Testing Questions
Q: What is the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)?
A: The TSI is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. TSI-approved test are used to verify that students have the basic skills needed to succeed in entry-level college courses. Students are required by state law to fulfill the TSI requirement before enrolling in any Texas public college or university. There are three parts to TSI: Reading, Writing, & Mathematics. Students who fail to achieve the minimum required score on any part will be required to enroll in developmental coursework. Some students may be exempt from the TSI if they meet certain requirements.
Q: How do I satisfy the TSI requirement?
A: Many students have satisfied this requirement with SAT/ACT tests or scores on tests such as THEA, Accuplacer, SAT, or TAKS, which may have been submitted on your transcript. If you have questions about your TSI status please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 817-272-6287. For more information about TSI requirments and exemptions, see the Texas Success Initiative website..
Q: I took AP exams in High School how do I get credit?
A: Make sure your scores were sent to UT Arlington (code 6013). Go to the Testing Services website and click on “Credit by Exam” and look up if your AP test score is accepted at UT Arlington. If so, then contact Testing Services to fill out a petition to have the course credit added to your transcript.
Q: Do I have to take any placement exams prior to attending New Maverick Orientation?
A: Your math placement is determined by a qualifying SAT or ACT Math score. Some UT Arlington students are required to take the Math Aptitude Test (MAT). Students with majors in the College of Science and UT CAP students are required to take the MAT unless their SAT/ACT Math score exempts them. All students with majors in the College of Engineering and all Gateway students are required to take the MAT. There are no exemptions for engineering majors and Gateway students. Students in all other majors and programs are required to take the MAT prior to orientation, unless their SAT/ACT Math score exempts them. For more information about placement testing, whether or not you are exempt, and how to take the MAT prior to attending orientation visit the Math Department.
Q: Do I have to take the placement test if I have taken an AP Calculus or AP Statistics exam (but haven’t received the scores yet)?
A: Students who have taken the AP exam but have not yet received scores will be required to either wait for their scores or take the placement exam before registering for any of these classes. If a student has received the AP credit for a math class, he/she does not have to take the placement exam in order to sign up for any other math courses.
Q: What if I’m an adult student that hasn’t taken math in years. Do I still need to take the Math Placement Test?
A: If a student has not had any previous college-level math, they must take the Math Aptitude Test. It is suggested (but not required) by the Mathematics Department that students who are not able to pass the placement test take either Math 0301 or 0302 (Developmental Math) before retaking the test. However, a student will not be allowed for any reason to sign up for college level math courses until they have passing scores on the placement test. There are no exemptions from the math placement test based on THEA scores.
