TSI FAQs

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TSI Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all incoming freshmen must complete TSI Exam unless you qualify for an exemption.

Do I have to take the TSI Pre Assessment (PAA) before I take my exam? Open

Yes, Texas law requires that a pre-test should be administered prior to taking the official test, the free pre-test is available: TSI-Pre Assessment.

How long is the TSI Exam? Open

The TSI is an untied assessment, be prepared to test up to 5 hours.

How much does the TSI exam cost? Open

The full TSI battery (math, reading, writing, and Essay) costs $30 or $15 per section. Initial test fee may be added to student bill upon request.

Where do I pay for my TSI exam? Open

Online payments are strongly encouraged; a link will be sent to your email address once an appointment is confirmed. However, if you are paying with cash, money order, or personal check you will need an invoice from the testing office to pay the Bursar’s office.

How do I schedule an appointment to take the TSI Exam? Open

You may call 713.313.6838, email at testing@tsu.edu or stop by the University Testing Center located in the basement of the Education Building, room 007.

If I previously took the TSI Exam do I have to retake it? Open

No, however if your cut score falls below the minimum requirement you have an option to retest.

How do I retrieve my TSI scores if I already took the exam at another location? Open

Please click on the link below to provide your written consent for TSU to obtain your scores and submit to Admissions on your behalf.

http://wforms.tsu.edu/index.php/tsi-score-retrieval-consent-form/

What do I need to bring in order to take the TSI Exam? Open

You should present a government issued un-expired ID or valid school ID for current high school students before staring the test. Visitors are not permitted to wait in the testing area and seating area is available on 1St Floor Lobby.

What am I allowed to bring to the Testing Center? Open

Your valid photo ID; No Personal items are permitted including but not limited to: gum, candy, large jewelry, purses, book bags, large coats, calculators, cellphones, watches, wearable technology, any device that has the ability to connect to the Internet. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided as calculators are not permitted. Lockers are available on a limited basis.

I am an out-of-town first-time/new student/freshman. Do I have to make a special trip to TSU just to take the placement test? Open

No, there might be options in your home state that will allow TSU testing services access. Please contact the testing center by phone or email for more details. If you live more than 30 miles from The Texas Southern University or in other states, you may request to use a remote voucher. Please see below for details.

How to request a remote TSI voucher

Am I exempt from taking the TSI? Open

Please click here (TSI Exemptions)to access the review the list of exemptions.

If I am in the Military and/or National Guard, am I exempt from taking the TSI? Open

Please submit your DD-214 paperwork for review to testing@tsu.edu. We will review and confirm.

When do I have to meet with my advisor? Open

Until you are "TSI Complete" you are required to meet with your Academic Advisor before registering for the subsequent term to update your schedule and remove your TSI hold.

Do I have to take all parts of the TSI? Open

Once your transcript(s) are evaluated, the Office of Admissions, your Academic Advisor and/or the Testing Administration staff members can verify which TSI sections are needed for registration, before scheduling.

Will my college credits transfer over and omit me from taking the TSI exam? Open

Students who are transferring to Texas Southern University (TSU) from a private and/or out-of-state, regionally-accredited college or university, may meet sections of the TSI Assessment based on the grade of a C or higher in courses that are equivalent to the following TSU courses:

Writing* • Freshman English I & II: ENG 131 or ENG 132
Reading* • English Literature: 230, 231, 235 & 244 (World, American & African-American) • United States History: HIST 231 or 232 • American Government: POLS 235 or 236 • General Psychology: PSY 131
Mathematics* • College Algebra or any Higher Level Math: MATH 133

*If one or more exemptions are met, please review and confirm that the appropriate test scores and/or transcripts are submitted to the TSI Coordinator via email: neveusr@tsu.edu and/or in-person. Please call 713-313-6886 to schedule an appointment.

*All test scores/transcripts must be submitted to receive exemptions*

Who is my Academic Advisor? Open

First-Year Academic Advisors

Dewayne Stafford: Dewayne.Stafford@tsu.edu
Angela Ambers-Anderson: Angela.Ambers-Anderson@tsu.edu
Charles Sloan: Charles.Sloan@tsu.edu
Marvanisha Washington: Marvanisha.Washington@tsu.edu
Mareo Hendrickson: Mareo.Hendrickson@tsu.edu
Cortni Williams: Cortni.Williams@tsu.edu

What are the required College Ready Scores? Open

Scores can be no more than five years old

ACT Scores required for TSI Exemption SAT Scores required for TSI Exemption:

Composite Score: 23 or higher Subtest: Math Score of 19 or higher *TSI MATH EXEMPT*
Beginning March 2016 Subtest: Math Score of 530 or higher *TSI MATH EXEMPT*
Composite: 23 or higher Subtest: English Score of 19 or higher *TSI WRITING & READING EXEMPT*
Beginning March 2016 Subtest: Critical Reading Score of 480 or higher *TSI WRITING & READING EXEMPT*

Is there a practice test? Open

Please click here(TSI Practice Sample Questions) to access TSI-College Board sample questions.

TSI FAQs

TSI Frequently Asked Questions

Scores can be no more than five years old

Contact Us

Office Hours

TSI FAQs

TSI Frequently Asked Questions

*Scores can be no more than five years old*

Contact Us

Office Hours

Scores can be no more than five years old