College Readiness

The College Board's Advanced Placement Program enriches the secondary school experience of students ready to apply themselves to challenging courses. Students who choose to enroll in advanced courses benefit from higher-level cognitive experiences that prepare them for the post-secondary world.

Upon completion of each AP course, students are eligible to take the corresponding AP examination, which may lead to college credit. While students are encouraged to participate in the AP exam, it is not a prerequisite for enrollment in AP courses. The awarding of college credit is determined solely by the policies of individual colleges and universities. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with these institutions to confirm which AP exam scores they accept.

To learn more about getting the most out of the Advanced Placement (AP) program, visit the College Board website.

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Waxahachie ISD acknowledges the significance of the AP learning experience, irrespective of whether college credit is ultimately granted.

• 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 and reduced lunch
  • 1 Exam - $60
  • 2 Exams - $50
  • 3 Exams - $40
  • 4th & 5th Exams - $30
• Students must register for the AP exam in the fall. 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 the counselor for scholarship opportunities relating to exam fees.

The American College Test assesses high school students' 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 optional writing test measures skills in planning and writing a short essay.

For more information, costs, and online registration, visit the ACT website.

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Waxahachie ISD administers the exam in September, October, and February at school on weekdays during regular school hours. Dates are subject to change.

• 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.

The Pre-ACT simulates the ACT testing experience within a shorter test window on all four ACT subjects: English, math, reading, and science. Results help predict future success on the ACT and provide both current achievement and projected future ACT scores on the familiar 1-36 ACT score scale.

hrWaxahachie ISD is committed to ensuring that every student pursues post-secondary education or training, regardless of the career path they choose. All sophomore students registered to take the PSAT will automatically be enrolled to take the Pre-ACT.  WISD will administer the exams at school on weekdays during regular school hours.

• 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.

Students may register for the ACT and SAT 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.hr

ACT

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.

rSAT

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.

The PSAT 8/9 is for 8th and 9th-graders and is the first test in the SAT Suite of Assessments. Tightly aligned with the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10, establishes a baseline for college and career readiness as students enter high school. Any student in grades 8 and 9 will pay approximately $15. For more information on the PSAT, please refer to the College Board website.

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 is used as a predictor of success on the SAT. 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, as it is closely aligned with the new SAT.

In addition to preparation for the SAT, the PSAT provides:

• Student 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

Visit the College Board website for additional details.

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Waxahachie ISD administers the PSAT in October of each school year at school on school days during regular school hours.

• 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.

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.

Please refer to the SAT website for additional or changing information and to register online.

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Waxahachie ISD administers the SAT in August, October, November, December, May, and June at school on school days during regular school hours. Testing date information is subject to change.