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Q. What is the TSI test? My son is graduating from San Marcos High this year and wonders if he will need to take it. Do all college-bound students have to take the TSI?
A. TSI refers to the Texas Success Initiative Program which is a state-legislated effort to improve student success in college. Many, but not all, students have to take the TSI exam.
This student wants to go to Texas State University, so we started with TSI information on the university’s website. The main component of the Texas Success Initiative Program (TSIP) is an initial assessment that measures skills in mathematics, reading and writing. All students, except those who are TSI-Exempt, should take this test before their first semester at Texas State University.
That raises the question — who is exempt? Actually, quite a few people are eligible to apply for exemptions, but I’ll just include information that is most likely to affect current high school seniors. Students who meet one of the conditions below are exempt or partially exempt from taking an initial assessment test. In each case, Texas State University must receive official proof in order to process the exemption.
What test scores qualify a student for the exemption? For the ACT, a composite score of 23 with at least 19 on the English test — which satisfies both reading and writing TSI requirements — and at least 19 on the mathematics test.
For SAT exams taken in March 2016 or later, students will be exempt if they have a minimum score of 530 on the math section and a minimum score of 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test.
The following information will be of interest to those whose SAT or ACT scores don’t qualify them for the exemption. These students must take the TSI assessment tests on reading, writing and math.
If student scores are lower than the standard on any of the three TSIA tests, they will work with an advisor to develop a plan for academic success that outlines the options for students to become college ready. These students may be required to enroll in developmental courses (Reading 1300, English 1300 and/Math1300/1311), and/or participate in lab-based instruction.
For more information, I’d suggest the Texas Higher Education coordinating Board's website.
Community Action offers High School Equivalency test preparation here at the library. Their teachers also help people prepare for college entrance exams and the TSI tests. Call the library at 512-393-8200 for more information.
