The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment is a crucial step for students entering higher education in Texas. Mandated by the state, this placement exam evaluates your skills in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics. At Northwest Vista College (NVC), the TSI helps us provide an accurate diagnosis of your academic abilities, ensuring you are placed in courses that match your current skill level and set you on the path to success. This assessment is designed to identify areas where you excel and areas where you might benefit from additional support, ultimately contributing to a more personalized and effective learning experience at NVC.
For a comprehensive overview of the TSI assessment, we encourage you to consult the Student Informational Brochure provided by CollegeBoard. This brochure offers detailed insights into the purpose, format, and content of the TSI exam.
If you have previously taken the TSI and need to submit your scores to NVC, you can easily do so by CLICKING HERE to submit a request. This streamlined process allows NVC to quickly access your prior score report. Once your scores are retrieved, our team will promptly contact you to guide you through the subsequent enrollment steps, making your transition to NVC as smooth as possible.
You can also access your score report directly through the Accuplacer student portal here. This provides you with immediate access to your results and allows you to keep track of your assessment performance.
Understanding TSI Assessment Fees at NVC
TSI Assessment at No Cost*
*NVC is currently offering the TSIA 2 at no cost for students who have applied to Northwest Vista College. This valuable opportunity applies only to the initial test administration, helping to make higher education more accessible. Please note that this no-cost option does not extend to retests. Additionally, students requiring TSIA 2 for Dual Credit or Early Admit programs are not eligible for the no-cost option.
For students who do not qualify for the no-cost TSI, the following fee structure applies:
- $32 for the complete exam covering all sections.
- $24 for the English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) section only, which may include the essay component.
- $12 for the Mathematics section only.
- $12 for an Essay Retest only.
These fees are structured to be as affordable as possible while ensuring the continued availability of the TSI assessment at NVC.
Interpreting Your TSI Assessment Scores for College Placement
The TSI Assessment 2 (TSIA 2) College Level Placement Scores are crucial for understanding your academic standing:
This score chart provides a clear diagnosis of your performance in each section of the TSIA 2. Understanding these scores is key to knowing your placement level and the courses that are most appropriate for you at NVC. The scores are designed to guide advisors and students in making informed decisions about course selection, ensuring a strong start to your college career.
Pre-Assessment Activity: Preparing for Your TSI Diagnosis
Prior to taking the TSI assessment, all students are required to complete the Pre-Assessment Activity. This essential module is conveniently located under the “Start Here” tab in your ACES account. Accessing and completing this activity is a mandatory step before you can proceed with the TSI test.
This Pre-Assessment Activity is designed to equip you with valuable information and reduce test anxiety. It collectively addresses several key areas:
- The Significance of Assessment: Understanding how the TSI assessment contributes to your academic journey and proper course placement.
- Sample TSI Questions: Familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you will encounter in each subject area of the TSI exam, giving you a preview of the test format and content.
- Developmental Education Options: Providing insights into the various support systems available at NVC, including course pairing, non-course based modules, and other innovative interventions designed to help you succeed.
- Institutional and Community Resources: Informing you about the wide range of resources offered by NVC and the surrounding community to support your overall college success, from academic advising to tutoring services and beyond.
Completion of the pre-assessment activity is mandatory before you can take the TSI test. No exceptions will be made to this policy. This requirement ensures that all students are equally prepared and informed before undergoing the assessment process.
TSI Exemptions & Waivers: Are You Eligible?
You may be eligible for an exemption or waiver from the TSI requirement based on various factors, including prior college coursework, military service, or qualifying scores from previous standardized tests. It is important to determine if you qualify for an exemption before registering for and taking the TSI.
Do not take the TSI if any of the following exemption criteria apply to you:
For detailed information regarding exemptions, please Click here to access additional resources. Understanding exemption criteria can save you time and unnecessary testing.
To learn how to submit your SAT scores for exemption consideration, please watch the informative video provided on the exemptions page.
TSIA 2 Testing Hours at NVC
The TSI Assessment is conveniently offered at NVC on both a walk-in and appointment basis. While walk-ins are generally welcome, appointment options (with limited availability) are also provided for your convenience, Monday through Friday during our regular business hours. Saturday TSI Testing is exclusively available by appointment.
To schedule your TSI assessment, please use the following links:
Schedule Monday-Friday Appointment
We strive to offer flexible testing hours to accommodate your schedule and make the assessment process as accessible as possible.
What to Expect On Your TSI Test Day
To ensure a smooth and efficient testing experience, please remember to bring the following items with you on your test day:
- Photo ID: A valid photo identification is required for verification purposes.
- Form of Payment: If applicable, payment for the TSI assessment is accepted in cash or card only. Please check your eligibility for the no-cost option beforehand.
- Personal Belongings: Lockers will be provided for the safekeeping of your personal belongings during the test. It is advisable to leave unnecessary items at home to minimize distractions.
Duration of the TSI Assessment
The TSI Assessment is designed to be flexible and is not strictly timed. On average, students typically complete all sections of the test within approximately 4 hours. You have a 14-day window to complete all TSI sections from the start of your testing session, allowing you to manage your time effectively.
Receiving Your TSI Scores
Upon completion of your TSI exam, you will receive a copy of your official score report immediately. This instant score reporting ensures you have timely access to your diagnosis and can proceed with your enrollment process without delay.
Validity of TSI Scores
TSI Assessment scores are valid for a period of 5 years from your test date. This extended validity period allows you to utilize your scores for enrollment purposes within this timeframe without needing to retake the assessment.
Preparing for the TSI Exam
To help you prepare effectively for the TSI assessment, CollegeBoard provides valuable practice resources:
TSIA 2 ELAR Practice Questions
TSIA 2 Math Practice Questions
TSIA 2 Essay Practice Questions
These practice questions are excellent resources to familiarize yourself with the test format and content, allowing you to approach the TSI with confidence.
For students who are unable to complete TSI testing during our regular testing hours at NVC, we offer the option to request remote testing through Meazure Learning’s ProctorU. ProctorU is a trusted third-party proctoring service available by request.
CLICK Here for Information on Taking TSI From Home to learn more about remote testing options and how to request this service.
