What is it?
The TSIA is a state-required assessment exam to determine college readiness in reading, writing and math. In other words, it can determine whether you take developmental or college level Math or English classes in college.
Who needs to take it?
If you plan on enrolling in a four-year or bachelor’s degree program, a two-year or associate’s program, or a certificate program that will last longer than one year, you will need to demonstrate college readiness in order to avoid taking developmental courses.
Where can you take it?
At any local community or junior college! However, if you are a current high school student, check in with your college and career counselor to see if they offer it on campus.
College readiness benchmarks
To be considered “college-ready,” you must score:
- Reading: 351 or higher in the multiple choice section.
- Mathematics: 350 or higher in the multiple choice section.
- Writing: 340 or higher in the multiple-choice section AND a score of 4 on the essay. OR, a score of 310-339 in the multiple-choice section, and a score of 4,5, or 6 on the ABE diagnostic section, and an essay score of 5.
You may also demonstrate college readiness, and therefore be exempt from the TSI Assessment, in one of the following ways:
- ACT: A composite score of 23 or higher with at least a 19 on the English test will exempt you from both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment and at least a 19 on the math section will exempt you from the mathematics section of the TSI
- SAT: A minimum score of 530 on the math section will exempt you from the mathematics portions of the TSI Assessment. A minimum score of 480 on the evidence-based reading and writing section will exempt you from both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment. No composite score is required.
- STAAR: End-of-course (EOC) with a minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the English III will exempt you from the reading and writing portion of the TSI Assessment. A minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the Algebra II EOC will exempt you from the TSI Assessment for the mathematics section.
- Remember: You can be exempt from one section of the test, and not the other. This means that you may be exempt from the reading and writing section, but still need to take the mathematics portion of the TSI Assessment.
- For example you could score higher on the math section of the SAT than the reading and writing section and receive an exemption from the mathematics sections of the TSIA, but not the reading and writing section.
What’s on the TSIA?
Reading: Sections include literary analysis, main idea and supporting details, inferences in a text, and author’s use of language.
Math: Sections include elementary algebra and functions, and intermediate algebra. Writing: Sections include essay revision, agreement measures, sentence structure and sentence logic, and an essay section.
Sending your TSIA Scores
Check in with the institution where you are enrolling in to verify how to send TSIA scores. School’s will need to receive your TSIA scores before you can register for classes.
Preparing for the TSIA
- You are able to study online through the Accuplacer website.
- You can also take free practice tests through TSIPracticeTest.com.
- Learn more about the TSIA from Austin Community College.
