Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state requirement used to ensure college readiness in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The Texas Tech TSI Office reviews official academic documentation to determine whether a student has satisfied TSI requirements.
Students who applied to Texas Tech University through the Test-Optional Admissions process are not exempt from TSI and should submit official SAT/ACT scores for TSI review, as they may satisfy TSI requirements.
Students entering Texas Tech as new first-year students or as new transfer students must demonstrate college readiness prior to registration. Students admitted to Texas Tech who have not satisfied TSI requirements in one or more subject areas will have a TSI registration hold on their student record, which will prevent the student from registering for courses. Students should review their TSI status prior to Red Raider Orientation (RRO) and submit required documentation as early as possible.
TSI Compliance Quick Check
Check your TSI status and see whether you may have already satisfied TSI requirements.
Check TSI Registration Holds
Check for TSI-related registration holds on your student account.
TSI Assessment Information
Learn about pre-assessment requirements, testing vouchers and preparation resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about TSI requirements and eligibility.
TSI Exemptions
Students may demonstrate college readiness in one or more subject areas through approved test scores or qualifying college coursework. Documents submitted during the admissions process are reviewed for possible exemptions.
Students admitted under the test-optional policy are not automatically exempt from TSI requirements. Official SAT or ACT scores may still be submitted for TSI compliance review.
Exemption by Test Score
| Test | English Language Arts and Reading Exemption | Math Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | 480 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 530 on Math |
| ACT administered before Feb. 15, 2023 | 23 composite with a score of 19 on English | 23 composite with a score of 19 on Math |
| ACT administered after Feb. 14, 2023 | Combined score of 40 on English and Reading | 22 on Math |
| STAAR | 4000 on English III End-of-Course Assessment | 4000 on Algebra II End-of-Course Assessment |
If you qualify through an SAT or ACT score, submit an official score report to Texas Tech University. Scores submitted for TSI compliance will not be used for admission or scholarship consideration if you applied test-optional.
Exemption by Course Credit
| Course Credit | TSI Area |
|---|---|
| Any college-level English course completed with a grade of D or better | Writing |
| Any college-level history, political science or English course completed with a grade of D or better | Reading |
| Any college-level mathematics course completed with a grade of D or better | Math |
Submit official college transcripts to Undergraduate Admissions for review. If your transcript service requests an email address, use admissions.transcripts@ttu.edu. SPEEDE and Parchment are the preferred electronic transcript services.
TSI Holds
A TSI hold may be placed on your student record while your records are being reviewed, when testing is required or when you need developmental education advising.
TSI New Student Hold
This temporary hold remains on your record while the Office of Transfer Evaluation & TSI Eligibility reviews your academic documents.
After the review, the hold will be removed if you are TSI complete. If you still need testing, it will be replaced by a subject-specific TSI hold.
TSI Hold Needs
This hold means you must complete the TSI Assessment in one or more subject areas:
- Math
- English Language Arts and Reading
- Math and English Language Arts and Reading
Complete testing before Red Raider Orientation whenever possible to avoid delays in advising and registration.
TSI Hold DEVL Required
This hold is placed when TSI Assessment scores are below established benchmarks. You must meet with a TSI advisor in addition to your academic advisor before registering for classes.
TSI Assessment Information
TSI Pre-Assessment
Students who need to take the TSI Assessment must first complete the required Pre-Assessment Activity.
The Pre-Assessment covers:
- The importance of the assessment
- The assessment process and its components
- Sample questions
- Developmental education options
- Institutional and community resources
You will receive a completion certificate at the end of the activity. Save a copy because it may be required before testing.
Testing Vouchers
Students who cannot test in person at Texas Tech may request an off-campus voucher for online testing or testing at an approved remote location.
Plan ahead: Submit your request at least two weeks before your preferred test date. Allow up to three business days for voucher processing.
Before submitting a request:
- Complete the TSI Pre-Assessment Activity.
- Choose whether you want to test online or at an approved remote testing site.
- Be prepared to pay any required testing and proctoring fees.
- Use your Texas Tech email address if you are a current Texas Tech student.
Vouchers are valid for one testing session and expire 90 days after they are issued. A new request is required to retest or replace an expired voucher.
Assessment Preparation
Review sample questions and study materials before taking the TSI Assessment. These resources can help you understand the test format and identify areas that may need additional preparation.
Enrollment Management
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Address
Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.1482 -
Email
webmaster@ttu.edu