College Entrance Exams

It is 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 thing colleges look at, they are part of the process and determine eligibility for academic scholarships. As you begin studying for tests, utilize this page as a resource guide.

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Assessments

Advanced Placement (AP)
The College Board's Advanced Placement Program enriches the secondary school experience of students ready to apply themselves to challenging courses. Students choosing to enroll in advanced courses benefit from higher cognitive learning experiences that prepare them for the post-secondary world. At the end of each AP course, students are eligible to take an AP test that may result in college credit. The actual credit is awarded at university and college discretion. Please be sure to communicate with colleges and universities regarding which AP test scores are accepted.

Please note that although students are encouraged to sit for the AP exam, it is not a requirement for enrollment. The district recognizes the value of the AP learning experience regardless of the possibility of college credit.

How to Get the Most Out of AP
- The student AP exam fee will be on a sliding scale.
- 1 Exam - $90; 2 Exams - $70; 3 Exams - $50; 4th & 5th Exams - $40
- Students qualifying for free/reduced lunch: 1 Exam - $60; 2 Exams - $50; 3 Exams - $40; 4th & 5th Exams - $30
- Students must register in the fall for the AP exam. Testing takes place in the spring.
- Students register and pay for the AP exam in Total Registration.
- Students scoring 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam will receive a monetary incentive.
- See your counselor for scholarship opportunities relating to exam fees.
American College Test (ACT)
The ACT assesses high school student's general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The ACT is administered in approximately three hours. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skills in planning and writing a short essay. School districts can offer an "official" test administration of the ACT at schools on a weekday during regular school hours.
- WISD will pay for one SAT or ACT exam during a student's junior or senior year.
- Students may qualify for a fee waiver. Please see the campus College Advisor or Counselor for more details.
For more information, costs, and online registration, visit the ACT website.
WHS will be hosting the exam in September, October, and February. Dates are subject to change. Please refer to the ACT website for additional or changing information and to register online.
- The Global High School CEEB Code is 447373
- The WHS CEEB Code is 44738
How to Register

Students may register online or by mail. The online registration process is the preferred method as it is much easier and quicker.  ACT and SAT registration packets are available in the counseling offices.  Check with a counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.  To register online, you will need a credit card or debit card and an approved headshot. Set aside at least 20 minutes to register for the first time.

Visit the ACT website to register online.  Click “Online Registration” under “How do I sign up for the ACT?” If you do not have an account, click “Create Account.”  Otherwise, log in with your User ID and password.  Follow prompts.

Visit the SAT website to register online.  Decide which test date you need, and click “Register Now” next to that date.  If you do not have an account, click “Sign Up.” Otherwise, sign in with your username and password.  Follow prompts.
Pre-College and College Assessments
It is the desire of WISD for all students to attend post-secondary training regardless of career aspirations. WISD will pay for any sophomore or junior who enrolls in PSAT and for sophomores wanting to take the Pre-ACT. Additionally, WISD will pay for one of either the ACT or the SAT in the student's junior or senior year. It is the student's responsibility to submit a reimbursement form along with proof of payment and exam results. Any subsequent tests will be the responsibility of the student.

Pre-ACT

Pre-ACT simulates the ACT testing experience within a shorter test window on all four ACT test subjects: English, math, reading, and science. Results help predict future success on the ACT test, and provide both current achievement and projected future ACT scores on the familiar 1-36 ACT score scale. All sophomore students registered to take the PSAT will automatically be enrolled to take the Pre-ACT. This test will be administered on a scheduled school day.
- WISD will pay for PSAT/NMST exams for 10th-grade students who register in Total Registration.
- Pre-ACT is administered on a scheduled school day.
PSAT 8 & 9

The PSAT 8/9 is for 8th and 9th graders. It is the first test in the SAT Suite of Assessments. Tightly aligned with the SAT, PST/NMSQT, PSAT 10, establishes a baseline for college and career readiness as students enter high school. Any student in grades 8/9 will pay approximately $15. For more information on the PSAT, please refer to the College Board website.
PSAT NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. The PSAT gives insight into the student's progress towards college and career readiness and success. The PSAT is an excellent way for students to preview and practice for the SAT because they are tightly aligned with the new SAT.

In addition to preparation for the SAT, the PSAT provides:
- Students access to free personalized SAT studies
- Connect students to AP courses, scholarships, and colleges
- The official route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program
The PSAT is used as a predictor of success on the SAT, and is offered in October of each school year at Waxahachie High School/Global High School and is given during the school day.
- WISD will pay for PSAT/NMSQT exams for 10th-grade students who register in Total Registration.
- Juniors may register for PSAT/NMSQT for an $18 fee.
- WISD will pay for PSAT/NMSQT exams for junior students who have a total score in the 95th percentile from their 10th grade PSAT/NMSQT administration.
- PSAT is administered during the school day.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test that evaluates reading, writing/language, and math, which may be used as a predictor for college success. The current test is administered in approximately four hours. SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. The SAT essay is an optional portion of the test which is scored in two, 800-1600 point sections.
- SAT Test Dates
- Free SAT Test Prep
WHS is hosting the SAT in August, October, November, December, May, and June. Testing date information is subject to change. Please refer to the SAT website for additional or changing information and to register online.
- The Global High School CEEB Code is 447373
- The WHS CEEB Code is 447382