Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
Are You Ready for Academic Success?
The Texas Success Initiative
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a program which requires all undergraduate students to demonstrate reading, writing and mathematics proficiency in order to be successful in college-level coursework. TSI Assessment scores are not used to determine admissions status; however, entering students must prove they are already compliant or take the TSI Assessment before enrolling in college-level courses. Not all incoming students need to take the TSI Assessment. Students with a TSI Assessment exemption can enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions (see exemptions as provided by the Sec. 51.338 of the Education Code).
Students that are TSI incomplete or did not send documentation to prove compliance will have a TSI Hold on their account that prevents course registration. To retrieve and send UHCL your TSI score, please follow the instructions on CollegeBoard website.
Students who do not qualify for one of the exemptions below must complete the TSI assessment. The results of the TSI assessment will be used to determine course selections. As part of the students' academic success plan, those who do not meet the minimum standards in one or more areas will be advised regarding developmental options.
Before registering to take the TSI Exam, all students must take a pre-assessment (PAA). You will not be allowed to take the TSI Assessment until you have completed this activity. The PAA can be accessed at https://practice.accuplacer.org/login or the button below. Register, complete the PAA, print out the pre-assessment certificate and bring it with you to the Testing Center
Do You Need the TSI?
Resources to prepare for your test:
- Accuplacer (free, official test prep)
- Mometrix (free)
- Test-Guide.com (free)
- IPrep (free)
- PurpleMath (course, free)
- MyCareerTools (free)
- TSI Practice (free with adds)
Exemptions
- Am I exempt from the TSI?
- Which courses need to be completed in order to be granted a Transfer Course Exemption?
- How can I meet the TSI requirements if I am not exempt?
- I have new test scores that exempt me from all or part of the TSI. What should I do?
- How do I claim a military related TSI exemption?
- What do I do if I have completed college level course work that exempts me from TSI after being admitted to UHCL?
- Can AP and CLEP exam score exempt me from TSI?
- What UHCL office should I contact for additional information related to TSI?
TSI Assessment
- What is the cost to take the TSI?
- Is the TSI a timed exam?
- How do I schedule an appointment to take the TSI?
- Are calculators allowed for the TSI?
- Why is the Pre-Assessment Activity required before taking the TSI Assessment?
- Is there a deadline to take the TSI?
- How soon are the test results available?
- What is considered a passing score on the TSI?
Exemptions
Am I exempt from the TSI?
You may be exempt if any of the following applies to you:
ACT
Following the administration of a single test:
- ACT administered prior to February 15, 2023: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test shall be exempt for both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment, and/or 19 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment;
- ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests shall be exempt for both reading and writing or ELAR sections of the TSI Assessment. A score of 22 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. There is no composite score.
For ACT administer prior to February 15, 2023 you may be eligible for a partial exemption if your composite score is at least 23 and have a minimum score of 19 in one of the individual areas. You will need to test in the area you are not exempt.
Updated January 26, 2023 per Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved amendments to the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter C, Rule 4.54, concerning the ACT assessment.
SAT (Prior to March 1, 2016)
Following the administration of a single test:
- Combined Critical Reading & Math = 1070 or higher
- Critical Reading = 500 or higher
- Math = 500 or higher
You may be eligible for a partial exemption if your composite score is 1070 and have a minimum of 500 in one individual area. You will need to test in the area you are not exempt.
SAT (Beginning March 1, 2016)
Following the administration of a single test:
- Evidenced-Based Reading Writing (EBRW)= 480
- Math = 530
Note: Scores for TSI purposes must come from either the old SAT (administered prior to March 2016) or the revised SAT (administered March 5, 2016 and later), but not a combination of old SAT scores and revised SAT scores.
TAKS
You have a minimum of 2200 in Math and/or a minimum of 2200 in English with a writing section score of at least 3 on your 11 grade exit test
STAAR
You have a minimum score of Level II in English III and Level II in Algebra II in the end-of-course exams
College Graduate
You have earned an associates or baccalaureate degree
Active Military Service
You are on active duty as a member the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard or serve in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces for at least three years prior to enrollment
Prior Military Service
You are honorably discharged from service in the U.S armed forces, Texas National guard or a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces on or after August 1990
Transient Status
If you are taking courses for personal enrichment and not pursuing an undergraduate degree
Transfer Coursework
You have earned a grade of "C" or higher on selected college course work as determined by UHCL
TSI Complete
You have met TSI requirements at another Texas public college or university
Which courses need to be completed in order to be granted a Transfer Course Exemption?
You are exempt if you are a transfer student from a Texas private institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution, and you have earned a grade of "C" or higher on the following courses:
Reading
- ENGL 1301 - Composition I
- HIST 1301 – US History I
- HIST 1302 – US History II
- GOVT 2305 – Federal Government
- GOVT 2306 –Texas Government
- PHIL 1301 - Intro to Philosophy
- SOCI 1301 - Intro to Sociology
- PSYC 2301 - Intro to Psychology
- Any sophomore level literature course
Writing
- ENGL 1301 – Composition I
- ENGL 1302 – Composition II
- LITR 2341 - Literature and Experience
Math
- Math 1314 – College Algebra
- Math 1324 – Finite Math
- Math 1332 – Math for Liberal Arts
- Math courses which any of the above are a prerequisite
How can I meet the TSI requirements if I am not exempt?
You will be required to take the TSIA2 Assessment in the subject areas that you are not TSI exempt. If you do not meet the minimum cut-off scores, you will be placed into appropriate developmental courses or interventions. If taking TSIA2 for the first time you are required to take all subjects.
| TSI Area | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| ELAR | 950-990 |
| OR: ≤ 945, a Diagnostic of 6 and Essay score 5-8 | |
| OR: 945-949, with a Diagnostic ≥5 and an Essay score ≥5 | |
| ESSAY | 6 |
| OR a combination of 5-8 if other ELAR passing scores are met as described above | |
| MATH | 950 - 990 |
| OR: 910-949, with a Diagnostic of 6 |
The TSI Assessment is an untimed exam. For more information on testing arrangements please visit the Testing Center.
I have new test scores that exempt me from all or part of the TSI. What should I do?
Request that your official scores be sent to the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Your test score information will be updated upon receipt. Follow instructions to retrieve and send UHCL your score.
- UHCL SAT code: 6916
- UHCL ACT code: 4171
All other scores should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
How do I claim a military related TSI exemption?
Please contact the Veteran Services Office. You will need to present your DD214- Certificate of Discharge or your current military ID. The VSO will take care of updating your record.
What do I do if I have completed college level course work that exempts me from TSI after being admitted to UHCL?
Please request that your official transcripts which reflect all course work completed to date be sent to the Office of Admissions for processing. Your record will be updated upon receipt.
Can AP and CLEP exam score exempt me from TSI?
Yes, if your subject exam scores meet UHCL’s minimum scores required to receive college credit for any of the courses appearing in the Transfer Course Exemption list. Please visit the AP or CLEP section of the Testing Website for minimum scores.
What UHCL office should I contact for additional information related to TSI?
The Testing Center is the designated TSI office at UHCL.
TSI Assessment
What is the cost to take the TSI?
$35 for initial test; $15 per section for retest
Is the TSI a timed exam?
The TSI Assessment is an untimed exam.
How do I schedule an appointment to take the TSI?
By appointment:
- Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
Are calculators allowed for the TSI?
No calculators are allowed to be brought in to the testing room. A calculator is provided within the testing software.
Why is the Pre-Assessment Activity required before taking the TSI Assessment?
This activity reiterates the importance of the TSI Assessment, provides information about options if the minimum passing standard is not met, and also includes a practice test and feedback immediately upon completion. The Certificate of Completion for this activity is required to take the TSI Assessment.
Is there a deadline to take the TSI?
Students that are TSI incomplete will have a TSI Hold on their account that prevents course registration. Incoming freshmen should take the TSI before summer freshman orientation; other incoming students should take TSI before meeting with their advisor.
How soon are the test results available?
Test results are available upon completion.
What is considered a passing score on the TSI?
| TSI Area | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| ELAR | 950-990 |
| OR: ≤ 945, a Diagnostic of 6 and Essay score 5-8 | |
| OR: 945-949, with a Diagnostic ≥5 and an Essay score ≥5 | |
| ESSAY | 6 |
| OR a combination of 5-8 if other ELAR passing scores are met as described above | |
| MATH | 950 - 990 |
| OR: 910-949, with a Diagnostic of 6 |