TSI Advising

TSI-WHAT IS IT, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
 
The state of Texas requires that students entering college be tested to see that they are prepared for college-level work that is considered Reading, Writing, or Math intensive.
 
If you meet the exemptions for each of the sections, using any combination of scores, you won’t have to test. However, if you meet the exemption scores for one or two areas, you’ll need to test for the areas you did not meet the exemptions.
You are also exempt if you are enrolling in certain certificate programs offered at community colleges, including South Plains College.
 
You have different options for placement testing; below are two examples that South Plains College offers:
  • Take the THEA test, which is a pencil-and-paper test, and gives you 5 hours to finish the test. You can use a calculator for the Math portion
  • Take the Accuplacer test, which is on the computer, and each of the three
    sections are timed; total time allowed for the entire test is about 2 1/2 hours. You cannot use a calculator for the Math portion.
    •
You must sign up in advance to take the tests, and the test costs $30-$32.
 
If you fail one or more areas of the placement test, that’s okay! There are developmental courses designed to help you gain college-level skills in the areas you need help. You will be restricted from taking certain classes until you pass the areas you failed, but there are plenty of other classes to choose from. Your best bet is to visit with your advisor to discuss your scores and help you find the best classes for you. You may find a list of restricted courses here.
 
Your advisor will assist you in determining a good balance of coursework that helps you meet your TSI compliance as quickly as possible. South Plains College cares about your success; research with our own students proves that they are more successful when they meet with an advisor. Your advisor is also a great resource to help you find the answers to any other questions you may have.
 
Placement Tests Passing Scores
Reading:
THEA-230 and up
ACCUPLACER-78 and up

Math: 

THEA-230 and up
ACCUPLACER-75 and up 

Writing:

THEA-220 and up
ACCUPLACER-80 and up with essay 5 or higher

If you scored on the tests listed below, you would be exempt from any further placement testing: 

TAKS (exit-level) - 2200 in math and/or 2200 in English/Language Arts (ELA) with a writing subscore of at least 3
SAT - a combine d score of 1070 with a 500 on the math and/or verbal sections

ACT - a composite score of 23 with a 19 on the math and/or English sections

You can meet the exemption for one, two, or all three areas of Reading, Writing, and Math with any combination of the tests and scores; for example, you could score a 19 on the ACT Math section and be exempt for Math, and score a 500 on the SAT verbal section to be exempt from Reading and Writing.
 
Questions about TSI? Contact:
SouthPlains College
1401 South College Avenue
Levelland, Texas 79336
806-716-2367
 

Click here to enter the Testing Information Website

 


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