Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
Beginning Freshmen

TSI is a program mandated by Texas law, and its requirements apply to all students in Texas public colleges and universities.

In order to help students be successful in their academic careers, the TSI program evaluates each student's abilities in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. Students are then assigned into the appropriate developmental coursework as necessary.

Exemptions from TSI

TOTAL EXEMPTION

You may earn total exemption from TSI testing if you satisfy ALL scoring requirements on one of the following tests:

 

SAT	1070 Combined	500 Math	500 Critical Reading
ACT	23 Composite	19 Math	19 English
TAKS	11th grade only	2200 Math	2200 ELA and 3 essay
Please note the following:
TAKS (11th-grade test only) - expires three years from test date. SAT, ACT - expire five years from test date.

PARTIAL EXEMPTION

You may earn partial exemption from TSI testing by meeting both the combined or composite score AND the subject score from the same testing date on the ACT or SAT. For example:

• ACT 23 composite + 19 math = exempt from math.
  
• SAT 1070 combined + 500 verbal = exempt from reading and writing.

You may also earn partial exemption by meeting one standard listed above for the 11th-grade TAKS test (2200 math or 2200 + 3 in ELA/Essay).

It is possible to earn total exemption from TSI testing by combining partial exemptions.

If you meet the score requirements for English/Critical Reading, then you are exempt from testing in both writing and reading.

NOTE: 10th-grade TAKS test scores may not be used for exemption.

TSI TESTING

If you are not exempt in all three subject areas, you must have TSI test scores on file prior to registering for classes at SFA. If you plan on attending an Orientation session, you should submit your scores to SFA well before your arrival for Orientation weekend. Students who come to Orientation without scores must begin their Orientation by taking a TSI test if necessary. Contact SFA's Testing Center if you need further assistance with testing.

THEA Test

Go to http://www.thea.nesinc.com/ to obtain information on how to register online, available test dates and locations, sample test questions, a full-length practice version of the THEA test and suggestions on testing. You may also order The Official THEA Test Study Guide at this site.

When taking any of the THEA tests, you must indicate that you want your scores sent to SFA (SFA's school code is 283); your score is then automatically sent to the university.

It will take approximately 12 working days from the date of testing for SFA to obtain your THEA scores.

Alternative tests

When taking one of the other tests (ACCUPLACER, ASSET, or COMPASS), YOU will need to provide your official scores to us. You may send us your scores by fax at 936-468-7611 or by mail to Academic Advising Center, PO Box 6154, Nacogdoches, TX 75962; handwritten scores are not acceptable.

You may test at any college or testing center. Contact a local community college or talk to your high school counselor.

We highly recommend that you send us your scores by fax as soon as you have access to them. Do not wait until Orientation to bring us your scores. Sending your scores in advance will save yourself valuable time at Orientation.

Remember: If you must take a TSI test, your scores must be on file with the Academic Advising Center prior to enrolling in any collegiate-level coursework.

TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS

DEVELOPMENTAL CLASSES

Students who are required to test and do not achieve the passing TSI scores must enroll in developmental coursework for the non-passed area(s). These courses are designed to help students improve their proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics. Students must enroll in developmental work begining their first semester and remain enrolled in these courses until they prove college readiness.

Initial placement into mathematics courses is based on standardized test scores. Talk with your advisor about your eligibility for specific math courses if you have already met TSI math requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns about TSI, please contact the Academic Advising Center at any time.

Phone: 936-468-5803
Fax: 936-468-7611

To go to the Orientation web page, please click here

To go to the Admissions web page, please click here