Testing
PSAT
Students will be administered the PSAT exam in grades 8, 9, and 10.
It is important to note that your scores on the PSAT you take in 10th grade can qualify you for National Merit. It can also be an indicator for how you will perform on the SAT.
There are two standardized tests that are considered entrance exams into an institution of higher education. Those are the SAT and the ACT. you may take one or both, as many times as you want.
*Due to COVID-19 many schools have begun making admissions “test optional.” This means students can choose whether or not they want to utilize their test scores as part of their application. Each institution has its own way of determining exactly what this looks like, so we encourage you to make sure you understand what the requirements are specific to your application.
We recommend that students take an SAT exam no earlier than the spring semester of their junior year. Spring Branch ISD offers a school day SAT opportunity to all 11th graders in their spring semester. Check current calendars for specific dates. There is no cost to students taking it during the school day. If you choose to take subsequent exams, there may be a cost associated. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, you are eligible for a fee waiver. See your counselor to obtain this prior to registering for an exam.
We encourage students to take practice tests.
It is important to know what scores you will need in order to get into the institution of your choice. Be sure to see where other admitted students have scored so you can have a good comparison.
ACT
We recommend that students take an ACT exam no earlier than the spring semester of their junior year. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, you are eligible for a fee waiver. See your counselor to obtain this prior to registering for an exam.
ACT - testing dates, practice tests and more
TSI
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a placement test that universities use when scores from other standardized tests are not considered college ready. You will likely only take this if you’re intending to go to a 2-year school or a 4-year school has recommended you take it. There are several opportunities to take this test throughout your senior year, as well as the summer following graduation. There is no cost associated with this exam. Please contact your counselor if you have questions.
ASVAB
If you are planning to enlist in the military, you will be required to take an ASVAB exam. This is not to determine if you’re eligible, but to help determine what career you might have in the military. Please see your counselor about when the scheduled ASVAB will be on your campus. There is no cost associated with this exam.