Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

Students attending Texas public institutions of higher education must be in compliance with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The law requires all students entering college to be assessed for college readiness in mathematics, reading, and writing unless the student qualifies for a waiver or exemption. To read the law in full, click here.

In order to be ADVISED and REGISTER, students must meet TSI requirements.

To view your current TSI status: Visit MySam and select the "Registration" tab. From there, select the "Continue to Registration" button to check for TSI holds withing your "Bearkat Registration Dashboard". You may also use DegreeWorks.

Submitting TSI and Exemption Scores

  • Submitting TSIA2 (TSI Assessment Version 2) Scores
      Submitting TSI Scores
    • If you have previously taken the TSIA2, you will need to submit a TSI score request form.

      • Submit TSI Score Request Form
    • The TSI Score Request Form will provide Sam Houston State University with written permission to download and access your TSI Assessment results.
    • Our office may be unable to locate your TSI Assessment scores if the details you provide on the form do not match the information you provided to the Testing Center where you completed the TSI Assessment.
    • Please allow up to two business days for your TSI Assessment scores to be updated onto your Sam Houston State University student record.
  • Submitting ACT or SAT Scores
      Sending ACT Scores
    • In the event you have taken the ACT exam and you believe you qualify for an ACT Exemption from the TSI, you can submit your ACT results by emailing a PDF copy of your scores to tsi@shsu.edu
    • You can access your scores by logging into your ACT.org account. Please ensure your ACT results include your name, the date you took the exam, and all relevant scores.

      • Sending SAT Scores
    • In the event you have taken the SAT exam and you believe you qualify for an SAT Exemption from the TSI, you can submit your SAT results by emailing a PDF copy of your scores to tsi@shsu.edu
    • You can access your scores by logging into your College Board account. Please ensure your SAT results include your name, the date you took the exam, and all relevant scores.
  • TSI Exemptions and Waivers
      List of Exemptions and Waivers
    • You may qualify for a TSI Exemption or Waiver based on your standardized testing scores or other criteria
    • Determine if you qualify for a TSI Exemption or Waiver.

      • TSI Exemption or Waivers

Students Who Do Not Have A TSI Placement

  • Mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)
      Completing the PAA
    • If you have not previously taken the TSI Assessment, you will first need to complete your Pre-Assessment Activity before you are eligible to sign up to take the TSI Assessment.
    • For a complete list of instructions on how to complete the PAA, please visit the Sam Houston State University Pre-Assessment Activity website.

      • Pre-Assessment Activity Page
  • Taking the TSI Assessment
      Scheduling Your TSI Exam
    • Once you have completed your Pre-Assessment Activity requirements, you will be able to schedule the TSI Assessment through the Sam Houston State University Testing Center.
    • The Sam Houston State University Testing Center offers the TSI exam to students through both in person and remote testing options.

      • Schedule in Person Testing Appointment

      OR

      Schedule Remote Testing Appointment
  • Next Step After We Receive Your Scores
      Academic Advising
    • All incoming first time freshman and transfer students are required to meet with an academic advisor before they can register for classes.
    • Students who have a not college ready status in any areas of the TSI are required to meet with an academic advisor before they can register for classes.
    • Visit the SAM center website to set up an appointment with an academic advisor.

      • Schedule Advising Appointment

TSIA2 Placement

If you DO NOT receive a college ready classification score from the TSIA2 Exam, you must follow a developmental education plan.

The Reading and Writing sections of the previous version of the TSI Assessment have been renamed and combined into one section titled "English Language Arts and Reading" for the TSIA2. 

   TSIA2 Placement Status Mathematics

English Language Arts and

Reading (ELAR)
College Ready 950

ELAR 945 

and Essay Score of 5
College Ready

900-949

and Diagnostic Score of 6 

ELAR 900-944

and Essay Score of 5

and Diagnostic Score of 5 

Not College Ready 

Co-Requisite Options

MMA Section Options

See Advisor for Details

900-949

and Diagnostic Score of 1-5

ELAR 900 - 944

and Essay Score of 1-4

and Diagnostic Score of 1-4


Developmental Education Policies

Retesting - Things You Need to Know!

Additional Resources

 

For immediate assistance, please contact the Registrar's Office:

936.294.1040
Email: tsi@shsu.edu