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The state of Texas has programs to assist students in gaining admission to universities within Texas. Information about these programs and more can be obtained in the school counselor’s office.

Required Admission of Top 10%

As a result of legislation enacted during a recent session of the Texas legislature, all Texas public colleges and universities are required to admit students if they meet all the criteria appearing in the list. Students should be aware that colleges and universities may also require an essay, letters of recommendation, admission and placement tests such as the SAT or ACT and an official high school transcript.

Top 10% requirements for admission

• Have a grade point average that places them in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class
• apply no later than two years after graduation from a Texas high school
• submit a completed application before the expiration of any filing deadline established by the college

*The University of Texas has been granted a variance by the Texas Legislature and the percentage of automatic entrance based on class rank may change from year to year. Check with your guidance counselor for annual updates.

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

The PSAT /NMSQT, a short form of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), measures evidence-based reading and writing in four content areas and mathematics knowledge and skills, identified as most important for college and career readiness and success . Benefits of early participation are:

• allows students to compare academic abilities with college-bound students at their grade level
• familiarizes students with the SAT format
• shows the student areas of concentration for additional preparation before taking the SAT
• allows college-bound juniors to compete for National Merit Scholarships

The PSAT/NMSQT is offered only in October and should be taken by all juniors and sophomores. Freshman, especially those taking Pre-AP/AP courses, are encouraged to take the test for practice. Review the online student score report (OSR)to determine how you performed on each type of question.

SAT

The SAT Test is a curriculum and standards-based educational and career planning tool that assesses students’ academic readiness for college. The SAT Test is the capstone of our College and Career Readiness System. The test uses the same score scale as PSAT 8/9, making the system an effective tool to monitor academic
progress and student growth.

Check the catalogs or websites of colleges to learn what admission tests are required. Most colleges accept the scores of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT). Application forms for the tests are available in the guidance offices of the senior high schools or online. School Codes are as follows: Richland High School # 442558, Haltom High School #442510 and Birdville High School #445137