Take the steps to begin your journey:
Texas Success Initiative
Students planning to attend Tarleton State University need to be aware that, unless they are exempt under Texas Success Initiative guidelines, they must take an approved test, i.e., THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment, formerly TASP), ASSET, COMPASS or ACCUPLACER, prior to enrolling their first semester.
Please refer to Tarleton State University's TSI Plan
Previous TASP scores will be accepted. A student may also take an alternative test such as ASSET, COMPASS, or ACCUPLACER, or provide proof of exemption. Test scores or exemptions must be received in our office before you will be allowed to register for classes.
If you have any TSI related questions please contact the Student Assessment Coordinator at 254-968-9269 or email us for more information.
General information for Developmental Education and Texas Success Initiative
You may contact Student Assessment Services regarding testing for the Quick THEA, ASSET, COMPASS or ACCUPLACER tests.
If you test at another institution, you must confirm with the school that the ASSET, COMPASS and ACCUPLACER tests are given as an alternative to the THEA, not just a placement test:
- The Writing section must include the essay.
- The Math section must be the Elementary Algebra section for the ASSET and ACCUPLACER tests and must be the Algebra section for the COMPASS test.
Please also confirm that the institution will release your test scores to Tarleton State University.
TSI Exemptions
There are certain conditions that may exempt students from requirements of the TSI law.
-
Students performing at or above the following levels are exempt:
| Test | Exempt | Partially Exempt |
|---|---|---|
| ACT (Scores must be no more than five years old.) |
Composite = 23 English = 19 and Mathematics = 19 |
Composite = 23 English = 19 and/or Mathematics = 19 |
| SAT (Scores must be no more than five years old.) |
Combined = 1070 Verbal = 500 and Mathematics = 500 |
Combined = 1070 Verbal = 500 and/or Mathematics = 500 |
| Eleventh grade exit-level TAKS (Scores must be no more than three years old.) |
Mathematics = 2200 and English/Language Arts (ELA) = 2200 Writing = 3 |
Mathematics = 2200 and/or English/Language Arts (ELA) = 2200 Writing = 3 |
-
A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public institution of higher education.
-
A student who transfers to an institution from a private or independent institution of high education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution.
-
Military exemptions and waivers:
- A student is waived if he/she is a student who is serving on active duty as a member of:
- the armed forces of the United States; or **
- the Texas National Guard; **
- A student is waived if he/she is a student who is currently serving as and, for at least the three-year period preceding enrollment, has served as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States (excludes reserves of Texas National Guard); or **
- A student is exempt if he/she is a student who on or after August 1, 1990, was 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 (excludes reserves of Texas National Guard).
- A student is waived if he/she is a student who is serving on active duty as a member of:
Some of the TSI exemptions or waivers for admission to Tarleton State University are not accepted by the Teacher Education Council for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Please contact the Certification Office at 254-968-9815 for more information.
**Students must show proof each academic year. i.e., each Fall semester**
Questions Regarding TSI
