Galena Park College & Career
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Testing

Click the buttons below to skip to each topic. 
Why College Entrance Exams Matter
What is a Good Score?
What Does "Test-Optional" Mean?
ACT Tutorials and Test Dates
TSIA Tutorials and Test Dates
SAT Tutorials and Test Dates

Why College Entrance Exams Matter

Other than the five STAAR EOC Exams that you have to pass to graduate from high school, the next group of tests that you should consider are college entrance exams: ACT, SAT, and the TSIA. They matter because:
  1. They determine college-readiness. To show you are ready for the first class in your degree plan, you must show that you can get a high enough test score on the ACT, SAT, or TSIA. If you do not score high enough on these exams, you will need to take a remediation or “college preparatory” course when you get to college. These courses help you get ready for college-level coursework but they cost extra money, take extra time, do not count in your degree plan, and do not help your GPA. 
  2. They determine whether you will be automatically accepted into a public university in Texas or a major program at the school. The score that you must obtain for automatic admission will depend on how selective the school is. It is a good idea to include these score cutoffs in your college research. 
  3. They help you get scholarship money. Generally, the higher the ACT or SAT score you obtain, the more competitive you are for scholarships. Even if your school is test-optional, consider taking the ACT to get free money to help you pay for college. 
  4. They help you get fillers. The most common reason why seniors are denied a filler is because they have not shown they are “college-ready”. See more information below on what the minimum scores to be college-ready are. 

What is a Good Score?

​A good score generally depends on what your goal is. Here are the scores it takes to be college ready:
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College-Ready in Math
23+ on Composite Score AND
19+ on Math Score
College-Ready in English
23+ on Composite Score AND
​19 on English Score
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College-Ready in Math
530 on Math Section
College-Ready in English
480 on EBRW section
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College-Ready in Math
950+ OR 6 on Diagnostic
College-Ready in English
945+ AND 5+ on Essay OR 5+ on Diagnostic & Essay
Here are some examples of what scores schools around Texas require for automatic admissions*:
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University of Houston

Rank
Top 10%
11-25%
26-50%
ACT Score
No minimum
21
24
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Texas Tech University

Rank
Top 10%
11-25%
26-50%
51-75%
ACT Score
No minimum
24
26
27
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Lamar University

Rank
Top 50%
Bottom 50%
ACT Score
No minimum
21
*Competitive schools like UT, Texas A&M, and Rice generally do not have automatic admissions based on scores. UT accepts the top 6% automatically. Texas A&M accepts the top 10% automatically. Rice does not have automatic admissions. The lowest 25th percentile of their most recent freshman class had an average ACT score of 34. 
Find More Texas Colleges and Universities with FREE TUITION!

What Does "Test-Optional" Mean?

​During the pandemic, colleges have introduced more flexibility and choice into the admissions process. Many have decided to adopt a “test-optional” policy regarding college entrance exams, either temporarily or permanently. If a college or university has a test-optional admissions policy, that means they allow all or some applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. It doesn’t mean that schools aren’t interested in seeing all applicants’ test scores—but if a student doesn’t submit their scores, it won’t be counted against them in the application review.
From the College Board's What is a Test-Optional College? article

​A WORD OF WARNING

Just because some schools are test-optional for admission doesn’t mean some areas of study do not require scores for placement or scholarships. For example, the University of Texas has a calculus readiness requirement for math-intensive majors, like engineering. You must score a 26 by the admissions deadline. ​

Taking the

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School DAY ACT

All sophomores and juniors who took Algebra I in 8th grade will be automatically enrolled. Other juniors and seniors will be invited.
Test Date
Mar 28
Register By
Mar 3
Register for the school day ACT
Pay for the School Day ACT on REvtrak

National ACT TEST DAtes

Test Date
Register By
Sep 10
Aug 5
Oct 22
Sep 16
Dec 10
Nov 4
Feb 11
Jan 6
Apr 15
Mar 10
Jun 10
May 5
Jul 15
Jun 16
REgister at MyACT.ORG
How to Register for National Tests

REgistration Tips

  • If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, you can also get a fee waiver to make your test free.
Request a Fee Waiver
  • Remember that most administrations of the ACT do NOT happen at school. They happen at testing centers at nearby high schools and universities. When you register, enter your zip code and it will bring up a list of testing centers near your house. 
  • The Galena Park High School code is 442-680.
  • Make sure you select 4 colleges to receive your scores; otherwise, you will pay $12 per school per set of scores later. It is FREE when you register!
  • Use your image from Skyward when you have to upload a picture. It is usually the right size and resolution.
  • IF YOU DON'T ATTEND AND YOU PAID USING YOUR MONEY OR WAIVER IT IS GONE. NO REFUNDS. There will be a $30 charge to register the next time you plan to test.
  • Once you select to print your ticket, make two copies and keep one in a safe place. You will need the ticket the day you take the test along with a valid photo ID. (This can be a school issued ID or Texas ID.) 

ACT Tutorial Dates

Date
Time
Location
Sep 3
8:30am-12:30pm
Virtual
Oct 1
8:30am-12:30pm
Zotz
Feb 4
8:30am-12:30pm
Zotz
Feb 21
2:50-3:50pm
GPHS 2704
Mar 1
2:50-3:50pm
GPHS 2704
Mar 8
2:50-3:50pm
GPHS 2704
Mar 22
2:50-3:50pm
GPHS 2704
Mar 25
8:30am-12:30pm
Zotz
Free Online ACT Practice
GPISD ACT Prep Google Classroom

Taking the

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This exam is recommended as the easiest option to demonstrate college readiness. It is not used for admissions or scholarships. You should take this if you intend on pursuing an associate’s degree in community college or need to qualify for dual credit.
Fall 2022 Test Dates*
Nov 14
Dec 19
*Juniors & Seniors are also usually tested on the day of the English I and II EOC. All student in geometry and algebra II take the TSIA math in their math class. All students in English IV take the TSIA ELAR in their English IV class. 
Register to test at GPHS
Register to Test at Zotz
Free Online Practice

Taking the

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Test Date
Register By
Aug 27
Jul 29
Oct 1
Sep 2
Nov 5
Oct 7
Dec 3
Nov 3
Mar 11
Feb 10
May 6
Apr 7
Jun 3
May 4
Register at MySAT.org
The SAT is not recommended unless you have very strong English/Reading skills.
Should You Take the SAT or ACT?
If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, you can also get a fee waiver to make your test free.
Request a Fee Waiver
Free SAT Practice at Khan Academy
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  • Home
  • Getting Started
    • Seniors: Four-Year University
    • Seniors: Community College
    • Juniors
    • Freshmen & Sophomores
  • Dual Credit
  • College Admissions
    • Career Search
    • College Search
    • Testing
  • Paying for College
    • Types of Aid
    • FAFSA
    • TASFA
    • Scholarships