TSI Testing

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment

The TSI tests are part of the Texas Success Initiative, a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. There are two components of the program. The first is the assessment of students’ basic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. The second is developmental instruction to strengthen academic skills that need improvement. So if students do not score in the college-ready level range on one part of the assessment, High Schools are now required to offer them remediation to help them become prepared for college-level course work.

Colleges use the TSI scores in a similar way: to make sure students can handle Freshman classes. If not, students are placed in a class that matches their skill level. Remediation in college, however, usually means taking and paying for class that is not going to count towards a degree. With the high price of tuition, it is understandable why the state wants students to get fully college ready while still in High School.

College Bound Students. Some colleges will not allow students to register or attend freshman orientation until they have attempted all 3 TSI tests (or have shown college readiness through ACT/SAT/dual credit in all 3 areas). Be sure and take advantage of free TSI testing while in high school.

College ready scores

Reading 351

Math 350

Writing 340 with essay of 4 or <340 with an essay of 5

You may be exempt from TSI testing with these ACT or SAT scores.

ACT

English 19 with a composite score of 23 = TSI Reading and Writing

Math 19 with a composite score of 23 = TSI Math

SAT

Evidenced-Based Reading/Writing 480 = TSI Reading and Writing

Math 530 = TSI Math

• WT’s TSI page
• AC’s TSI page

TSI Test Prep Resources

All tests

• Ask to be set up on Edgenuity
• Reviews, practices tests, & videos at Houston Community College
• Reviews, practices tests, & videos at Austin Community College
• AC’s Pre-Assessment Activity
• The Official TSI Study App FREE Practice tests on computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Learning Express
• College Board (Accuplacer is TSI)

Math

• Virtual Math lab @ WT

Writing

• WritePlacer Sample Essays

TSI tutoring at AC is available to High School students at no cost

Success Center

www.actx.edu/successcenter

345-5542

Ware, Room 300, Washington Campus

8:30am – 8:30pm Monday – Thursday, 8:30-12:00 Fridays

Individual tutoring for Reading, Writing, & Math TSI

Free, no appointment needed