Pursuing Higher Education in Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, public school students are required to participate in a postsecondary readiness assessment as a part of their education. This requirement is outlined in T.C.A. § 49-6-6001, which states that all public school students must participate in a postsecondary readiness assessment such as the ACT^® or SAT^®. 

According to the Tennessee Department of Education, districts may choose to administer the ACT^® or the SAT^®. Districts can also provide both assessments so students can choose the assessment that is right for them.

The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for postsecondary education and to gain valuable information about their academic strengths and weaknesses. The results of these assessments can be used to inform instruction and support student success.

The ACT^® and SAT^® are the two most commonly used postsecondary readiness assessments in Tennessee. 

• The ACT^® is an achievement test that measures a student's knowledge in English, mathematics, reading, and science. 
• The SAT^® is a college entrance exam that measures a student's knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. 
• Both of these assessments are widely accepted by colleges and universities 
• Both are used to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework 
• Both are used to make admissions decisions.

It is important to note that the ACT^® or SAT^® are not the only factors that colleges use to make admissions decisions, but they can be important information for students and educators to have as they plan and prepare for college. Additionally, colleges and universities in Tennessee also consider other factors such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

The state of Tennessee also offers various programs such as the Tennessee Promise and the Tennessee Reconnect, which provide free tuition for students attending community and technical colleges in the state. These programs are designed to increase college access and affordability for Tennessee students and help them achieve their educational and career goals.

• Tennessee Promise is a program that provides Tennessee high school graduates with two years of tuition-free attendance at a community or technical college in the state.
• Tennessee Reconnect is a program that provides adult learners in Tennessee with the opportunity to attend community or technical college tuition-free.
• Both programs are funded by the state of Tennessee and are intended to increase access to higher education and improve the workforce in the state.
• Eligibility for Tennessee Promise requires students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and maintain certain academic and community service requirements.
• Eligibility for Tennessee Reconnect requires students to be a Tennessee resident and not have a degree or certificate from a post-secondary institution.
• Tennessee Promise also includes a mentoring component, where students are paired with a volunteer mentor to provide support and guidance throughout the college process.
• Both programs are designed to help reduce the financial burden of college and make higher education more accessible for all Tennessee residents.

By requiring all public school students to participate in a postsecondary readiness assessment such as the ACT^® or SAT^®, the state of Tennessee is taking an important step towards ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their goals. The results of these assessments can be used to support student success and inform instruction, helping students to be better prepared for college and beyond.