The TSI Assessment was created by the College Board® in response to college success improvement efforts mandated by the Texas legislature. It is given to prospective college students in Texas and measures their level of preparedness for college-level study. A placement test is given in each of three areas: reading, writing, and math. If a student earns a pre-established “passing” score on the placement tests, he or she is cleared to enroll in any college-level classes at that institution. However, if the passing or “cut” score is not achieved in any area, shorter diagnostic tests will be administered to identify specific learning needs. A student may not have to take the diagnostic part if the score is high enough on the placement test. The diagnostic test(s) will be used to help the student plan enrollment, including remediation courses in subjects of demonstrated need.
The TSI Assessment is computer-adaptive—the computer chooses the next question based on your response to the previous question. Test results are available immediately after testing and, usually, class enrollment will begin at that time.
Modifications are available for students with disabilities, but you need to contact the disabilities office at the college or university to apply for these before testing. This process involves a review of your situation according to institution and federal regulations, so allow plenty of time before you need to take the test.