Why Tests are Important
Different Tests for Different Purposes
The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests show whether you have the necessary skills for your grade level, the exit-level TAKS test shows if you have the skills needed to graduate from high school. You take some tests, such as the AP Exam and the CLEP Exams, to get college credit for knowledge gained in high school. Others, like the SAT and ACT show whether you have the reading, writing, and math skills needed for college-level work.
Tests For High School Graduation
Students due to graduate from high school in Spring 2005 or later must pass the new exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) given in the spring semester of the 11th grade.
If you are unable to complete high school you should take the General Educational Development Test (GED). The GED is equivalent to a high school diploma.
Home-schooled students are not required to take the TAKS test but may be required to be assessed under the provisions of the new Texas Success Initiative legislation.
Tests For Entrance to Texas Public Colleges and Universities
You must take a basic skills test before beginning classes at a public college or university in Texas to make sure you have the reading, writing, and math skills needed for college-level work.
You may not have to take a test if you ...
- scored 1770 on the TAAS writing test, 86 Texas Learning Index on the TAAS math test, and 89 Texas Learning Index on the TAAS reading test (scores for students taking the TAKS in 2003-2004 have not yet been established); or
- scored a 23 on the ACT composite and a minimum of 19 on both the English and math tests; or
- earned a combined SAT score (verbal + math) of 1070, with a minimum of 500 on both the verbal and math tests; or
- enroll in a certificate program of 42 semester credit hours or less at a public community college or technical college.
Additional exemptions may apply. See your counselor or advisor for more information.
Nationally Recognized Tests for Admission to Colleges and Universities
Many colleges and universities in the U.S. and Texas require you to take either the SAT or the ACT test. In many cases, your scores on these tests affect whether you will be admitted. Some colleges and universities award special scholarships based on your scores.
