACT test preparation resources
FREE Test Preps
Revolution Prep
Enter "Texoma Christian School" in the search bar and locate FREE practice tests.
After completion, students and their parents receive a FREE 30-minute one-on-one session to review the scores!
Professional Test Preparation
For students seeking intensive, personalized preparation, these professional services offer comprehensive programs:
Recommendation: Contact your guidance counselor to discuss which preparation option might be best for your learning style, schedule, and budget.
Kathy Howard
TCS Guidance Counselor
Ready to Excel on Your College Entrance Tests?
Don't let test anxiety hold you back. Schedule a meeting with our guidance counselor to create your personalized testing strategy and access preparation resources.