The TSI Assessment (TSIA2) refers to the second version of the Texas Success Initiative Assessment that launched in 2021. The TSI test is a computer-based, adaptive test taken by Texas high school students in order to enroll in a Texas college, including dual enrollment courses taken during high school.

The assessment consists of an English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) test and a Mathematics test. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of the Mathematics test, including what’s tested and how to best prepare.

What is the TSI Test?

Before we jump into the Mathematics test specifically, let’s look at what exactly the TSI itself is. The TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment is a computer adaptive test taken by students in Texas who are interested in taking dual-enrollment courses or for those who plan to attend a Texas public college after graduation. 

Most students take the TSI in the spring of their sophomore year in preparation for dual credit courses their junior year. However, students can take the TSI anytime before they enroll in a Texas college.

Only about 35% of graduating Texas seniors actually take the TSI because most students are exempt from the test. Most often, these exemptions are achieved by getting a certain score on the ACT or SAT:

  • For the SAT, a score of 530 or higher in Math and 480 or higher in Reading and Writing
  • For the ACT, a score of 22 or higher in Math and a combined English/Reading of 40 or higher

The whole assessment is composed of four subtests in Math and English (depending on how students perform, they might only see two of these subtests) and an essay. The exam is untimed but usually lasts 2-4 hours. Tested concepts include reading comprehension, writing mechanics, and math through Algebra I.

TSIA2 Infographic including test format, timing, and question types

Each test is divided into two modules: College Readiness Classification (CRC) and Diagnostic. However, if students pass the CRC modules in each test, they will not have to take the Diagnostic module in that test. For the ELAR test, students will then be taken to the Essay module.

Note that the TSI is a pass/fail test, and there are at least two ways to pass each exam. You must pass both ELAR and Mathematics to pass the TSI and be considered college ready.

Passing Scores for TSI English Language Arts and Reading:

  • College Readiness Classification (CRC) score of at least 950; or
  • CRC score below 950, Diagnostic level of 6.

TSI Mathematics Test

Now that we’ve refreshed our memory about the details of the TSI Assessment, let’s turn our attention specifically to the Mathematics test. In this article, we will discuss the CRC and Diagnostic sections of the test. 

Test Content

The CRC Test addresses four content categories:

Quantitative Reasoning questions include calculating ratios, proportions, and percentages, as well as identifying, manipulating, and interpreting linear equations and expressions. Below are some examples of this question category.

Algebraic Reasoning questions involve solving equations (linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical), evaluating functions, and solving algebraic problems in context. Below are three examples of questions in this category.

Geometric and Spatial Reasoning questions include converting units within measurement systems, solving geometric problems (perimeter, area, surface area, and volume), performing transformations, and applying right triangle trigonometry. Below are two examples from this question category.

Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning questions involve classifying data, constructing appropriate representations of data, computing, and interpreting probability, and describing measures of center and spread of data. Below are two examples of this question category.

Students who don’t meet the college readiness benchmark will have to take the Mathematics Diagnostic Test. The Mathematics Diagnostic Test is made up of 48 questions with 12 questions from each of the content categories listed above.

TSI Practice

Ultimately, the best thing you can do to ensure that you pass the TSI essay is to practice it beforehand. Piqosity is excited to announce six full-length TSI practice tests that can be accessed through our TSI course. 

We recommend either using Piqosity’s Virtual Tutor to navigate our TSI course or jumping straight to the full-length tests. Check out our article about how to use Piqosity’s TSI course for more information.

Making the most of these practice tests is crucial to your preparation for the TSI since they can give you the most accurate idea of your performance on the actual TSI. Moreover, while you may pass the CRC section of the test and not have to take the Diagnostic test, working through the Diagnostic test sections as well may be a good idea if you want more practice.

Test-Taking Tips

While you’re working through the lesson practice questions and full-length tests, keep these tips in mind:

  • If you use a calculator*, use it wisely. All of the mathematics problems can be solved without a calculator. Many of the problems are best done without a calculator. Use good judgment in deciding when, and when not, to use a calculator. For example, for some problems you may wish to do scratch work to clarify your thoughts on the question before you begin using a calculator to do computations.
  • Find your solution among the answer choices. Once solve a problem, look for your answer among the choices. If your answer is not included among the choices, carefully reread the problem to see if you missed important information.
  • Make sure you answer the question. The solutions to many questions will involve several steps. Make sure your answer accounts for all the necessary steps. Frequently, an answer choice is an intermediate result, not the final answer.
  • Make sure your answer is reasonable. Sometimes an error in computation will result in an answer that is not practically possible for the situation described. Always think about your answer to determine whether it is reasonable.
  • Check your answer. You may arrive at an incorrect solution by making common errors in the problem-solving process. If there is time remaining before the end of the mathematics section, it is important that you reread the questions and check your answers to make sure they are correct.

*Note: Handheld calculators of any type are not permitted for use with the online TSI Mathematics Test. Some, but not all, of the math questions contain one or more pop-up calculators for use in solving problems asked. If applicable, you will have access to the following types of pop-up calculators: basic (four-function), square root (four-function with square root button), and/or graphing (TI-84). If you are taking an accommodated test (e.g., paper-and-pencil, braille, or audio), you will be allowed to use a square root calculator.

Further Reading: