McNeil and Westwood high schools were among 170 Texas high schools recognized Oct. 18 with the 2012 College Readiness Award for their efforts to increase the number of students taking the ACT college admissions test and for improvement in scores.

The Texas ACT Council gives the award to schools that have shown improvement during a five-year span. In 2012, 39 percent of Texas graduating seniors took the ACT, which is a record high and a 40 percent increase from 2008, according to the ACT website.

"This shows that we are making a concerted effort to help all students become college- and career-ready," said Rosemary Kelly, director of guidance and counseling for Round Rock ISD.

The Texas ACT Council is a nonprofit organization that provides program management services, assessment, research and information for the workforce and education, according to its website. The Texas ACT Council also publishes the ACT test.

Kelly said that by taking both the SAT and ACT tests, students have more options for their futures. Students who take both may have higher acceptance rates into more colleges as well as potential for scholarship and grant opportunities.

"It's not just about the test scores, it's about what the test scores mean to the child's future," Kelly said.