TSI
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program is designed to help colleges and universities determine if you are ready for college-level coursework in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. All incoming college students are required to take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2) unless they qualify for an exemption based on their SAT or ACT scores (see FAQs below for exemption information).
After high school, based on how you perform on the TSIA2, you may be enrolled in a college-level course and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental courses. Dual credit students may not take developmental courses and must meet the TCC TSIA2 requirements in order to take dual credit courses. OnRamps courses do not require the TSIA2, however, students who do not meet the requirements to qualify for the college-credit portion of an OnRamps mathematics or science course have the option of taking the TSIA2 math test and submitting those score to OnRamps to possibly regain eligibility.
Northwest ISD offers the TSI throughout the year and students may choose to take it online or face-to-face. If you wish to take the TSIA2 please submit the TSIA2 Voucher Request Form using the appropriate link below.
Sign Up To Take The TSIA
- Remote TSIA Testing (Testing From Home)
- 8th Graders Entering Steele Early College High School in Fall 2023
- Steele Early College High School TSIA Testing
- Byron Nelson High School TSIA Testing
- Northwest High School TSIA Testing
- V. R. Eaton TSIA Testing
- Distrcit-Wide Face-to-Face TSIA Opportunities
Remote TSIA Testing (Testing From Home)
TSIA Remote Testing Voucher Request Form
USE THIS FORM IF YOU WANT TO TEST USING YOUR COMPUTER OR CHROMEBOOK FROM HOME.
8th Graders Entering Steele Early College High School in Fall 2023
This Google Form is for 8th-grade students who have been accepted begin at Steele as 9th Graders in the 24-25 school year.
TSIA for ECHS 24-25 9th Graders
Steele Early College High School TSIA Testing
Byron Nelson High School TSIA Testing
Northwest High School TSIA Testing
V. R. Eaton TSIA Testing
Distrcit-Wide Face-to-Face TSIA Opportunities
TSIA-2 Resources
- TSIA Prep in Your Student Portal
- Helpful Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
- NISD Campus-Based College & Career Facilitators
- TSIA-2 Mathematics Tips
- TSIA-2 ELAR (English, Language Arts, & Reding) Tips
- TSIA-2 Essay Tips
TSIA Prep in Your Student Portal
To access TSIA prep resources in your student portal take the following steps.
- Log in to your student portal.
- Open the folder called "TexQuest Databases."
- Select "Learning Express." It is a white tile with a blue and gold ribbon on it.
- On the screen that opens you will find several valuable resources. For TSIA prep you will chose the tile labled, "STAAR & TSI Prep for High School Students"
- Choose "TSIA Placement Test Preparation" from the dropdown list.
- In the next drop down list you can choose the test you wish to practice. You can choose "TSIA ELAR Practice Test" to practice the English test, "TSIA Mathematics Practice Test" to practice math, or "Write Placer Practice Essay Tests" for the essay portion of the TSIA. You will probably get the most benefit from the first two options, but the third will allow you to practice writing TSIA essays. For these instructions we will use "TSIA ELAR Practice Test," but the steps will be the same for Mathematics.
- Choose "TSIA ELAR Practice Test." You will find two tests you can use for practice.
- Select "Start Test" on the one you wish to attempt. If you are asked to sign in select Google and use your NISD log in credentials.
- Next you will see a box on the right with three test mode options. You will get the most postitive results by using the "practice" option. This will allow you to answer the question and then it will show if your answer is correct and why or why not. Once you have made your choice you can start the test.
Helpful Links
- TSIA-2 Website
- TSIA-2 Study App and Support Resources
- Have your TSI Score Report emailed to you (student institution = Northwest ISD)
- Calculator and Highlighter Tutorial Video
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to take the TSIA2 for college admission, but my test date was canceled or postponed. What do I do now?
NISD can now offer remote TSIA2 testing. Please click on the appropriate link above and complete the form so we can generate a remote testing voucher.
I qualify for STAAR testing accommodations. Are these available for TSIA2?
Some accommodations are available for TSIA-2 testing. We will work with students who qualify for 504 or SPED accommodations to provide any allowed supports.
Why do I need to take the TSIA2 Assessment?
All college students in Texas public colleges must take the TSIA2 Assessment to determine their readiness for college-level coursework. Based on how a student performs on the TSIA2, he/she may be either be allowed to enroll in a college course or placed in a developmental course to help improve his/her skills and the likelihood of success.
In some cases, your SAT or ACT scores may qualify you to be exempt from all or part of the TSI Assessment.
My ACT and SAT Scores won't exempt me from the TSIA2. What score do I need on the TSIA2 to pass?
TSIA2 isn't a test that you pass or fail. It is a test that measures your readiness to take college-level classes. If you do not meet the college-readiness benchmark score, you will still likely be able to enroll in college; however, you may be required to take developmental courses before taking courses in your degree plan. Please note that developmental courses are NOT eligible for high school credit.
The college-ready standards for TSIA2 are:
- Mathematics - 950-990 or 910-949 with a diagnostic level of 6
- ELAR - 945-990 AND and an essay score of 5-8 or 910-944 and a diagnostic level 5-6 and an essay score of 5-8
How much does the TSIA2 cost?
The cost of the TSIA2 varies by institution. The general range is between $20 to $60, depending on how many sections a student is taking.
Northwest ISD dual credit students may take the TSIA2 at any NISD testing site up to three times at no charge. After the third attempt, there will be a $15 fee per section for each additional attempt. Students who choose to test at a non-NISD site may be required to pay additional fees. The cost will depend on the college and the testing site.
Seniors who will be attending a private college in Texas or any college outside the State may not be required to take the TSIA2. Please check with your college or university to confirm their requirements.
When and where do I test?
The TSIA2 Assessment is offered at the college you wish to attend. Visit their website and follow their procedures to sign up for testing.
OR
NISD students may also take the TSIA2 Assessment in NISD remotely or face-to-face.
How long does the TSIA2 Assessment take?
The TSIA2 Assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all 3 sections of the test is 3-5 hours.
What happens if I do not finish the test?
You have 14 calendar days to complete the test. If you do not complete the test within that 14-day period, you will have to begin again with Question 1 on the test section where you stopped.
What do I need to bring with me to the test?
Government-issued photo identification or current campus ID badge.
Can I bring a calculator to the test?
No. Calculators are not allowed. No study materials, reference materials, or calculators may be used during the test. Cell phones and all other communication devices are strictly prohibited in the testing room. The mathematics test has an integrated calculator for questions where a calculator is allowed. Please see the video above to learn how to use the calculator.
How do I interpret my scores?
Your counselor, college advisor, or college and career facilitator will be able to help you interpret your scores.
I took the TSIA2 but did not meet the college readiness standard in one or more areas. What do I do now?
You may retest one more time after two weeks. During this time, we recommend that you spend some time preparing for the section(s) you need to retake using the resources above.
How many times can I take the TSIA2?
You may take the TSIA2 free of charge up to three times. After your third attempt, there will be a $15 fee per section for each subsequent attempt.
I have taken the TSI2 twice, but I still have not met the college readiness standard. What do I do now?
You will be allowed to test again once you have successfully completed a TSI Prep Course. Please see your College & Career Facilitator to be enrolled in this free course. You must successfully complete the TSIA2 Prep course before you will be allowed to try a 3rd time.
NISD Campus-Based College & Career Facilitators
Our College & Career Facilitators are your campus go to for all things TSIA2 related. Clicking on their name will open an email directly to them. I encourage you to include your name and student ID# in the subject line of your email. This is a good habit to start that will be helpful throughout your college years.
Habiba Lalani - V. R. Eaton High School
Melissa Furlow - Northwest High School
Brenda Davidson - Byron Nelson High School
TSIA-2 Mathematics Tips
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Take your time: Since the TSIA math test is untimed, you have the flexibility to take as much time as you need to work through the questions. Don't rush through the test – take your time and work through each question carefully.
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Use scratch paper: The TSIA math test allows you to use scratch paper, so make sure you take advantage of this resource. Use the scratch paper to work through problems and show your work.
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Review the instructions: Even though the TSIA math test is untimed, it's still important to review the instructions and understand how the test is structured. Make sure you understand the directions for each section of the test.
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Focus on accuracy: Since you have unlimited time, you can focus on accuracy rather than speed. Make sure you double-check your work and don't rush through the questions.
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Take breaks if needed: If you start to feel fatigued or overwhelmed, it's okay to take a break and come back to the test later. This can help you stay focused and alert throughout the test.
TSIA-2 ELAR (English, Language Arts, & Reding) Tips
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Take your time: Since the TSIA ELAR test is untimed, you have the flexibility to take as much time as you need to work through the questions. Don't rush through the test – take your time and work through each question carefully.
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Use scratch paper: The TSIA ELAR test allows you to use scratch paper, so make sure you take advantage of this resource. Use the scratch paper to work through problems and show your work.
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Review the instructions: Even though the TSIA ELAR test is untimed, it's still important to review the instructions and understand how the test is structured. Make sure you understand the directions for each section of the test.
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Focus on accuracy: Since you have unlimited time, you can focus on accuracy rather than speed. Make sure you double-check your work and don't rush through the questions.
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Take breaks if needed: If you start to feel fatigued or overwhelmed, it's okay to take a break and come back to the test later. This can help you stay focused and alert throughout the test.
TSIA-2 Essay Tips
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Understand the prompt: Before you start writing your essay, make sure you read and understand the prompt. Identify the key points and the specific requirements of the prompt.
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Plan your essay: Take a few minutes to plan your essay before you start writing. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you stay on topic. Consider creating an outline or a mind map.
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Use specific examples: In your essay, use specific examples to support your arguments. This will help make your essay more convincing and demonstrate that you have a strong understanding of the topic. Remember the TSIA Essay is scored by a computer. It doesn't know you. If you need to make up people in your life or experiences to create examples, that is fine. We call it "believable fabrication."
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Stay on topic: Make sure you stay focused on the prompt and the topic at hand. Avoid going off on tangents or discussing unrelated topics.
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Use good grammar and spelling: Your essay should be well-written and free of grammatical and spelling errors. Make sure you proofread your essay before submitting it.
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Use transitions: Use transitions to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly. This will help your essay be easier to read and understand.
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Time management: Manage your time effectively so that you have enough time to plan, write, and proofread your essay. Consider spending 5-10 minutes planning, 30-40 minutes writing, and 5-10 minutes proofreading.
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Revise and edit: After you have finished writing your essay, take some time to revise and edit it. Read through your essay carefully, looking for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
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Be confident: Believe in yourself and your ability to write a great essay. Remember that the TSIA2 essay is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your writing skills and showcase your abilities.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice writing essays and incorporating these tips, the better you will become at essay writing.
TSIA2 Essay Guide
https://www.tsipracticetest.com/tsi-essay-guide/
One component of the TSI Assessment is the essay question. You will be asked to write a persuasive essay on a controversial issue or an issue of current interest. The TSI essay will be evaluated on organization, focus, development and support, sentence structure, and mechanical conventions. The good news is that your essay is only required to be 350-600 words in length. A simple 5 paragraph essay will be more than sufficient. Scores on the essay section range from 1 to 8, with 8 being the highest.
An essay that is too short to be evaluated, written on a topic other than the one presented, or written in a language other than English, will be given a score of zero. The biggest differences between the low-scoring and high-scoring essays is LENGTH and CLARITY. Aim to achieve multiple paragraphs with good organization, and this essay should be fairly easy!
TSI Essay Tips and Strategies
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Understand that the TSI Essay will NOT require any outside knowledge. You are not expected to have any specific technical know-how or understanding of specific books or authors. The essay will be based off a provided prompt meant to spark your creativity. Everything you need to answer the question will be part of the prompt!
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Select one side only. Unlike real life where most of our opinions are a mix of gray, the TSI essay requires you to take a strong stand on one side and one side ONLY of the issue. You won’t be able to adequately argue a middle-of-the-road approach, and you risk appearing indecisive and muddling your essay.
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Remember that you will not be scored on your opinion. Don’t worry if you feel you are choosing a less commonly held position on the topic. The reader will NOT give you a lower score based on personal bias.
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Don’t change your position mid-essay. Even if you feel you’re running out of steam and you’re regretting your position on the topic, stay strong and finish the essay anyway. Don’t waffle, and don’t try to take a “middle of the road” approach. You don’t have time to go back and re-write the whole thing.
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No example is “too” specific. As long as you can argue logically that it supports your thesis, no example is “too” specific. Most essays are way too general. Aim to make the reader think, “wow, what extreme detail!” as they read. If you are using an example from personal experience, using some names, dates, places, and other concrete details can go a long way. Replace abstracts with absolutes.
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Incorporate the opposing side. A great way to strengthen your own argument is to acknowledge that there is in fact complexity to the issue. However, if you bring up and describe the opposing side, make sure to criticize it effectively and reiterate that your side is the only one that is valid. This is a great tool to use in your conclusion, although many students include it in an additional body paragraph.
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Keep the introduction and conclusion brief. Don’t take forever to get to the topic. The function of an introductory paragraph is to introduce the reader to the topic in the prompt, and then to clearly and forcefully state your position on it. More than 3-4 sentences is too long. In the conclusion, 1-2 sentences is great to reiterate your position and leave the essay with a closing idea. Save your writing-time for your body paragraphs!
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Use Transition Words. Scroll down to the bottom of this article to see a good list of common transition words. Be sure to use these words as you move between paragraphs! Always make sure the reader will understand why you are moving from one paragraph to the next paragraph!
TSI Essay Template
This is a sample outline for the TSI Essay. Notice we are aiming for 5 paragraphs total. You may opt for a shorter 4 paragraph version if 5 paragraphs are too many for you to write, but aim for 5 paragraphs if you can. If you have trouble completing 5 paragraphs, see if you can streamline your body paragraphs. They can often be bloated with unnecessary wordiness. Keep the introduction and the conclusion short and sweet.
Paragraph 1 – Introduction (3-4 sentences)
You will want to begin your essay with one of the following: a generalization about the topic, a quotation, a short anecdote to set-up the correctness of your position, a historical framework, or a piece of news illustrating the contemporariness of the issue. Admit the complexity of the issue.
You have two goals in the beginning part of the essay: to introduce the topic, and to express your opinion on it. Be sure to place your thesis as the final sentence in your introduction.
Paragraph 2 – First Example (4-6 sentences)
Start with your most-powerful or relevant example. Be specific. Your example can be from history, science, politics, business, entertainment, pop culture, current events, personal experience, etc. Anything can be an example, but choose ONE only for each paragraph. It needs to be something you are knowledgeable about and also something that you believe strongly supports your thesis. You have three tasks in your body paragraphs:
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Introduce your example.
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Describe it.
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Explain how it fully supports your thesis.
You should spend the majority of your body paragraph accomplishing the third step: explaining how it fully supports your thesis. Aim to convince the reader through very concrete details how your position on the issue is correct.
Paragraph 3 – Second Example (4-6 sentences)
Use a transition phrase to introduce the second example. Describe it, and explain again how it fully supports your thesis. You may refer to your first example if you need to, but prioritize a focus on your new example. Don’t mention your third example until you get to the third paragraph.
Paragraph 4 – Third Example (4-6 sentences)
Use a transition phrase again in the first topic sentence. Describe the example. Explain how it supports. Make sure you are elucidating for the reader how each example relates to the topic.
Paragraph 5 – Conclusion (2-4 sentences)
In your conclusion, introduce the opposing side. Explain their position in general terms. Refute their position. Then reinforce the correctness of your own thesis. This takes care of having to come up with a conclusion—you’ll already know what to do! Here’s how it might look:
Although ________ is demonstrably correct, some have argued that _______, believing that ________. However, this viewpoint on the present issue is negated by ________. Rather, __________. Therefore, in the long run,
TSI Essay Practice
Be sure to write at least 2-3 sample essays before your exam so you are comfortable with the format. Have a teacher, friend, or trusted relative read through your exam and give you feedback. Below you’ll find a list of three possible TSI essay prompts. Choose at least TWO of these TSI essay topics and write a practice essay, attempting to follow the above template to the best of your ability.
TSI Essay Topics
1) Do works of art have the power to change people’s lives? Some people say a book or a movie has the power to do just that. Are they exaggerating, or can art have such a large impact of individuals?
2) Is an education a requirement for a successful career? Explain the topic and either agree or disagree with the statement, offering support for your position.
3) Scientists and politicians argue over whether global warming and climate control present a real threat to human welfare. Take a position on this issue and explain whether or not you believe this to be a serious problem for humanity.
4) Is it important that children experience art education in our public schools, or are these classes expendable luxuries?
Transition Words List
Agreement Words
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in the first place
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not only … but also
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as a matter of fact
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in like manner
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in addition
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coupled with
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in the same fashion / way
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first, second, third
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in the light of
Opposition Words
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in contrast
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different from
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of course …, but
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on the other hand
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on the contrary
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at the same time
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in spite of
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but
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(and) still
Causation Words
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in the event that
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for the purpose of
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with this intention
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with this in mind
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in the hope that
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in order to
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If
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… then
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in case
Example Words
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in other words
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to put it differently
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for one thing
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as an illustration
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in this case
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for this reason
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to put it another way
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that is to say
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with attention
Please note that colleges have varying admissions policies. While NISD is available to help, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to work with their college admissions office to ensure that they meet the enrollment requirements of each college they plan to attend. If you have additional questions about the TSI Assessment or need further guidance, please contact your school counselor, NISD College & Career Readiness, or the admissions and advising office at the college you plan to attend.