Most colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with school staff during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to take, as entrance exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students may need to take an assessment test, such as the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA 2.0).
The ACT
The ACT is a three-hour, multiple-choice test measuring achievement in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The writing test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing an essay. Each sub- test yields a score of 1–36. Averaging the four sub-tests produces a composite score that also is reported on a scale of 1–36.
The SAT
The SAT (Reasoning Test) is a three-hour and forty-five minute test of critical reading, writing, and mathematical abilities administered by the College Board. Students will receive a combined score in the range of 400–1600. As of June 2021, the College Board will no longer offer the SAT subject test or optional essay.
The TSIA 2.0
The TSIA 2.0 is designed to measure college readiness skills in the areas of reading, writing, and math. Students planning to enroll in college level coursework may need to take the TSIA 2.0, which will be available in the majority of district high schools.
Texas high school students planning to enroll in college courses that count for both high school and college credit under their school’s dual-credit or concurrent enrollment program are required to meet the program’s requirements. These requirements may include passing the TSIA 2.0. Consult your Campus Director for the district’s concurrent enrollment policies and with your college advisors for their admissions policies. Even students who wish to take dual-credit courses or to concurrently enroll in high school and college may need to have TSIA 2.0 scores prior to enrolling in college courses. TSIA 2.0 is not an admissions test. It will not limit students’ access to college, but may determine that remedial coursework must be taken in college. Students may be exempt from the TSIA 2.0 if they score sufficiently high on the ACT, SAT, or EOC tests. Students must score at or above the following to be exempt from the TSIA 2.0:
- ACT– composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both the English and math tests; or
- SAT– minimum math score of 530 and minimum EBRW (Evidence Based Reading and Writing) score of 480; or
- S T AAR ® / E O C – Check with college admissions office.
Students who complete courses and earn credits through dual-credit programs will have to take the appropriate state assessments.
Non-citizen, In-state Tuition at Public Post- Secondary Institutions in Texas
Effective since fall 2001, Texas Law HB 1403 enables immigrant students, including undocumented, to qualify as Texas residents and pay in-state tuition. This tuition is much lower than the tuition paid by international students. In August 2005, the state Congress approved a new law SB 1528 that expands the benefits of HB 1403. To qualify under SB 1528, students must meet the following four provisions:
- graduate from a public or private high school, or receive a GED, in Texas;
- reside in Texas for at least the three years leading up to high school graduation or receiving a GED;
- reside in Texas for the 12 consecutive months right before the semester he/she is enrolling in college; and
- provide the institution an affidavit stating that he/she will file an application to become a U.S. permanent resident as soon as he/she is eligible to do so.
Other restrictions may apply. Check with the counselor at your high school. The student must be eligible for state aid.
Contact your Campus Director for questions or more information, or visit www.collegeforalltexans.com.