Testing Center - Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a program designed to help ensure that all students enrolled in a Texas public colleges and universities possess the academic skills needed to be successful in college-level course work. The TSI Assessment will determine readiness for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. Students who do not meet the minimum standard in one or more areas will be advised regarding TSI compliance and given options on necessary interventions and courses that will meet your needs and help you become better prepared for college-level work.
All incoming college students in Texas who are not already exempt are required to take the TSI Assessment to determine readiness for college-level courses and success in those courses. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provides more details about exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.
Scheduling
The TSI Assessment is offered Monday-Friday and certain Saturdays by appointment at 8:30 a.m. Please call to verify Saturday dates. Contact the Testing Center for the current walk-in hours.
Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis, as space becomes available. Testing candidates must have already completed the Pre-Assessment Activity. Candidates must register for the Practice App and complete the PAA. The certificate of completion must be emailed directly to the Testing Center at Testing.Center@tamusa.edu.
The cost of the TSI Assessment for admitted Texas A&M-San Antonio students is $18.00 per section or $35.00 for both sections. Admitted Texas A&M-San Antonio students outside the local San Antonio area can request Remote TSI Voucher, which costs $15.00 for 2 sections or $10.00 for 1 section.
What are the TSI Assessment scores that determine college readiness?
| TSI Assessment 2 Exam | College Ready Score |
| TSIA 2 Mathematics |
950 or higher |
|
TSIA 2 ELAR |
945 or higher with an essay score of 5 or higher OR 944 or lower with a diagnostic level 5 or higher and an essay score of 5 or higher |
| TSI Assessment Exam | College Ready Score |
| TSIA Mathematics | 350 or higher |
| TSIA Reading | 351 or higher |
| TSIA Writing |
340 or higher with an essay score of 4 or higher OR |
For more information on the Texas Success Initiative and A&M-SA, please visit our TSI Frequently Asked Questions.
Exemptions & Waivers
Not all incoming students need to take the TSI Assessment. There are many ways you can be exempt or be provided a waiver.
Qualifying for a TSI Assessment exemption means that you can enroll in some or all entry-level college courses without restrictions.
Common Exemptions include:
- Have met the minimum college readiness standard on SAT, ACT, or a statewide high school test. For specific tests and scores, please speak with the TSI Coordinator;
- Have met the minimum college readiness standard on a High School Equivalency exam; such as, GED or HiSET.
- Have successfully completed college-level course work;
- Served in the military on or after August 1, 1990 and were honorably discharged, retired, or released from service. Please complete the Request for Military Exemption Form.
Waivers will provide a temporary waiver for the TSI Assessment and allow students to enroll in some or all entry-level college courses without restrictions.
Common Waivers include:
- Serving on activity duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, Texas National Guard, as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment. A waiver request must be submitted with the required paperwork. Waivers must be submitted each semester or until college readiness is met;
- Successful completion and passing a college preparatory course through a partnering high school can provide a waiver from the TSI Assessment. Entry-level college course in the specific content area must be completed and passed within two semesters from initial enrollment;
- A waiver can be granted using multiple measures as determined by department faculty. Enrollment in an entry-level college course is required in the specific area the multiple measure waiver was granted during the first semester. College readiness will be met when the college-level course is completed and passed and must be done within 2 semesters.
- A temporary waiver can be provided for non-degree seeking student. This is a one-time, one semester waiver.
If you think you may be qualify for a waiver or exemption, please contact a Texas A&M-San Antonio Testing Center at 210-784-1366 or email tsi@tamusa.edu.
What if I Have Already Taken the TSI Assessment?
If you have previously taken the TSI Assessment at another Institution or testing site, you can request your scores in two ways:
- Complete the online Score Report Request Form to have your scores pulled directly from your school.
- Log in to your Accuplacer Student Portal and request that your scores be shared with Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Please follow our step by step instructions on Student Shared Individual Score Reports.
The TSI Office will be able to access your score report and update your student account. Student shared reports and requests are processed within 5 business days.
TSI Information
