College Entrance Exams
It's never too early to prepare for college, especially when it comes to the SAT® and ACT® college entrance exams.
Although test scores are not the only factor colleges look at, they are part of the process and determine eligibility for academic scholarships.
As you begin studying for the tests, utilize this page as a resource guide.
SAT® is a trademark registered / owned by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site.
ACT®
The ACT® assessment covers four multiple choice tests and an optional writing test:
- English
- Math,
- Reading
- Science (optional)
Students receive a Composite score, as well as each subject test score, in a range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite score is the average of the four subject test scores.
As you begin to study, check out these resources:
- Helpful tips for taking the ACT®
- Preparing for the ACT Test
- Practice for FREE with Kaplan Resources
- Practice with PrepSTEP EBSCO LearningExpress -Log in with your student Single Sign On and access "Library Resources"
Register for the ACT® www.act.org
View the available 2026-27 ACT® test dates HERE.
SAT®
The SAT® assessment consists of three tests:
- Reading
- Writing and Language
- Math
SAT® scores range from 400 to 1600
As you begin studying, check out these resources:
- Helpful tips for taking the SAT®
- Practice for Free with Khan Academy
- View Get Schooled resources for advice and resources in preparing for the SAT® assessment.
Register for the SAT® www.collegeboard.org
View the available 26-27 SAT® test dates HERE.
PSAT/NMSQT®
PSAT/NMSQT® for 11th/ 10th Grades
Irving ISD administers the PSAT/NMSQT® to all juniors and the top 25% of sophomores in the Fall semester.
PSAT/NMSQT® gives insight into a student's progress towards college and career readiness and success. PSAT/NMSQT® is an excellent way for students to preview and practice for the SAT®.
In addition to preparation for the SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT® :
- Allows students access to free personalized SAT® studies
- Connects students to AP® courses, scholarships and colleges
- Serves as the official route of entry to the National Merit® Scholarship Program
PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2)
TSIA2 testing is needed if a student has not yet shown college readiness in Reading/ Writing and Math through other means, such as SAT/ ACT college readiness scores.
Irving ISD administers the TSIA2 assessment to students enrolled in Geometry and English 2 in the spring semester of each school year.
If you are a senior in need of TSIA2 testing, please reach out to your high school counselor to determine if testing will occur on your high school campus prior to graduation. Otherwise, you must reach out to your anticipated college/ university and follow the procedures that they have in place to take theTSIA2 test.
Need help preparing for the TSIA2? Find FREE practice resources HERE.
Find more information on the TSIA2 assessment on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board site, or at Accuplacer.org