Standardized Testing
IWA begins preparing students for success on standardized tests as early as freshman year.
All freshmen take the ACT 8/9 and PSAT 8/9. Sophomores take the PreACT and PSAT. Juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall and the ACT/SAT in the spring. Juniors can retest in the summer or fall of their senior year to improve their scores, if needed. Most colleges will accept scores through December exam of their senior year. Students are responsible for submitting their official SAT and/or ACT scores to the colleges on their application list.
*Please note that IWA offers the School Day SAT and ACT in April of a student's junior year.
PSAT
All freshmen take the PSAT 8/9 at IWA in October. All sophomores and juniors take the PSAT at IWA in October.
As juniors, the PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT).
*Students do not need to register with the College Board for the PSAT.
SAT
Students view test dates and register online for SAT. The recently redesigned SAT includes an optional essay component. IWA recommends that students sit for the essay.
Some colleges also require SAT subject exams, which offer insight into a student’s knowledge and skills in a particular subject. While not all colleges require subject tests, students can use these exams to distinguish themselves and highlight their proficiency in a certain subject.
IWA offers the School Day SAT during April of a student's junior year.
ACT
Students view test dates and register online for the ACT. Students should plan on taking the ACT with the writing component.
IWA offers the School Day ACT during April of a student's junior year.
Test Prep
Incarnate Word Academy partners with the nationally renowned test prep organization Ray Dass to support student success on College Board assessments, including the PSAT, SAT and other standardized tests.
Ray Dass modules are integrated into English and Math classes and can also be completed independently at any time, allowing students to prepare at their own pace.
The program provides targeted instruction, practice questions and proven strategies to help students build confidence and improve their test scores. This partnership reflects IWA’s commitment to equipping students with the tools they need to excel in the college admissions process.
