Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

It’s the law

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is state law (Texas Education Code 52.3062) and compliance is mandatory for all students who intend to enroll in a Texas public institution of higher education. The law requires assessment of college readiness in reading, mathematics, and writing for all entering undergraduate students, including dual credit, first time in college, and transfer students; unless the student qualifies for an exemption.

TSI status does not affect your admission to Texas Woman’s University.

About the TSIA2

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas. The tests help Texas schools determine whether you’re ready for college-level courses in the areas of reading, writing, and math. A notable difference of the TSIA2 is the ELAR section is now combined with the Essay.

If you’re not ready for college-level courses, the tests help determine what types of courses or intervention will best prepare you for college-level work. You take TSIA2 tests on a computer and, will get your results immediately after you finish the test when testing in person.

Not all Texas college students have to take TSIA2. If you’ve met college readiness standards you may be exempt please view the "Exemptions & College Ready Scores" located on our website.

The TSIA2 is an untimed test and can be quite lengthy. Please allot approximately 1.5-2 hours per section. Please consider packing a lunch or taking advantage of our on-campus dining options prior to testing. If a student is unable to complete all sections of the exam, he/she may return within 14 days to complete the exam however, the student will have to register for a new test due to covid polcies. The structure of the test is as follows:

TSI2 Math Test

This portion is made up of 20 questions and covers 4 content categories:

Quantitative Reasoning: Calculating ratios, proportions, and percentages, as well as identifying, manipulating, and interpreting linear equations and expressions,
Algebraic Reasoning: Solving equations (linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical), evaluating functions, and solving algebraic problems in context
Geometric and Spatial Reasoning: Converting units within measurement systems, solving geometric problems (perimeter, area, surface area, and volume), performing transformations, and applying right triangle trigonometry
Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning: Classifying data, constructing appropriate representations of data, computing, and interpreting probability, and describing measures of center and spread of data

If you don’t meet the college readiness benchmark, you’ll be routed to the multiple-choice Mathematics Diagnostic Test. Take your time and answer each question to the best of your ability. This test provides you with a second opportunity to demonstrate your readiness in mathematics. The Mathematics Diagnostic Test is made up of 48 questions. There are 12 questions from each of the content categories listed above.

TSI2 ELAR Test

This section is made up of 30 questions, covers 4 sub categories, and addresses these 2 content categories:

Reading-focused questions measure your skills in comprehension and analysis of literary texts, as well as informational and argumentative texts, including paired passages.
Writing-focused questions measure your skills in revision and editing of sentences, paragraphs, and early drafts of essays.

If you don’t meet the college readiness benchmark on the CRC you’ll then take the multiple-choice ELAR Diagnostic Test. Take your time and answer each question to the best of your ability. This test provides you with a second opportunity to demonstrate your readiness in ELAR. The ELAR Diagnostic Test contains 48 multiple-choice questions, of which 24 are reading-focused and 24 are writing-focused.

TSI2 Essay Test

The TSIA2 Essay Test is used along with the multiple choice ELAR component to see if you’re college ready with respect to reading and writing. The Essay Test requires you to provide a 300- to 600-word essay in response to one randomly selected prompt. You’re not allowed to use a dictionary or other outside resources. To help you plan your essay and write rough drafts, you may ask the proctor for plain scratch paper, which will be collected at the end of your test session.

Know your TSI status

TWU students can check their TSI status by logging into their Pioneer Portal. On "My Start Page" click the "Your Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Status" under the heading titled "Other Resources".

Before you take the TSIA2 Assessment

Before taking the TSI Assessment 2 (TSIA2), the student must participate in a mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA). The PAA is only an exercise to be completed and will not be scored. Candidates are required to take the PAA on their own, either at home or at school; students should spend less than 30 minutes on the PAA.

Upon completion of the PAA, the student will receive an emailed proof of completion receipt and will be eligible to register for the TSI Assessment. Candidates are required to upload the PAA receipt upon registration.

Register for the TSI Test

The TSIA2 test sessions are open to TWU students and the community.

Study for the test using the available materials.
Complete the PAA prior to registration and payment for the TSIA2.
Register and Pay online for the TSIA2 testing.

In-person Testing will take place at the TWU Testing Center
For information about the virtual testing option, please visit Virtual Test Registration and Payment

On the day of the test

Report to the location indicated on the emailed payment receipt at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. Late arrivals may not be admitted into the test center. Present a photo identification (driver’s license or student id are acceptable), Pre Assessment Activity and payment receipt.

Page last updated 3:58 PM, August 25, 2023