STARR Center
Content here.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a program designed to ensure that all students enrolled in public colleges and universities possess the academic skills needed to be successful in college-level course work. Unless exempt, all entering undergraduate students are required to be assessed in the areas of reading, writing and math prior to enrolling in college-level courses. Students who do not meet the minimum standard in one or more areas will be advised regarding TSI compliance and enrolled in the appropriate developmental program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What tests are approved for TSI?
-
When must I take the test?
-
What are some available exemptions?
-
What is considered a passing score?
-
What if I'm an education major?
-
What if I don't pass?
-
How do I register for the test?
-
How do I get accommodations for a learning disability?
WHAT TESTS ARE APPROVED FOR TSI?
Approved assessment tests are:
- ACCUPLACER
- Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA)
- ASSET
- COMPASS
ACCUPLACER is recommended in most circumstances due to its flexibility. As a computerized test, students can often schedule a testing time within 24-48 hours and receive their scores upon completion of the test. If a student only needs to test in one area, ACCUPLACER allows for the student to only pay for that section. The entire test takes about 2-3 hours, but students are allowed the time they need to finish.
For out-of-state students, arrangments can be made to test at a local community college or university. NOTE: the Texas WritePlacer portion is required. Contact Educational Services at (806)651-2341 to make the necessary arrangements.
THEA is an equivalent test that is taken with pencil and paper, lasts a maximum of five hours, must have scheduled test dates, and has a three week time lapse for the test to be mailed back and scored. Colleges and universities are allowed to schedule additional local dates for Quick THEA. The test contents are the same. Quick THEA differs with an additional cost of $10, walk-ins are allowed to test and the test scores are returned in 4-7 days. A sample of THEA is available on line at www.thea.nesinc.com.
WHEN MUST I TAKE THE TEST?
All students must test prior to enrolling in any college-level course work unless the student qualifies for an exemption. For testing information see Testing Services.
WHAT ARE SOME AVAILABLE EXEMPTIONS?
A student is exempt from all TSI requirements under any one of the following conditions:
- The student has earned a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
- The student is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years prior to enrollment.
- The student has been honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard or reserve component on or after August 1, 1990.
- The student has attended another institution and has been determined to have met TSI requirements.
- The student has transferred to the University from an accredited out-of-state, private or independent institution of higher education with a grade of "C" or better on designated college-level course work.
- The student has met requirements under TASP policies prior to September 1, 2003.
- The student is non-degree seeking (taking courses for personal enrichment, not to seek a degree).
A student is exempt from one or more TSI requirements under the following conditions. SAI I and ACT scores used to support an exemption must be less than five years old; TAKS scores must be less than three years old.
- The student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 and a math score of at least 19 is exempt from the math requirement.
- The student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 and an English score of at least 19 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.
- The student with an SAT I score of at least 1070 and a math score of at least 500 is exempt from the math requirement.
- The student with an SAT I score of at least 1070 and a verbal score of at least 500 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.
- The student with a TAKS math score of at least 2200 is exempt from the math requirement.
- The student with a TAKS English/language arts score of at least 2200 and an essay score of at least 3 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.
NOTE: Students who have met TSI requirements may still be required to take an assessment for placement purposes. See Math Placement Exam Requirement.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A PASSING SCORE?
ACCUPLACER
Reading: |
78 |
| Elementary Algebra: | 63 |
| Writing: | 6 on essay, or combined scores of 80 on Sentence Skills and 5 the essay. |
THEA
| Reading: | 230 |
| Mathematics: | 230 |
| Writing: | 220 |
COMPASS
| Reading: | 81 |
| Algebra: | 39 |
| Writing: | 6 on essay, or combined scores of 59 on writing and 5 on the essay. |
ASSET
| Reading: | 41 |
| Elementary Algebra: | 38 |
| Writing: | 6 on essay, or combined scores of 40 on writing and 5 on the essay. |
HOW DO I REGISTER TO TAKE THE TEST?
To schedule a testing time for ACCUPLACER, contact Educational Services by phone (806) 651-2341. The THEA test bulletin and registration form are available online at www.thea.nesinc.com.
WHAT IF I DON’T PASS THE TEST?
Students not passing sections of the test are required by law to participate in appropriate developmental course work. Students may retest once every 30 days. For more information refer to the developmental education plan.
WHAT IF I AM AN EDUCATION MAJOR?
Students seeking admission into the teacher certification program may be required to take a TSI-approved test regardless of exemption or passing scores. For further information, contact the Department of Education, Old Main, Room 416.
HOW DO I GET ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A LEARNING DISABILITY?
Students with special needs must contact Educational Services and arrange
to pre-register for a testing time and date. To request accommodations
on THEA, the process is outlined on the following website at www.thea.nesinc.com.
For Additional Information on the Texas Success Initiative, contact one of the following:
Student Advising, Registration & Retention (STARR) Center
www.wtamu.edu/starr
Phone: (806) 651-5300
Email: advisingcenter@mail.wtamu.edu
Admissions Office
www.wtamu.edu/admissions
Phone: (806) 651-2020
Toll Free: 1-800-99-WTAMU (98268)
Email: admissions@mail.wtamu.edu
For additional information on testing:
Educational Services
Phone: (806) 651-2341
www.wtamu.edu/testing
For more information on THEA:
Phone: (512) 927-5397
www.thea.nesinc.com
Click to download a printable version of the Texas Success Initiative information.
TSI Testing Exemptions/Waivers - TAKS, SAT, ACT
