No. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state law that requires students to show college readiness. Students must comply with this mandate to enroll in Texas public institutions of higher education. The law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in reading, mathematics, and writing unless the student qualifies for an exemption. Non-exempt students must take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2).
TSI Exemptions
TSI Exemptions
View the list of exemptions in the table below. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, please submit your exemption and accompanying required documentation.
| Exemption Type | Area(s) of exemption | Requirement for Exemption(s) | How to Submit Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ACT Scores |
English (Reading & Writing) |
Prior to Feb. 15, 2023: After Feb. 15, 2023: |
Student must send ACT scores from ACT to UTA |
| Math |
Prior to Feb. 15, 2023: After Feb. 15, 2023: |
||
| SAT Scores valid for up to 5 years |
English (Reading & Writing) | Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score >= 480 | Student must send SAT scores from the College Board to UTA |
| Math | Math score >= 530 | ||
| STAAR Scores valid for up to 5 years |
English (Reading & Writing) |
English III score >= 4000 | Student must submit high school transcript or official score report to UTA |
| Math | Algebra II score >= 4000 | ||
| Texas College Bridge Certificates valid for up to 2 years after high school graduation date |
English (Reading & Writing) | Certificate earned for English prep course completion | Student must submit certificate(s) from Green Light to UTA |
| Math | Certificate earned for Math prep course completion | ||
| TSI Completion from Other Texas College | Reading | College deemed student Complete for TSI Reading | Student must submit official college transcript to UTA |
| Writing | College deemed student Complete for TSI Writing | ||
| Math | College deemed student Complete for Math | ||
| Associate Degree or higher | All | Earned Associate degree or higher (equivalency cannot be used) | Student must submit official college transcript to UTA |
| Transfer Coursework | English (Reading & Writing) | C or better in 3-hour college-level course from accredited higher education institution in one of the following subjects: ANTH, ART, BIOL, BCMN, COMM, COMS, ECON, ENGL, GEOG, GOVT, HIST, PHIL, POLS, PSYC, SOCI or THEA | Student must submit official college transcript to UTA |
| Reading only | C or better in 3-hour college-level course from accredited higher education institution in one of the following subjects: CHEM, DNCE, GEOL, HUMA, MUSI or PHYS | ||
| Math | C or better in 3-hour college-level Math course from accredited higher education institution |
||
| Military - Active Duty or Honorable Discharge | All | At least 3 years of service completed in U.S. armed forces/reserve or Texas National Guard |
Active Duty: Student must submit copy of official military document showing minimum 3 years of active service to tsi@uta.edu Honorable Discharge: Student must submit copy of DD 214 showing Honorable Discharge to tsi@uta.edu |
TSI Exemptions FAQs
A list of TSI Exemptions can be found here
Processing time depends on the type of exemption, and processing time can take up to 2 weeks.
As soon as possible. Your TSI status determines your placement for classes.
If you do not have any exemptions, you are required to take the TSIA2. Taking the TSIA2 as soon as possible will allow you to progress in the enrollment process at UTA much faster. Students who receive a TSI Liable status cannot be advised or register for classes
Yes. Scores are valid up to 5 years from the testing date. You can submit your scores to UTA.
Contact Info
Contact Academic Testing & TSI Services (ATTS) at tsi@uta.edu or 817-272-2362 if you need assistance registering for the test, sending in scores, submitting exemptions, or any other questions you may have. Click here to book an advising appointment with your TSI advisor.