Texas Tech University

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

For Incoming & Current Students

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-mandated program designed to ensure college readiness and student success. The Texas Tech TSI Compliance Office evaluates college readiness as determined by the state's success-initiative standards.

Students who applied to Texas Tech University through the test-optional admission policy are not exempt from the TSI requirement and should submit official SAT/ACT scores for TSI Compliance review.

Students entering Texas Tech as new first-year students or as new transfer students must demonstrate college readiness. We are ready to guide you through the process of determining your next steps.
 

Get Started: Determine Your TSI Status

Students admitted to Texas Tech who have not satisfied the TSI requirements will have a TSI registration hold on their student record, which will prevent you from registering for courses. Review the information below to determine your next steps.




Students can demonstrate college readiness by subject area through a list of approved exemptions. When you applied to Texas Tech, the documents you submit are automatically evaluated to determine any possible exemptions.

Exemption by Test Scores:

Students who applied to Texas Tech University through the test-optional admission policy are not exempt from the TSI requirement. Students admitted under the test-optional admission policy should submit official SAT/ACT scores for TSI Compliance review.
TEST READING AND WRITING EXEMPTION MATH EXEMPTION
SAT 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530 on Math
ACT* 23 composite with a score of 19 on English 23 composite with a score of 19 on Math
ACT** Combined score of 40 on English and Reading (E+R) 22 on Math
STAAR 4000 on English III (EOC) 4000 on Algebra II (EOC)

*Administered prior to February 15, 2023
**Administered after February 14, 2023

If you believe you have satisfied TSI Compliance in one or more subject area(s) based on the test score exemptions above, submit your official SAT or ACT score reports to Texas Tech University. If you applied test-optional, your scores will not be considered for admission or scholarships.

Request Your SAT Scores: For instructions on how to request your SAT scores to be sent to the TSI Compliance Office, see the FAQ section below.



Exemption by Course Credit:

Successful completion of the following courses at another college/university may satisfy the TSI requirement in one or more subject area(s).
COURSE CREDIT EXEMPTION
Any college-level English course with a grade of C or better Writing
Any college-level History, Political Science, or ENGL 1301 course with a grade of C or better Reading
Any college-level Math course with a grade of C or better Math
If you believe you have satisfied TSI Compliance in one or more subject area(s) based on the course credit exemptions above, please submit your official college transcript(s) to Undergraduate Admissions. If the transcript service you use requests an email address for delivery, please use admissions.transcripts@ttu.edu. SPEEDE and Parchment are preferred digital transcript services. Official mailed transcripts may be sent to: Box 45005, Lubbock, TX 79409.

If you do not qualify for a TSI exemption for Math, Reading, or Writing, you will need to take the TSI Assessment in the appropriate subject area(s).




Three different types of TSI Holds exist and may be placed on your student record depending on your status within the compliance process.

TSI Hold New Student
A temporary hold placed on a student record until the TSI Compliance Office has reviewed your academic records.

Action to take:
Once your records have been reviewed by the TSI Compliance Office, the TSI New Student hold will be removed if you are TSI complete or will be replaced with a TSI Hold Needs ___ if you are not TSI complete in one or more subject area(s). Monitor your holds to see if testing is required, as indicated by a TSI hold for a specific subject area (see below). Review the TSI Exemptions to determine if you are required to submit additional documentation or take the TSI Assessment.

TSI Hold Needs "___"
The TSI Compliance Office will place a registration hold on any student who requires testing in one or more subject area(s). A student may have one of several TSI holds depending on which area(s) require testing:
  • Math (M)
  • ELAR (English Langauge Arts and Reading)
  • All (M/ELAR)
Action to take:
All students needing to take the TSI Assessment are strongly encouraged to test prior to Red Raider Orientation (RRO). See next steps below on how to take the TSI Assessment through our online proctored system or in-person at Texas Tech Academic Testing Services.
Note: Review the TSI Compliance Quick Check to determine if you satisfy the TSI requirements. If you believe you have satisfied TSI Compliance in one or more subject area(s), submit the required documentation for review.

TSI DEVL Required - "___"
If your scores are below the established benchmarks of the TSI Assessment, this hold will be placed on your student record to ensure you are registered in the appropriate developmental courses and that compliance with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is being met. A student may have one of several TSI holds depending on which area scores(s) fall below benchmark:
  • Math (M)
  • ELAR (English Langauge Arts and Reading)
  • All (M/ELAR)
Action to take:
When you attend Red Raider Orientation, you will receive information about meeting with a TSI Advisor through the TSI Development Education Office. You must meet with a TSI Advisor in addition to your Academic Advisor prior to registering for classes.

New incoming students may view holds in the RRO registration system or the Admitted Student Tasklist.



 

About the TSI Assessment

Once you've determined that you need to take the TSI Assessment to satisfy compliance, review the information below about your next steps to take the assessment through our online proctored system or in-person at the Texas Tech Academic Testing Services.


If you do not qualify for a TSI exemption for Math, Reading, or Writing, you will need to take the TSI Assessment in the appropriate subject area(s).

Before you can take the assessment, you are required by Texas law to complete the Pre-Assessment. The Pre-Assessment covers the following topics:
  • Importance of assessment
  • Assessment process and components (including sample questions)
  • Developmental Education options
  • Institutional and community resources

At the end of the assessment, you will receive a certificate stating that you completed the Pre-Assessment.




Students may take the TSI Assessment in-person at Texas Tech Academic Testing Services or may request an Off-Campus TSI Testing Voucher for online or remote testing.

Note: In order to avoid a delay in advising and class registration, it is highly recommended that you take the TSI assessment prior to your first day of orientation. The TSI assessment is untimed and may take several hours to complete.

Register for In-Person Testing at Texas Tech Academic Testing Services:
In order to streamline your appointment and provide a more relaxed testing experience, advanced registration is recommended. However, walk-ins are welcome.

To schedule an appointment for the TSI exam, please contact us at 806-742-3671. You will make a $50.00 (non-refundable) payment to Texas Tech University with credit/debit card (cash not accepted) through our online store. An email link will be sent to you. Payment must be made prior to your testing day.

Appropriate photo ID is required at time of testing (driver's license, passport or other government ID with a current photo).

Bring a copy of your Pre-Assessment Activity Certificate of completion.

Request a Voucher for Online or Remote Testing Site:
Submit requests at least two weeks in advance of your desired test date and allow up to 3 business days for us to process your remote voucher. Online sessions may have limited seating and can fill up quickly; therefore, prior arrangements must be made to test.

Click below to read additional instructions and submit request form.



For additional assistance, contact Academic Testing Services:
testing@ttu.edu
(806) 742-3671
Room 214 West Hall
2520 Broadway


The following resources are available for you to prepare for the TSI Assessment:



 

TSI FAQs


In order to avoid advising and registration delays, the TSI Assessment should be completed prior to Red Raider Orientation (RRO). If you plan to take the TSI Assessment through our online proctored system or at a remote testing center near you, request an off-campus testing voucher at least two weeks prior to your RRO date to allow time to test and for Texas Tech to receive TSI scores. Upon testing, it can take 3 business days to receive your scores.



The TSI Compliance Office will need your official score report. If you did not submit your score report at the time of applying for admission, click below to request for your score report to be sent directly to Texas Tech University.

SAT
ACT

College Board Code: 6827


Students who have taken the TSI Assessment at another Texas public institution must send a copy of the official score report or official college transcript to the TSI Compliance Office.


No, however, a registration hold is placed on your account until documentation is submitted to satisfy TSI requirements.


The TSI Assessment may be taken at Texas Tech Academic Testing Services, off-campus through our online proctored system, or in-person at a remote testing site near you. Review additional information and next steps under About the TSI Assessment above.

Have Questions?


Contact the TSI Compliance Office for assistance with questions regarding exemptions and satisfying the TSI requirements.

TSI Compliance Office
registrar.tsi@ttu.edu
Phone: (806) 834-4150
Fax: (806) 742-0356
West Hall, Room 103A



Contact Texas Tech Academic Testing Services for assistance with questions regarding taking the TSI Assessment.

Academic Testing Services
testing@ttu.edu
(806) 742-3671
West Hall, Room 214


Contact the TSI Developmental Education Office to schedule TSI advising, get help with registering for TSI courses, and to learn more about TSI coursework.

TSI Developmental Education Office
tsi@ttu.edu
(806) 742-3242
Drane Hall, Room 214