TSI Advising

TSI-WHAT IS IT, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
 
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
What is TSI?
The state of Texas requires that students entering college be tested to see that they are prepared for college-level work that is considered Reading, Writing, or Math intensive.
Do I have to test?
If you meet the exemptions for each of the sections, using any combination of scores, you won’t have to test. However, if you meet the exemption scores for one or two areas, you’ll need to test for the areas you did not meet the exemptions.
You are also exempt if you are enrolling in certain certificate programs offered at community colleges, including South Plains College.
In what areas will I be tested?
The placement test determines your college readiness in Reading, Writing, and Math. The tests are multiple-choice, and Writing also has an essay portion where you write an essay
response to a question.
How do I test?
You have different options for placement testing; below are two examples that South Plains College offers:
Take the THEA test, which is a pencil-and-paper test, and gives you 5 hours to finish the test. You can use a calculator for the Math portion
Take the Accuplacer test, which is on the computer, and each of the three
sections are timed; total time allowed for the
entire test is about 2 1/2 hours. You cannot use a calculator for the Math portion.
You must sign up in advance to take the tests, and the test costs $29.
What if I don’t pass?
If you fail one or more areas of the placement test, that’s okay! There are developmental courses designed to help you gain college-level skills in the areas you need help. You will be restricted from taking certain classes until you pass the areas you failed, but there are plenty of other classes to choose from. Your best bet is to visit with your advisor to discuss your scores and help you find the best classes for you. You may find a list of restricted courses here.
Why do I have to go through TSI Advisement?
Your advisor will assist you in determining a good balance of coursework that helps you meet your TSI compliance as quickly as possible. South Plains College cares about your success; research with our own students proves that they are more successful when they meet with an advisor. Your advisor is also a great resource to help you find the answers to any other questions you may have.
TSI Passing Scores
Reading:
THEA-230 and up
ACCUPLACER-78 and up
Math:
THEA-230 and up
ACCUPLACER-75 and up
Writing:
THEA-220 and up
ACCUPLACER-80 and up with essay 5 or higher
 
If you scored on the tests listed below, you would be
exempt from any further placement testing:
TAKS (exit-level) - 2200 in math and/or 2200 in English/Language Arts (ELA) with a writing subscore of at least 3
SAT - a combined score of 1070 with a 500 on the math and/or verbal sections
ACT - a composite score of 23 with a 19 on the math and/or English sections
You can meet the exemption for one, two, or all three areas of Reading, Writing, and Math with any
combination of the tests and scores; for example, you could score a 19 on the ACT Math section and be exempt for Math, and score a 500 on the SAT verbal section to be exempt from Reading and Writing.
 
Questions about TSI?
Contact:
South Plains College
1401 South College
Avenue
Levelland, Texas 79336

806-894-9611, ext. 2367 or 4689

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