Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Education Code statute 51.3062, Success Initiative, effective September 1, 2003, requires the university to assess the academic skills of each degree seeking undergraduate student to determine the student’s readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework. The fee for the completion of the assessment instrument will be paid by the student.  The university will not use the assessment or the results of the assessment as a condition of admission to the institution.

 All non-exempt incoming students are required to complete the mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) and then take the TSI assessment before registering for classes.

Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)

Before taking the TSI Assessment, students must participate in the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA). Texas A&M University-Texarkana is required to provide the Pre-Assessment Activity as well as document your participation. You will not be allowed to take the TSI Assessment until you have completed this activity. The activity includes the following:

  • An explanation of the importance of the TSI Assessment
  • Practice test questions and feedback
  • An explanation of your developmental education options, if you do not meet the minimum passing standard; and
  • Information on campus and community resources to help you succeed as a college student.

TSI Exemptions and Exceptions

The following students shall be exempt from TSI developmental education requirements:

Students who test at or above the following standards valid five (5) years from the date of testing:

ACT: 

administered prior to February 15, 2023

  • Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on English
    → Exempt from Reading and Writing
  • Minimum score of 19 on Mathematics
    → Exempt from Mathematics

administered on or after February 15, 2023

  • Combined score of 40 on English + Reading (E+R)
    → Exempt from ELAR
  • Score of 22 on Mathematics

→ Exempt from Mathematics

SAT: 

administered March 5, 2016 on or later

  • 480 EBRW → Exempt ELAR
  • 530 Math → Exempt Mathematics

Mixing SAT scores from administrations prior to March 5, 2016, with later administrations is not allowable.

GED:

  • 165 Mathematical Reasoning → Exempt Mathematics
  • 165 RLA → Exempt ELAR

HiSET:

  • 15 Mathematics → Exempt Mathematics
  • 15 Reading + 15 Writing + 4 Essay → Exempt ELAR

STAAR End-of-Course:

  • 4000 English III → Exempt Reading & Writing
  • 4000 Algebra II → Exempt Mathematics

Texas College Bridge:

Completion of Texas College Bridge Certificate for English Language Arts and Mathematics issued within two years from the date of high school graduation. 

Texas First Diploma:

Completion of Texas First Diploma from high school exempts students from ELAR and Mathematics sections (no expiration).

Degree Completion:

Students who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Prior Completion of Readiness Standards:

Students previously enrolled and meeting readiness standards in mathematics and/or ELAR by any Texas public, private, independent institution of higher education, or accredited out-of-state institution, may be determined by TAMUT as having met its institutional readiness standards.

Transfer Coursework:

Students who transfer from private or independent institutions of higher education or accredited out-of-state institutions of higher education and who have satisfactorily completed college-level course work with a “C” or better, or have earned Advanced Placement credit, in one course from each of the three areas listed below:

       Reading and Writing Exemptions:  ENGL 1301, 1302, 2321, 2322, 2323, 2326, 2327, 2328, 2331, 2332, 2333, 2341, 2342, 2343; and GEOG 1300, 1301, 1302, 1303; GOVT 2301, 2302, 2305, 2306; HIST 1301, 1302, 2301, 2311; PHIL 1301, 2303, 2306; PSCI 2301; 2302; PSYC 2301, 2314; SOCI 1301, 1306

       Math Exemptions:  MATH 1314 or higher; PYSC 2317

Military:

Students who are serving on active duty as members of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as Members of reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States and have been serving for at least three (3) years preceding enrollment

Students who, on or after August 1, 1990, were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active-duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as members of reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States.