Texas Success Initiative
(TSI)
What is TSI?
TSI stands for Texas Success Initiative and is the standard by which Texas public post-secondary institutions evaluate a student's college readiness in English and math. In a nutshell, students must meet college readiness standards in order to take college-level classes. This can be done through the SAT, ACT, and/or TSI Assessment (specific score info is listed below). Students who do not meet college readiness standards will use their TSI scores for placement in the appropriate developmental course(s).
Rouse offers several TSI testing opportunities on campus throughout the school year - we highly encourage students to take advantage!
How do I meet TSI?
Check below for passing requirements for each test: SAT, ACT, or TSI Assessment. Students can use section scores from two different tests to meet TSI (ex: meet English score with SAT and math score with TSI Assessment).
SAT
English: 480+ Evidence Based Reading & Writing section
Math: 530+ Math section
ACT
English:
English + Reading combined score = 40+
Math:
Math score = 22+
TSI Assessment (effective Jan. 2021)
English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR):
College Readiness Classification (CRC) = 945+ and Essay = 5+ OR
CRC = 945+ and diagnostic level 5+ and Essay 5+
Math:
CRC = 950+ Or
CRC < 950 AND diagnostic level = 6+
TSI for Dual Credit
In addition to the SAT, ACT, and TSI Assessment, students who need to meet TSI for the purpose of Dual Credit can use the following:
PSAT:
English: 460+
Math: 510+
STAAR:
English 2: 4000+
Algebra 1: 4000+ AND 70+ average in completed Algebra 2 course
Take the TSI Assessment
Schedule the TSI Assessment
TSI open lab takes place on select Wednesdays during the school day - register here
Upcoming TSI dates (Seniors only):
March 27 - Open lab - register here
Prior to testing:
All students must complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) one time.
Go to practice. accuplacer.org --> sign up for an account
Follow the instructions outlined here
Upload your screenshot to this Google form
What to expect on test day:
Testing will take place in rm. 1210
Look for a confirmation email & text from Calendly - this will be your pass out of class
The TSI Assessment is an untimed computer-based test; If you run out of time you have the ability to save & finish later
TSI Resources
Request a TSI tutorial session
Ms. Kruse (math) & Ms. Porter (English) offer TSI tutorial sessions upon request - submit this Google form
Prep for the test:
Accuplacer Web-Based Study App
Accuplacer TSI Sample Questions
Access your TSI scores
Visit the Accuplacer website and input your personal info* so that a copy of your score report can be emailed to you.
*Student institution = Leander ISDTSI FAQ's
Am I required to test/retest?
The short answer: No.
Students are not required to take the TSI test. BUT, here are some things to consider when making your decision:
If you have a complete set of scores, you can submit them to your school for placement, regardless of whether you've met the college readiness mark.
You never know how your plans will change - you might plan on attending college out of state, joining the military, or going directly into the workforce. In the event life doesn't go as planned, it can only help you to have scores on file.
TSI scores are good for 5 years - you don't have to attend college immediately after high school in order to have valid scores
Retesting:
If you have not yet met TSI but would like to increase your scores, you can test again after doing additional prep work.
The goal is for your scores to accurately reflect your skills so you can take the appropriate next step - if you don't reach the college readiness mark, that's okay!
What can I expect on test day?
The TSI Assessment is divided into two sections: English & Math.
General test session info:
All students are required to complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) prior to their first test session; The PAA is only completed once.
Students are not allowed to have cell phones, headphones, smart watches, or other electronic devices during the test; Medical devices are allowed.
Scratch paper is provided but must be turned in at the conclusion of your test session.
The test is untimed.
English TSI Assessment - must meet college readiness on both the multiple choice & essay
30 multiple choice questions > score at least 945 > advance to essay
30 multiple choice questions > score below 945 > 48 additional multiple choice questions
If college readiness score is met on multiple choice but not essay (or vice versa), only retest in the other area
The test can be paused during the multiple choice section; the essay must be completed in one sitting
Math TSI Assessment
20 multiple choice questions
If score is below 950, additional set of 48 questions
The test can be paused any time
Calculator is built into the testing platform for some questions; questions without a calculator are expected to be solved using scratch paper
Is the TSI test required for high school graduation?
No, students to do not need to take the TSI in order to graduate from high school.
Is TSI required for college admissions?
Students do not need to meet TSI in order to be admitted to college. If students do not meet TSI through the SAT or ACT, they will need the TSI Assessment for placement purposes. If the college readiness scores are met, students will be able to begin their college level coursework in math and/or English. If TSI scores fall below college readiness benchmarks, students will be placed in the appropriate developmental math or English classes.
Exception: students applying to ACC that did not meet TSI with SAT or ACT will need TSI assessment scores in order to complete the application.
What happens if I don't meet the college readiness score on the TSI test?
That is okay! The goal is for your scores to accurately reflect your skills so you can take the appropriate next step. Your school will advise you in the appropriate level developmental math and/or English class. Developmental course placements depend on your TSI scores and vary by institution.
Example: ACC math placement chart
Do I need TSI for out-of-state schools or the military?
TSI applies to in-state schools only. However, if there is a chance you will come back to Texas for college (maybe ACC over the summer), we recommend testing.
Does the TSI test cost money?
Testing at Rouse is free of charge. Testing at ACC requires a fee.