Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
We do not just understand transfer students; we are transfer students.
The State of Texas requires all incoming undergraduate students to demonstrate college-readiness in reading, writing and mathematics as defined by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program. Most incoming transfer students meet minimum TSI requirements through exemption, prior college coursework or have previously passed the TSI assessment, so no further demonstration of college-readiness is required. While not a requirement for admission, transfer students entering A&M-Central Texas who do not meet TSI requirements will be advised by Undergraduate Academic Advising in regard to which entry-level course(s) may still need to be completed at another institution.
TSI Exemptions
General Exemptions: A student may be exempt from all (Math, Reading, and Writing) TSI requirements under any one of the following conditions:
Prior TSI Exemption
A student who has previously attended any institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution shall not be required to provide any additional demonstration of college readiness.
Degree Holder
A student is exempt, in all TSI areas, if he or she holds an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.
Military
- A student is exempt in all TSI areas, if serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the U.S. or the Texas National Guard.
- A student is exempt, in all TSI areas, if he or she is currently serving as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the U.S. and has been serving for at least 3 years preceding enrollment.
- A student is exempt if honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the U.S., of the Texas National Guard, or has served as a member of the armed forces of the U.S.
Non-Degree Seeker
A student is exempt if he or she is a non-degree and/or visiting student. If a student becomes a degree-seeking student, he or she will be required to meet TSI standards.
A Student is exempt from one or more TSI requirements under the following conditions:
SAT, ACT, TAKS and STAAR scores used to support an exemption must be less than five years old.
Prior College Credit
- Math, Reading, and Writing: A student transferring in college-level courses from another institution of higher education who have achieved a “C” may be exempt from taking the TSI assessment in one or more areas. Undergraduate Admissions will review upon receipt of official transcripts.
AP Credit (Score of 3 or higher)
- Math: Calculus AB; Calculus BC; Statistics
- Reading: English Language and Composition; English Literature and Composition; Comparative Government and Politics; European History; Human Geography; Psychology; United States Government and Politics; United States History; World History
- Writing: English Language and Composition; English Literature and Composition
ACT
- Math: Composite 23 and Math 19
- Reading: Composite 23 and English 19
- Writing: Composite 23 and English 19
SAT
- Math: Composite 1070 and Math 500
- Reading: Composite 1070 and Critical Reading/Verbal 500
- Writing: Composite 1070 and Critical Reading/Verbal 500
TAKS
- Math: Math 2200
- Reading: ELA 2200 and writing essay score 3
- Writing: ELA 2200 and writing essay score 3
STAAR
- Math: End-of-course score of level 2 on Algebra II
- Reading: End-of-course score of level 2 on English III
- Writing: End-of-course score of level 2 on English III
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not exempt from one or more TSI requirements. Will I need to take the TSI Assessment(s)?
If you are not exempt and have not completed college-level courses in math or English, then the answer is yes. In this case, the TSI assessment is required. Your score on the TSI assessment(s) will determine if you are eligible to enroll in the required entry-level course or if developmental education course(s) are required.
What scores are considered passing?
The following minimum passing standards (also known as "cut scores") for math, reading, and writing on the TSI Assessment shall be used by an institution to determine a student's readiness to enroll in entry-level freshman coursework:
- Math: 350
- Reading: 351
- Writing: Placement score of at least 340 and an essay score of at least a 4; or, a placement score of less than 340, and an ABE Diagnostic level of at least 4, and an essay score of at least 5
How do I take the TSI assessment(s)?
You may take the TSI assessment at the A&M-Central Texas Testing Center. Your score(s) will be available to the institution of your choice - where you can take the required developmental education and/or entry-level course(s). For more information regarding the TSI assessment, please contact the Testing Center by email at proctor@tamuct.edu or call 254.501.5830.
