TSI FAQ's
How does taking the TSI Assessment help me?
Taking the TSI can save you money. By scoring high enough on this test, you may be able to bypass developmental courses when you start college.
Taking the TSI can save you time. By being able to bypass developmental courses, you can go right into courses that apply to your degree.
For prospective Dual Credit students, the TSI will allow you to take college-level courses.
What does the test cost?
The TSI Assessment taken through Vandegrift High School is always free, and seniors can test multiple times. Underclassmen taking the TSI Assessment for dual credit purposes are limited to one free test, then any retesting required will need to be completed through Austin Community College and pay applicable fees.
How can I prepare/study for the TSI Assessment?
College Board FREE web-based study app
Math Sample Questions and English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR) Sample Questions
ACC has a comprehensive TSI test prep site with practice tests and review
Quick 12-minute TSI Math review video
Familiarize yourself with the TSI built-in features:
Untimed – there is no minimum/maximum time allotted for the mathematics, ELAR/essay sections of the TSIA2, including the Diagnostics (if applicable). However, students should be aware of the hours of operation at the testing center or school where they are taking the test.
Accessibility Wizard – the accessibility Wizard allows students to change the appearance of the testing screens to include text size, color scheme, line spacing, and background and text color.
Save and Finish Later – students may take a break during the test by selecting the “save and finish later” option. Students selecting this option must return to complete the test within 14 calendar days. This option is not available for the essay section, which must be started and completed within the same testing session.
Calculators – the TSIA2 has three (3) built-in calculator options available for appropriate mathematics test questions: basic 4-function, square root, and graphing. Students are encouraged to view the calculator tutorial in the Student Portal prior to testing to understand how to use this tool during testing.
Highlighter – the TSIA2 has a tool available for highlighting purposes in any narratives, including reading passages, of the TSIA2 multiple choice sections and the prompts of the essay. Students are encouraged to view the highlighter tutorial in the Student Portal prior to testing in order to understand how to use this tool during testing.
How long does the TSI Assessment take?
The TSI Assessment is an untimed test - you have as long as you need.
The average time to complete all three sections of the test is 3-5 hours.
What do I need to bring on the test day?
Photo ID (school ID or driver's license)
Materials will be provided (scratch paper, pencils, calculators are embedded in the test program); you may not bring your own calculator.
Cell phones and devices that can access the internet are strictly prohibited. They must be turned off and stowed.
Drinks and snacks are allowed, which students may access during breaks.
How do I test at ACC?
Know your TSI status. Which areas do you need to test (Reading/Writing/Math). Ask your counselor or Ms. Kendall if you are not sure.
Complete the ACC TSI Pre Assessment Activity online and bring printed completion certificate to test day.
Pay the testing fee: Unless exempt from a section, all first time testers will be required tro take the full test ($29); if exempt in a section, bring a copy of your scores with you to the test. Purchase TSI ticket.
Schedule your test: Please call the campus for more information. Seating is not guaranteed.
Test Day: Arrive 15 minutes prior to test start time and BRING: official photo ID, Pre-Assessment Activity completion certificate, testing fee receipt.
When will I get my scores?
The test is scored immediately upon completion and students may request an unofficial copy of scores for advising purposes and should keep a copy to reference.
How do I interpret my scores?
Following completion of the test, you may see your counselor or Ms. Kendall to review your scores. You can also take your scores to the college of your choice for advising.
What if I fail the test?
First of all, there is no "pass" or "fail". You either meet standard and can bypass developmental courses, or you don't meet standard and are placed into Reading, Writing, and/or Math courses that match your skill level.
Seniors can retest at an LISD high school campus for free, but must provide documentation that they have completed test remediation/preparation. Dual credit students can retest at an ACC campus for a fee ($29 for full test or $10 per section).
How can I VIEW &/OR send my TSI Assessment scores to A COLLEGE?
Students can view,download, and/or request official TSI scores be sent to a college/university electronically via the ACCUPLACER Student Portal. Students will need to know their high school ID number and enter LEANDER ISD as the testing site to successfully retrieve scores. If you experience issues, contact Katie Kendall at katie.kendall@leanderisd.org.