What is TSI?

Am I exempt?

If I’m not exempt, what do I do?

Will UT Austin accept another college’s assessment test?

How do I register for THEA or Quick THEA?

What is considered a passing score?

If I don’t pass, how do I complete my TSI requirement?

Developmental Studies

What if I’m not a UT Austin student?

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If I don't pass, how do I complete my TSI requirement?

You will meet with a Texas Success Initiative advisor to register for a Developmental Studies course if you fail to meet the minimum passing standards of one of the approved assessment instruments. An individualized developmental plan will be drawn up when you meet with a TSI advisor.

General rules for completing your TSI requirement

You can complete your TSI requirement in one of two ways: (1) by retaking and passing the corresponding section of the THEA, ASSET, COMPASS, or ACCUPLACER, or (2) by successfully completing specific course work as described below.

Specific rules for completing Mathematics

Due to the sequential nature of mathematics, students may not enroll in any college-level math course until they have completed their TSI math requirement. Both course-based and self-paced developmental math are offered. The course-based developmental program (DEV 300M, Basic Math and Algebra Skills) is offered in a one-semester review or a two-semester sequence. The self-paced developmental math program (DEV 000M, Basic Math and Algebra Skills) usually takes two semesters to complete. A student must earn an 'S' in each required developmental math course to complete the TSI requirements.

Specific rules for completing Reading

Students who do not pass the reading portion of the THEA, ASSET, COMPASS or ACCUPLACER are required to take UGS 309, Analytical Reading and Writing, or DEV 000R during their first semester at UT Austin. Students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in UGS 309, or a grade of ‘S’ in DEV 000R to complete the TSI reading requirement.

Specific rules for completing Writing

Students are encouraged to enroll in Rhetoric 306, Freshman Composition, while taking Developmental Studies 000W, Basic Skill Development. In this way students will have an intensive writing experience and support while taking their required freshman writing course. A grade of 'S' in Dev 000W or a 'C' or higher in Rhetoric 306 while enrolled in DEV 000W will indicate completion of the TSI writing requirement.

International students may take RHE 306Q (Rhetoric and Writing for non-native speakers of English) in place of a linked DEV 000 and RHE 306 if they meet the Division of Rhetoric and Composition's prerequisites. RHE 306Q is an intensive freshman composition course designed for international students whose native language is not English. Students must earn at least a 'C' to complete the writing portion of their TSI requirement.

What if I retake and pass the test while I am enrolled in Developmental Studies?

You may retake the related section(s) of the THEA, COMPASS, ASSET, or ACCUPLACER at any time. The THEA is offered statewide once or twice a semester. You can also check the Web site of other Texas public institutions of higher education to learn if they offer one of the four approved tests. If you retake and pass the related section of one of these tests, you must present official passing scores to the TSI Office and notify your instructor. The instructor will sign you out of the class and assign a grade of 'S' after verifying your passing score.