Re: TOPCAT -Texas Online Preparation for College Admissions Tests

TOPCAT provides free online SAT and ACT test preparation materials in English and Spanish to Texas middle and high school students, and adults preparing to enroll in college for the first time.  TOPCAT is a joint project of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Education Agency. 

TOPCAT allows free access to SAT and ACT test prep tutorials, practice sessions, timed sample tests, a vocabulary builder, and test taking tips.  The tutorials address each subject area and content category covered by SAT and ACT, and typically contain between 30 and 90 minutes of instructional materials each.  Practice sessions provide individualized feedback for each incorrect and correct answer.  The vocabulary builder contains over 1600 words, and like the practice sessions, adapt to each student's ability level.

Students can access TOPCAT through the College for Texans website, http://www.collegefortexans.com/.

Web-based training for teachers, counselors, administrators, or parents who want to sign up as "coaches" is available on the TOPCAT site.  This is a unique feature that allows an adult to sign on with a student to provide encouragement and/or monitor their test preparation activities.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Outreach and Success Division
1200 East Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78752
Post Office Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711

Catherine Dikes, Ed.D
Assistant Commissioner
512.427.6260
catherine.dikes@thecb.state.tx.us

Chris Alvarado
Director
512.427-6207
chris.alvarado@thecb.state.tx.us

Natalie Coffee
Senior Program Director
512.427.6227
natalie.coffee@thecb.state.tx.us