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Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

What Is Texas Success Initiative (TSI)?

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state mandate that requires students to be assessed in reading, writing and math skills prior to enrolling in college, and to be advised based on the results of that assessment.

For more detailed information, view the College Board TSI online brochure (Opens in new window).

If you have questions about TSI or other college readiness topics, please contact your student's campus counselor for assistance.

Can A Student Be Exempt From TSI Assessment?

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requires that all students attending a public college or university achieve a set of minimum scores on the TSI assessment, or to be exempt from testing to prove college readiness. Test exemptions are based on American Testing College (ACT) scores, SAT scores, or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)/End of Course (EOC) scores.

Test exemption and required scores are as follows:

  • STAAR/EOC
    • English 2 (Level 2): Minimum score of 4,000
    • Algebra 1 (Level 2): Minimum score of 4,000, and high school Algebra 2 course score of 70 or above
  • ACT
    • English: Minimum score of 19 with a composite score of 23
    • Math: Minimum score of 19 with a composite score of 23
  • SAT
    • Evidenced-based Writing: Minimum score of 480
    • Math: Minimum score of 530
  • PSAT
    • Not available at this time
  • PLAN (For students entering 11th grade only)
    • English: Minimum score of 19 plus a combined score of 23
    • Math: Minimum score of 19 plus a combined score of 23
    • Please Note: Students entering 12th grade must show new exemption based on TAKS, SAT, or ACT

What If A Student Is Not Exempt From TSI Testing?

If a student is not exempt from testing, the TSI assessment must be taken prior to registration. Required TSI scores are listed below.

If you have questions about TSI testing, please contact your student's campus counselor for assistance with testing topics.

  • TSI required scores are as follows:
    • Reading: Minimum score of 351
    • Math: Minimum score of 350
    • Writing: A score between 340 and 390 plus a minimum score of 4 on the Write Placer essay, or, a score between 310 and 399 and levels 4 through 6 on ABE Diagnostic and a minimum score of 5 on the Write Placer essay