The Indicator of Academic Readiness (IAR)
The Indicator of Academic Readiness (IAR) is an assessment of the knowledge and skills that are predictive of success in post-secondary education. Specifically, the IAR measures knowledge and skills in the following domains: mathematics, science, reading, and writing.
Overview:
- Standard Audience: High School Juniors and Seniors
- Baylor TIP Audience: 7th graders and up
- There are 4 sections, 210 questions and it is an online format. It measures readiness in math, science, reading and writing.
Two Sections:
Math & Science: Math (74%) and Science (26%)
(Math 44 questions) Math Tested Content: algebra, data analysis, geometry, trigonometry.
(Science 16 questions) Tested Content: reading graphs, tables, & schematics, understanding complex data, evaluating conclusions & hypotheses, making generalizations, deductions, & predictions.
Reading, Writing & Vocabulary: Reading (40%), Writing (50%), and Vocabulary (10%)
(20 questions) Reading Tested Content: comprehension and analysis
(25 questions) Writing Tested Content: grammar and writer's craft
(5 questions) Vocabulary Tested Content: analogies, science completions and words in context
Scoring the IAR
Raw scores on the IAR are converted to scaled scores on a 500-point scale. Students earn a score (100-600) on Math/Science and a score (100-600) on Reading/Writing. A student’s total score is the sum of the two scaled scores. Thus, the total score range of the IAR is 200 to 1200.
Registering for the IAR
Registration for 2026-2027 testing is now open. The testing window to be considered for our 7th-Grade Talent Search Recognition Ceremony is September 1–February 28 of each year. We have a limited amount of financial aid available for families. Families wishing to apply for a need-based scholarship for testing should complete this application.
Families can register their students individually at any time on our website without going through their school district. Students who are registered by their families take the assessment online at their own home.
Register for an Individual Test
If your child attends a school that is participating in the Baylor TIP program, please contact the school or district directly for registration due dates and testing dates. School administrators are in charge of making these arrangements, and we are not part of that process. If your school or district does not participate in the Baylor TIP program at this time, or if you would prefer to have your child register individually and take the assessment at home, please feel free to register him or her at the link that is available above.
Were you looking for information about group registration?
Go to Group Assessment Registration
What to Expect After Testing
After testing, students will receive a detailed score report with their results, as well as educational recommendations. Once students are admitted to Baylor TIP, they are eligible to participate in our educational programs through Grade 12. To have a full perspective of students' strengths, we ask that students test once during Grades 4–6 and once again during Grades 7–8.