Texas Success Initiative
What is TSI?
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is mandated by Texas law to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges are ready for college-level coursework in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with your academic background, goals, and interests, are used by academic advisors and counselors to determine your course selection.
You cannot "pass" or "fail" the placement tests, but it is very important that you do your very best on these tests so that you will have an accurate measure of your academic skills.
Share TSI Scores
Lamar University is not able to access your TSI scores unless you share them.
Need Help?
Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@lamar.edu
Find Your TSI Status
Complete the form to check your TSI status/other exemptions.
Need Help?
Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@lamar.edu
Taking the TSI
Learn more information about taking the TSI Assessment.
Need Help?
Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@lamar.edu
Exemptions Due to Test Scores
Choose test type to see the scores meriting exemption. There is a 5 year expiration on the following exams.
- ACT
ACT On or After February 15, 2023
ACT English + Reading Math 40+ 22+ ACT Prior to February 15, 2023
ACT Composite English Math 23+ 19+ 19+ Determining exemption based upon the ACT exam (Prior to February 15, 2023) is a two step process; you must first meet the Composite minimum. If you earn the minimum Composite score, then you must also meet the minimum for each section to be exempt in that area. You are NOT exempt by earning a 19 in each section, the Composite must be at least 23.
Example: 24 Composite
17 English
22 Math
This student would be exempt in math, but would need to take both the reading and writing portions of the TSI Assessment.
- SAT
Redesigned SAT Reading and Writing Math 480+ 530+
This exam does not require students to first earn a minimum Overall score. Earning the minimum score in each section will exempt students from taking the TSI Assessment in that area.
- STAAR
STAAR English III Algebra II Level II (4000) Level II (4000)
This exam does not require students to first earn a minimum Overall score. Earning the minimum score in each section will exempt students from taking the TSI Assessment in that area.
Texas College Bridge
Students who complete Texas College Bridge offered by their high schools will receive a TSI requirement waiver valid for two years after high school graduation. To be fully exempt from the TSI, students must submit both the English and Math certificates. If you complete only one TCB program, you will need to submit TSI information for the other subject.
Certificates of completion can be shared through Greenlight or emailed to tsi@lamar.edu.
College Prep Courses
Students who complete a college prep course offered by their high school that meets the requirements of Education Code Section 24.014 will receive a TSI requirement waiver valid for two years after high school graduation.
To be considered for this waiver, please reach out to TSI@lamar.edu with your Lamar student ID and information regarding your college prep course.
Interpreting your TSI Scores
TSI Assessments completed after January 11, 2021. TSI Version 2.0 (TSI2)
The minimum passing score for each section:
- Math: 950; or a score below 950 and a Diagnostic level of 6.
- English Language Arts (Reading and Writing): 945 with an essay score of at least 5; or a score below 945 and a Diagnostic level of 5 or 6 with an essay score of at least 5.
TSI Assessments completed before January 11, 2021.
The minimum passing score for each section:
- Math: 350
- Reading: 351
- Writing: 340 with an essay of 4; or a writing score below 340 with an ABE Diagnostic level of at least 4 and an essay score of at least 5.
To find out more about your score report for the assessments completed before January 11, 2021 and how to read it, refer to this brochure for more information.
The student brochure for assessments completed after January 11, 2021 can be found here.
What to do after you submit your scores?
- Check your Student Portal to ensure that we have received and evaluated all test scores or college transcripts.
- After your TSI status has been updated, make your advising appointment.
- Have questions about holds? Learn more here!