Yes, most Texas students actually take the ACT or SAT instead of the TSIA2. For 2021-2022 academic year, 243,410 students took the SAT and 84,822 took the ACT, but only 50,269 took the TSIA2. You are exempt from taking the TSIA2 with the following scores:

ACT Test Minimum Scores for TSIA2 Exemption

  • English & Writing – combined score of 40 or higher
  • Math – 22 or higher

SAT Test Minimum Scores for TSIA2 Exemption

  • Reading and Writing – 480 or higher
  • Mathematics – 530 or higher

Students were previously allowed to take STAAR English III and STAAR Algebra II end of course exams instead of the TSIA2; however, those STAAR tests are no longer offered.