TSI Testing Tuesdays

There is a sign-up form on the campus for the student's to choose a session that fits their needs. Student's may also go to the counselor's offices to sign-up and get more information regarding the TSI.

The TSI Assessment is a state-mandated placement test in Texas designed to determine a student’s readiness for college-level coursework in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Its main purposes are to:

1. Identify College Readiness

   • Determine whether a student has the academic skills necessary to succeed in college-level classes without additional support.

   • Students who meet the benchmark scores are considered “college ready” and can enroll directly in entry-level college courses.

2. Guide Placement in Courses

   • If a student does not meet the benchmark, the TSI provides diagnostic information.

   • Colleges then use this information to place students in developmental education or corequisite support courses (college-level courses with built-in support).

3. Support Individualized Learning Plans

   • Results help advisors and instructors create academic plans tailored to student needs.

   • Students may receive targeted support in areas such as reading comprehension, essay writing, or math problem-solving.

• Ensures students don’t get placed in courses that are too difficult without proper support.

• Helps reduce the chance of failure in early college classes.

• Provides a pathway for growth—students can build skills through developmental courses before moving into full credit-bearing courses.

In Texas, most students enrolling in public colleges and universities must take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment before registering for classes, unless they qualify for an exemption.

The TSI is required for:

• High school students planning dual credit courses (if needed for eligibility).

• Graduating seniors entering a Texas public 2-year or 4-year college.

• Transfer students if they don’t have prior qualifying coursework.

• Students seeking an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certain certificates.

✅ Who is Exempt from the TSI?

Students may be exempt from taking all or part of the TSI Assessment if they meet certain college readiness benchmarks. These exemptions include:

1. 🎓 STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) Exemptions

• English III EOC: Score of 4000+ = TSI Reading/Writing exemption.

• Algebra II EOC: Score of 4000+ = TSI Math exemption.

2. 📝 SAT Exemptions (after March 2016 redesign)

• EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing): Score of 480+ = TSI Reading/Writing exemption.

• Math: Score of 530+ = TSI Math exemption.
  (No combined/total score is required — only section benchmarks matter.)

3. 📊 ACT Exemptions

• Composite score of 23 or higher with:

  • 19+ in English = TSI Reading/Writing exemption.

  • 19+ in Math = TSI Math exemption.

4. 🎓 Other Exemptions

• College Coursework: Successfully completing college-level English or math.

• Military Service: Active duty or certain veterans.

• Degree Holders: Students who already hold an associate or bachelor’s degree.

✅ Why Exemptions Matter

• Exempt students are considered “college-ready” in that subject area.

• They do not need to take developmental or remedial classes.

• This can save students both time and money in completing a degree.