Developmental Education > Resources > Texas Success Initiative
TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was mandated through action of the 78th Texas Legislature to replace the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). Like TASP, TSI is designed to measure competency in reading, writing, and mathematics and to provide developmental studies in areas of identified deficiencies. All students not eligible for an exemption or waiver must take an approved test prior to enrolling in any Texas public college or university. Enrollment without test scores may be limited to developmental studies.
Success Initiatives Exemptions & Waivers
The following exemptions and waivers allow students to enroll without testing; however, all students still must meet test score prerequisites for certain courses. Contact the campus TSI Office, the ARO, or academic advisors for testing exemptions and waivers or test score prerequisites.
Exempt
Certain students are exempt from mandatory state testing but may be required to submit placement scores to register for courses with test score prerequisites. Students may be exempt if they
- Took the SAT I less than 5 years ago and made a minimum qualifying score of 1070 total, with 500 verbal and 500 math.
- Took the ACT less than 5 years ago and made a minimum qualifying score of 23 composite, with 19 English and 19 math.
- Took the TAKS test and made a qualifying score of 2200 in math and 2200 in English/Language Arts (ELA) with a writing sub score of at least 3.
- Have a bachelor's degree or associate's degree from a United States regionally accredited instiution.
- Were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States on or after August 1, 1990.
- Have transferred to Collin from an accredited private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and have satisfactorily completed 3 credit hours of college-level coursework.
- Have previously attended any Texas public institution and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution
Partial Exemption
Students who tested after April 1, 2004 with a composite score of 23 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI math with an ACT math score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT verbal may be less than 19. Likewise, an ACT verbal score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT math may be less than 19 can be exempt from TSI reading and TSI writing.
Students who tested after April 1, 2004 with a composite score of 1070 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI math with a SAT math score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT verbal may be less than 500. Likewise, a SAT verbal score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT math may be less than 500 can be exempt from TSI reading and writing.
Students who tested after April 1, 2004 with a TAKS math score of 2200 ( or higher) can be exempt from TSI math. Likewise, a TAKS Eng. Lang. Arts score of 2200 with a writing sample of 3 exempts a student from TSI reading and TSI writing. The TAKS Eng. Lang. Arts components are "all or nothing".
Waivers
Certain students are waived from mandatory state testing but may be required to submit placement scores to register for courses with test score prerequisites. Waivers must be renewed each semester. Students can be waived from TSI requirements if they:
- Are pursuing a certificate of no more than 42 hours. A change of major form must be completed by the student and submitted to the ARO.
- Are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment (documentation required).
- Are a non-degree seeking or non-certificate seek student.
Minimum Passing Standards
New and transferring students, not otherwise exempt or waived from mandatory testing, must submit scores from an approved test prior to initial Collin enrollment.
- Students who do not meet the Minimum Passing Standard in one or more areas are required to meet with an academic advisor.
- Retesting may be required for students who score below the Deviation Standard.
Compass Testing Schedule
The ACT Compass Test is available, for TSI requirements, on each campus through the Testing Centers. A testing fee of $29 is charged prior to testing. Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) and other tests are periodically scheduled. Contact a Testing Center for times and registration procedures.
Course Restrictions
Students who are not otherwise exempt or waived from TSI participation and whose test scores are below the Minimum Passing Standard may be restricted from certain courses listed below. The restriction is in effect until the appropriate scores are achieved and/or until the student is determined to have met TSI requirements. Students should contact an academic advisor for additional information.
Courses Restricted by Reading Scores
| BCIS-1305 | BIOL-1406 | BIOL-1407 | CHEM-1411 |
| COSC-1300 | ECON-2301 | ECON-2302 | ENGL-2311 |
| ENGL-2322 | ENGL-2323 | ENGL-2327 | ENGL-2328 |
| ENGL-2332 | ENGL-2333 | ENGL-2342 | ENGL -2343 |
| GOVT-2301 | GOVT-2302 | HIST-1301 | HIST-1302 |
| PHIL-1301 | PHIL-1304 | PHIL-2303 | PHIL-2306 |
| PHIL-2307 | PHIL-2321 | PHIL-2371 | PSYC-2301 |
| SOCI-1301 |
Courses Restricted by Math Scores
| MATH-1314 | MATH-1316 | MATH-1324 | MATH-1325 |
| MATH-1332 | MATH-1342 | MATH-1414 |
Courses Restricted by Writing Scores
| ENGL-1301 | ENGL-1302 |
