The Texas Success Initiative and English Placement Exam

The Texas Success Initiative

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program is a requirement at all Texas institutions of higher education. The effective date of the program is September 1, 2003.   All entering undergraduate students (unless exempt) are required to take an assessment test prior to enrolling in classes.

Approved Exemptions

SAT: a minimum score of 1070 with minimum subscore of 500 on both math and verbal; scores may not be more than five years old at the time of exemption; OR

ACT: a minimum composite score of 23 with minimum subscores of 19 on both math and English; scores may not be more than five years old at the time of exemption; OR

TAKS: English/Language Arts (ELA) = 2200 with a score of 3 or higher on the written essay, plus a score of 2200 on the mathematics section (exit-level TAKS). Scores may not be more than 3 years old at the time of exemption.


TAAS: writing = 1770; mathematics = 86; reading = 89 (single test date). Scores may not be more than 3 years old at the time of exemption.

Approved Assessment Tests

THEA (formerly TASP): reading = 230; mathematics = 230; writing = 220

ASSET: reading skills = 41; elementary algebra = 38; writing skills (objective) = 40; essay = 6

COMPASS: reading skills = 81; algebra = 39; writing skills (objective) = 59; essay = 6

ACCUPLACER: reading comprehension = 78; elementary algebra = 63; sentence skills (objective) = 80; essay = 6

The minimum passing standard for the written essay portion of these tests is a score of 6. However, an essay with a score of 5 will pass if the student meets the objective writing test standard.

 

Do I need to take an English placement exam?

You are required as an Honors student to demonstrate readiness to take either ENGL 1303H or The Human Situation:  Antiquity during your first semester in The Honors College at the University of Houston.  If you have achieved the following scores on any of the tests listed below, you are EXEMPT from taking an English placement exam. 

  • THEA Writing = 240
  • Pass the writing section of ASSET, ACCUPLACER, or COMPASS
  • TAKS English/Language Arts = 2200; Essay = 3
  • SAT Verbal = 500 (minimum composite > 1070)
  • ACT English = 19 (minimum composite > 23)
  • TAAS Writing = 1770
  • TSWE = 40

 

 
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