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 and/or SAT scores.

Test exemption and required scores are as follows:

• 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

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:
  • ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading):
    • A minimum score of 945 on the multiple-choice section with an essay score of 5-8.
    • If a student has a score of less than 945 on the multiple-choice section, the student must have a diagnostic level of 5 or 6 and an essay score of 5-8
  • Math: Minimum score of 950 or less than 950 and a diagnostic level 6