Texas Success Initiative

 
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What is TSI?

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is mandated by Texas law to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges are ready for college-level coursework in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writingThe results of the assessment, in conjunction with your academic background, goals, and interests, are used by academic advisors and counselors to determine your course selection.

You cannot "pass" or "fail" the placement tests, but it is very important that you do your very best on these tests so that you will have an accurate measure of your academic skills.

Share TSI Scores

Lamar University is not able to access your TSI scores unless you share them.

Share Scores

Need Help?

Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@lamar.edu 

Find Your TSI Status

 Complete the form to check your TSI status/other exemptions.

Am I Exempt?

Need Help?

Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@lamar.edu 

Taking the TSI

Learn more information about taking the TSI Assessment.

TSI Assessment

Need Help?

Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@lamar.edu 

Exemptions Due to Test Scores

Choose test type to see the scores meriting exemption.  There is a 5 year expiration on the following exams.

  • ACT

    ACT On or After February 15, 2023

    ACT English + Reading Math
    40+ 22+

    ACT Prior to February 15, 2023

    ACT Composite English Math
    23+ 19+ 19+

    Determining exemption based upon the ACT exam (Prior to February 15, 2023) is a two step process; you must first meet the Composite minimum.  If you earn the minimum Composite score, then you must also meet the minimum for each section to be exempt in that area.  You are NOT exempt by earning a 19 in each section, the Composite must be at least 23.  

            Example:    24 Composite              

                                17 English     

                                22 Math      

    This student would be exempt in math, but would need to take both the reading and writing portions of the TSI Assessment.  

  • SAT
    Redesigned SAT Reading and Writing Math
    480+ 530+

    This exam does not require students to first earn a minimum Overall score.  Earning the minimum score in each section will exempt students from taking the TSI Assessment in that area. 

  • STAAR
    STAAR English III Algebra II
    Level II (4000) Level II (4000)

    This exam does not require students to first earn a minimum Overall score.  Earning the minimum score in each section will exempt students from taking the TSI Assessment in that area. 

Texas College Bridge

Students who complete Texas College Bridge offered by their high schools will receive a TSI requirement waiver valid for two years after high school graduation. To be fully exempt from the TSI, students must submit both the English and Math certificates. If you complete only one TCB program, you will need to submit TSI information for the other subject.

Certificates of completion can be shared through Greenlight or emailed to tsi@lamar.edu.

Interpreting your TSI Scores

TSI Assessments completed after January 11, 2021. TSI Version 2.0 (TSI2)

The minimum passing score for each section: 

  • Math: 950; or a score below 950 and a Diagnostic level of 6.
  • English Language Arts (Reading and Writing): 945 with an essay score of at least 5; or a score below 945 and a Diagnostic level of 5 or 6 with an essay score of at least 5.

TSI Assessments completed before January 11, 2021.

The minimum passing score for each section: 

  • Math: 350
  • Reading: 351
  • Writing: 340 with an essay of 4; or a writing score below 340 with an ABE Diagnostic level of at least 4 and an essay score of at least 5.  

To find out more about your score report for the assessments completed before January 11, 2021 and how to read it, refer to this brochure for more information.

The student brochure for assessments completed after January 11, 2021 can be found here

What to do after you submit your scores?

  1. Check your Student Portal to ensure that we have received and evaluated all test scores or college transcripts.
    • Please allow 2-3 business days for your Student Portal to be updated. If you do not see any updates after this time, send us an email with your L# and date of submission to TSI@lamar.edu. 
  2. After your TSI status has been updated, make your advising appointment. 
    • Have questions about holds? Learn more here!

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