Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2)
Unless determined exempt, as of January 11, 2021, all students in the state of Texas are required to complete the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) test in Math and in English Language Arts (reading and writing) before enrolling in college courses. The TSIA2 test is required for all new incoming Freshman within the State of Texas, out of state and international students. Students can ensure their TSIA2 scores are received by contacting the Sul Ross State University Office of Enrollment Management at 432-837-8053 or admissions@sulross.edu.
The TSIA2 is a computer-based administered test, and scores are available immediately upon completion. In-person testing is administered throughout the year or during specific orientation dates and is scheduled by appointment only. Please contact the SRSU Testing Center by phone at 432-837-8178 or by email at testing@sulross.edu.
There is a $58.50 test administration fee for initial test administration for all sections (Reading Writing and Math) or $28.50 for individual sections. Students are allowed to re-test as many times as they like; testing fees will apply. If you are unsure whether you need to complete the full TSI or an individual section, please contact the Office of Enrollment Management.
Mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)
BELOW, YOU WILL FIND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- An explanation of the importance of the TSI Assessment (TSIA2)
- Tests considered for exemption status
- Practice test questions
- Developmental education options if you don’t meet the minimum passing standard
- Institutional and community resources that can help you succeed as a college student
- Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) Completion Link (required before TSIA testing can occur)
Placement exams help students and advisors determine the student’s placement in college courses. The TSIA2 should not be viewed as a “pass or fail” assessment, rather to assess the student’s preparedness for college-level English and Math courses. To gauge a student’s level of preparedness, please refer to the explanation of TSIA2 Scores below:
TSIA2 ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) contain 30 multiple choice questions and scores are ranged from 910 – 990. To become eligible for College and Career Ready Courses in English, a student must score within the range of 945-990*. Scores that range from 910 – 944 will be placed into an appropriate developmental course to provide students with extra support to prepare them for College-Level courses.
*College and Career Readiness is determined by both ELAR and Writeplacer scores.
TSIA2 Essay (Writeplacer) contains a 300 – 600-word essay that is determined based on a specific prompt the student must use to form their essay. The Writeplacer assesses a student’s skill level to form strong and complete thoughts, sentence structure, use of grammar, ability to communicate thoughts to a target audience, support their thoughts through personal experiences or using well-known facts, and complexity/ clarity of thoughts. Scores range from 1 – 8. To be eligible for College and Career Read Courses, students must score between a 5 – 8. ELAR and Writeplacer scores are corralted and both determine a student’s readiness in English. A 945 – 990 and Writplacer score of 5-8.
TSIA2 Math contains 20 multiple choice questions and scores ranging from 910 – 990. To become eligible for College and Career Ready Courses in Mathematics, a student must score within the range of 950 – 990. Scores that range from 910 – 949 will be placed into an appropriate developmental course to provide students with extra support to prepare them for College-Level courses.
TSIA2 Diagnostic Scores – Students who do not score within the College and Career Readiness range of 945 – 990 with an Essay score of 5 –8 in ELAR or 950 – 990 in Math, must complete an additional 48 multiple choice diagnostic questions. ELAR & Math Diagnostic Questions consist of descriptors of the proficiency in each content category. The diagnostic level is based on overall performance in the additional diagnostic questions. Students must score a Diagnostic Level or 4 or 5 on the ELAR portion and a Diagnostic Level of 6 on the Math portion.
If you have any questions regarding TSIA2 Scores or Diagnostic Levels, please reach out to the Testing Center.
- ACT: Composite score of 23 or higher with at least a 19 on the English test and/or Math sections (for a period of 5 years from date of testing).
- SAT: Test date prior to March 2016: Combined Verbal and Math score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the Verbal test and/or Math test.
- SAT: Test date on or after March 5, 2016: Minimum score of 480 on the Reading and Writing test; Minimum score of 530 on the Mathematics test. There is no combined score.
- SAT: Scores are useable for a period of 5 years from date of testing. Mixing scores from prior and post March 2016 is not allowed.
- TAKS: Minimum score of 2200 on both the English and/or Math sections with at least a 3 on the writing component of the 11th grade TAKS (for a period of 3 years from the date of testing).
- STAAR: Algebra II-Minimum score of 4000 for exemption in Math; English III-Minimum score of 4000 for an exemption in integrated Reading and Writing (for a period of 5 years from date of testing).
- Transfer coursework: Successfully completed college-level coursework as determined by SRSU.
- Military service: Veterans and active duty personnel serving for at least 3 years preceding enrollment.
Multiple practice questions/ tests for the TSIA2 are available around the internet. Please see the links below for resources directly from the Accuplacer website.
Students who do not score within the College and Career Readiness score range on their initial first test, have the additional options below for extra support:
- Re-Test: Students may choose to re-test and submit new scores.
- Non-Course-Based Instruction (NCBI): Often available to students during orientation a couple of days prior to the beginning of the Fall Semester, includes a review in specific content are of English or Math and ends with the opportunity for students to re-test for free in one subject area. Students can contact the Lobo Den for more information and to sign up. NCBI reviews are conducted by the Sul Ross State University Academic Center for Excellence and is not associated with the Testing Center.
- Paired Courses: SRSU offers paired courses that allow a student to take his/her required developmental course and a college-level version at the same time. The developmental course works as a supplement for the college level course, allowing the student to potentially complete both in one semester. Paired courses may or may not be required depending upon the student’s test scores.
Developmental Coursework offered at Sul Ross:
- ENG 0309 Basic Integrated Reading and Writing
- ENG 0310 Integrated Reading and Writing
- MATH 0314 Introduction to College Algebra
- MATH 0332 Introduction to Contemporary Math
- MATH 0342 Introduction to Statistical Methods
• Academic Enhancement Seminars
These free, hour-long seminars, offered during long semesters, provide opportunities to learn a variety of study skills needed to succeed in higher education.
• Academic Center for Excellence
Ferguson Hall 213
Phone: (432) 837-8408
• Alpine Public Library-ESL for the Big Bend
805 W. Avenue E, Alpine, TX 79830
(432) 837-2621
• Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library
at Sul Ross State University
(432) 837-8123
• Campus Activities
Morgan University Center 108
Phone: (432) 837-8191
• Campus Bookstore
Morgan University Center
Phone: (432) 837-8194
• Career Services & Testing Center
Morgan University Center 211C
Phone: (432) 837-8178
Fax: (432) 837-8724
• Child Care & Family Support Center
805 East Lockhart
Alpine, Texas 79830
Phone: (432) 837-0900
• Counseling & Accessibility Services
Ferguson Hall 112
Phone: (432) 837-8203
Fax: (432) 837-8363
• Financial Aid
Lawrence Hall 100
Phone: (432) 837-8050
Fax: (432) 837-841
E-Mail: fa@sulross.edu
• Lobo Den - Alpine
BWML- 125
Phone: (432) 837-8982
E-Mail: loboden@sulross.edu
• Records and Registration
Lawrence Hall 100
Phone: (432) 837-8050
Fax: (432) 837-8411
E-Mail: registrar@sulross.edu
• Recreational Programs
Graves-Pierce Gymnasium
Phone: (432) 837-8792
• Student Government Association
Morgan University Center 201
Phone: (432) 837-8198
SGA President –
• Student Health Services
Morgan University Center 211
Phone: (432) 837-8102
E-mail: healthservices@sulross.edu
• Student Publications
• Student Support Services
Ferguson Hall 105
Phone: (432) 837-8118
Fax: (432) 837-8363
• University Dept. of Public Safety
Briscoe Administrative Building 100
Emergencies: (432) 837-8100
Office: (432) 837–8011
- Students are required to read the above information.
- It is imperative that the student do this (not the parent).
- This submission is required before you will be allowed to take the TSIA.
- Click here to notify SRSU that you’ve read the above information (PAA).