Counseling Center : Testing

SAT Academy

Core academic programs develop the skills and cultural literacy a student needs to tackle the challenges of standardized testing. The SAT Academy is designed to meet the skills-building needs of all type of college bound students. The SAT Academy is offered 3 times a year.

To find deadlines and testing dates for the SAT or ACT please refer to www.collegeboard.com

About State and National Testing

PSAT

The PSAT is a National Merit qualifying examination given to sophomore and juniors. It contains two 30 minute verbal sections, two 30 minute math sections and a writing section. The test is administered in October, with results returning in late December. This is a very comprehensive report and gives you a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses on the test. Sophomores can take the test for practice; however, juniors are the only class included in the National Merit Competition. Currently, BISD pays for each Jr. at BHS to take the PSAT test.

PSAT Dates and & Information

SAT I/II & ACT

Two of the most common and most important high school national exams are the SAT I and the ACT. These standardized tests not only measure a student's academic capabilities, but also act as a major influence in college admissions.

A question commonly asked is what is the difference between taking the SAT and ACT - and should you take both?

The test you take will probably be determined by the requirements of the colleges you would like to attend. Some colleges accept either test, the SAT I or the ACT. Some colleges insist on one or the other, so check the catalog or admission procedure section of the college or university information book to make sure you know exactly what tests you are required to take. If you take the exam more than once, most colleges will consider your best combined score, or may split scores. Most colleges are not concerned about how often you took the test; however, retaking the test does not necessarily improve your score. In order to improve, you need to do additional preparation before each new test.

Should I take the SAT Subject Tests?

SAT II exams are not required by all schools. Competitive colleges usually require the writing and math tests and ask you to choose a third test. Check admission procedures and requirements to find out if you need to take them.

You have to register to take the SAT II exams. They are not a part of the standard three hour SAT I exam, but they are usually given on the same days and at the same place. Each test lasts one hour, and you can take up to three tests on a testing day.

STATE Exam: THEA (FORMERLY TASP)

If you are planning to attend a Texas Public University, you will need to take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test before you register for your first semester. You should take the test during your senior year or the summer before you are a senior. Although it is not used for admission, all Texas state schools use it as a form of placement unless you have a TAAKS exemption. Your counselor will be able to tell you if you need to take the test.

Registration forms are available in the counseling office for ACT, SAT I, SAT II and THEA tests, or you can register on-line.

THEA Passing Standard and Exemption Scores

The following scores are required for passing TASP, effective 9/95:

WRITING 220 READING 230 MATH 230

Any section passed need not be retaken.

Test Scores Required for Exemption from THEA, effective 9/97:

Exemption from the THEA requires a student to meet one of the following requirements.

ACT: A composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both English and Math tests.

SAT: A combined score of 1070 with a 500 minimum on both verbal and math tests