Many colleges and universities in the U.S. and Texas require you to take either the  SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the  ACT Test. Often your scores on these tests determine whether you will be admitted to the college of your choice. Some colleges and universities award special scholarships based on your scores. The SAT and ACT indicate if you have the reading, writing and math skills needed for college-level work. The ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four areas: English, mathematics, reading and science. Almost every college in America accepts the SAT as a part of its admissions process. More than two million students take the SAT every year. 

All students (except those who meet certain exemptions) must take a  Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) before enrolling in college-level courses. Your college advisor will use the results to help you choose the right courses. The TSIA is part of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. Your college advisor will use the results to help you choose the right courses.