1. TSI EXEMPTION CRITERIA
Checklists
10th Grade Checklist
Spring:
_____ Take TAKS Test – English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies
_____ Make course selections for junior year
_____ Apply to work program if applicable
_____ Investigate college requirements (online, college catalogs, Go Center)
_____ Begin a resume of activities, awards, community service, & etc.
_____ Begin talking to people about various career &college options
_____ Take THEA Test if taking any college classes during junior year (note exemptions)
TSI EXEMPTION CRITERIA
ACT: 23 or higher with minimum of 19 on both tests, English and Math
SAT: 1070 or higher with minimum of 500 on both tests
TAKS: on Math and /or English Language Arts with a 3 on the Writing, on the Exit Level TAKS test or the 10th Grade TAKS Test

2. 11th Grade
October _____PSAT Test
November _____College Fair at high school
January _____Review and update 4-year graduation plan
_____Make course selections for senior year
_____Register for ACT/SAT
_____TAKS Exit Level – English Language Arts
_____Continue research on colleges
February _____TAKS Exit Level – English Language Arts
_____ Plan spring college visits to more competitive colleges
March _____Job Shadowing
April _____TAKS Exit Level – Math
May _____TAKS Exit Level – Science and Social Studies
_____AP test for AP English III
_____Summer school notification if needed
_____Take ACT/SAT
June _____Take ACT/SAT
_____Take THEA if not exempt
_____Summer school
_____View perspective college campuses
_____Improve reading and vocabulary skills
______ Start working on a personal essay for college applications
_____Plan fall college visit(s)
July _____TAKS exit exams for retesters

3. More Information about College Admissions and Testing
By review – for applicants not in the top ten percent. The entire application will be reviewed to consider: college preparatory course work, class rank and SAT/ACT scores, extra curricular activities, leadership qualities, community/volunteer service work, awards and achievements, employment and/or internships, and family educational background and household income. Also, the student’s freshman admission essay is very important.
ALERT!! TSI test scores are required before enrollment in any Texas public college or university, unless the student is exempt.

4. Dual Credit Information
Dual credit refers to courses taught by NCTC in which students are eligible to receive college and high school credit simultaneously. Eligibility is determined by test scores and:
-minimum of a “B” (2.0) high school grade point average
-must exhibit maturity and social behavior necessary to be enrolled in a college level course
-must be at least a junior in high school (12 credits)
To apply, follow these steps:
Complete a “Dual Credit Agreement” form. It must be signed by a parent, the student and a H.S. counselor or designee.
Complete an Application for Admission, available on the website, or at
Send an official high school transcript to NCTC admissions. See Mrs. Iltis at GHS to request a transcript.
Pay for tuition and fees. ( NCTC does honor free/reduced lunch qualification with free/reduced tuition waivers.)
Pay for books. (You may be able to buy a used book to cut costs.)
Apply for the Mabel & Leo Scott Dual Credit Scholarship online, or pick up an application in the GHS Counseling Office.
It is a good idea to go to the NCTC website and read the dual credit information section before deciding to take dual credit courses.

5. General Test Information for Dual Credit
Test score requirements are:
THEA – Math 270, English 220 & 5 Essay, Reading 230
COMPASS – Math (Algebra) 63, English 59 & 5 Essay, Reading 81
TAKS – Math 2200, English 2200 & at least a 3 on the Essay
(10th grade scores expire at date of high school graduation)
SAT – 1070 and 500 in Math and 500 in Verbal
ACT – 23 Composite and 19 in Math and 19 in Verbal
How the test scores fit to the dual credit classes offered:
You must pass Reading to take history, government, psychology or literature classes.
You must pass Math to take any college level math class.
You must pass Writing to take any college level English class.
By taking college classes during your junior and/or senior year of high school, you could graduate from high school with 24 or more hours of college credit!
Watch for a mandatory evening presentation on dual credit in February at NCTC!
Students who qualify for free lunches need to submit a letter (free lunch waiver) from the high school at the time of registration.

6. Important Websites 4/21/2017 Career and College Planning:
Password: “Steers” unless you specified something different
Login is specific to you. If you are new, register as a new student.
School Access Code: N BWR
School Zip Code:
Career Projections through 2016:
Where the Jobs are:
College Planning:
College Planning in and out of state:
- go to the college search, also helpful with test prep
- also helpful with test prep and college searches
- lots of information and personal stories
Free Test Prep for ACT/SAT and others:
- for the military tests, but other tests as well
Free Scholarship Searches:

7. Yes, you can.
Remember that there will always be obstacles, but there are always people and resources to help overcome the obstacles.