PSAT/ NMSQT
Scope
Duration: 2 hours 14 minutesSections: Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing
Cost: Fee is covered by the school
Max Score: 1520
The PSAT, Preliminary SAT, helps prepare students for the SAT and ACT. All sophomores and juniors are automatically registered for the test that takes place in October. This exam does not count towards your college applications but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship.
What to Bring
- AISD Issued Chromebook
- Two # pencils
- An approved calculator
- Social Security Number (Optional)
What Not to Bring
- Any device, including smart watches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive or play back audio, photographs, text, or video content
- Protractors, compasses, or rulers
- Highlighters, colored pens or pencils
- Dictionary or other books
- Food and drinks
SAT
Scope
Duration: 2 Hours 14 Minutes
Sections: Math, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Cost: $55 (1 test is offered during the spring for juniors cost is covered by the school for that exam)
Max Score: 800 each section
*Students who are eligible can receive a fee waiver. Check with Ms. Luna on requirements.
The SAT is used as an entrance exam by most colleges and universities. This test is used as one factor in the admission decision process. To register for the SAT, visit www.collegeboard.org.
ACT
Scope
Duration: 2 Hours 55 Minutes
Sections: Eng., Math, Reading, Writing (Optional)
Cost: $60; $85 with Writing
Max Score: 36
*Students who are eligible can receive a fee waiver. Check with Ms. Valverde on requirements.
Similar to the SAT, the ACT is used as an entrance exam by most colleges and universities. To register for the ACT, visit www.act.org.
ACT Dates for 2025-26
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline Late Fee Applies After This Date |
Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
September 19, 2026 |
August 14 | September 1 |
|
October 17, 2026 |
September 11 | October 29 |
|
December 6, 2026 |
November 6 | November 29 |
|
February 27, 2027 |
January 22 | February 9 |
Texas Success Initiative (TSIA)
Scope
Duration: About 3 hours but it's self-paced and not timed
Sections: English, Writing (Essay), and Math
Cost: Free on campus
TSI Practice
TSI Practice (Select TSIA 2)
Bowie HS TSIA2 Resources
Score Retrieval
Students will immediately receive an email from Accuplacer following their test with a link to retrieve their scores.
If you don't have access to that email but need your scores, please follow these steps:
- Go to the Accuplacer Student Portal
- Enter in your Information (Where it asks for student ID you'll need to enter your State ID. You can find this by logging into the student's Naviance account, clicking on About Me, and My Account) If you are a Bowie Alumni please email Ms. Luna (amber.luna@austinisd.org) for State ID retrieval.
- Once you enter your information, scroll to the bottom of the page and select Send my scores
- You'll receive an email to the account listed with your score report
- If you need to send it to an institution, from your score report, select Share my Score Report and select the school that needs your scores
The TSI Assessment is designed to help institutions of higher education determine if students are ready for entry level courses in English and Math. All students are encouraged to complete and meet the TSI benchmarks before they graduate. The test is typically administered to all 9th and 11th graders during their spring semesters. Seniors will have the opportunity to re-test throughout their senior year. For more information, please visit TEA's site.
Benchmark Scores needed:
| Section | Score |
|---|---|
| English, Language Arts and Reading |
945 and an essay of 5 or more or Less than 945 and a diagnostic level of 5 or more and an essay of 5 or more |
| Math |
950 or Less than 950 and diagnostic level of 6 |
Additional score exemptions can be found here.
SAT/ACT Scores needed to be exempt from the TSI:
| Test | ELAR Score | Math Score |
|---|---|---|
| SAT |
480 |
530 |
| ACT (Taken before 2/15/23 |
23 Composite with 19 English |
23 Composite with 19 Math |
| ACT (taken on/ after 2/15/23) | Combined score of 40 on English and Reading | 22 math |