FAQ

How do I submit test scores or exempting documentation?

Submit all test scores (TSIA/TSIA2/SAT/ACT) and any exemption documentation electronically to Texas A&M from the Testing Agency or college to TAMU 3 weeks before your NSC.

  • TSI scores have to be set via Accuplacer to Texas A&M University [link to PDF on to send scores]
  • SAT scores have to be sent via College Board to TAMU electronically using code: 6003
  • ACT scores have to be sent via ACT to TAMU electronically using code: 4198.
  • Official transcripts and exemption documentation must be sent directly to Texas A&M University. Many colleges and universities offer electronic delivery through the following services:
    • SPEEDE
    • National Student Clearinghouse
    • eScript-SAFE
    • Parchment
For more information on how to send transcripts to TAMU, please visit this link.
What is the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)?
  • The Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) gives students important information about the TSIA2 and includes a practice test. 
  • Before you can take the TSIA2, you are required to take the Pre-Assessment Activity  (PAA).  You will not be able to take the TSIA2 until you complete this activity.
How do I sign up for the TSIA2?
  • You may take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2) at any Texas public college or university. If you prefer to take it at Texas A&M University, call the Testing Center at (979) 845-0532 to schedule a test or visit testing.tamu.edu to find out more information about scheduling a test. If you take the TSIA2 at another location, fill out the form here so we can retrieve and enter your scores for processing.
  • Unless exempt, students entering a Texas public college or university must take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2),the purpose of which is to determine readiness for college-level course work. The TSIA2 tests for three academic areas:  reading, writing, and mathematics.
    You may take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2) at any Texas public college or university. If you prefer to take it at Texas A&M University, visit 
    testing.tamu.edu to find out more information about scheduling a test.
Can I get a TSI exemption if I took dual credit courses?

Yes, you may be eligible for a TSI exemption based on dual credit coursework. To be considered, you must have an official college transcript sent directly to Texas A&M from the institution where you completed the courses.

If you’ve completed college-level courses in the following subjects, you may be exempt from the corresponding TSI areas:

TSI Area Exempting College Courses
Math  MATH or STAT 
 Reading HIST, POLS/GOVT, PBSI/PSYC, ENGL 
 Writing  ENGL

Important Notes:

  • An unofficial transcript is acceptable as long as it clearly shows your full name, the college name, and the course details.
  • If you haven’t taken qualifying college-level courses in all areas, you’ll need to complete the corresponding section(s) of the TSIA2.
What happens if I don’t pass the TSIA2?

If you do not meet the minimum required scores [link to exemption criteria] in reading, writing, or math, you will be placed into developmental coursework for that subject. This may restrict your ability to register for certain college-level courses until the requirement is met.

TSI-liable students cannot take any courses in the following areas until the relevant TSI requirement is met:

  • MATH
  • PHYS
  • CHEM
  • STAT
  • HIST
  • POLS
  • PBSI
  • ENGL
How can I meet the TSI requirement after not passing?

You can retake the reading and writing sections of the TSIA2 at any time. For math, you must stay enrolled in the required support course unless you successfully retest during the first week of the semester. Once you pass the necessary section(s), the TSI restriction for that area will be lifted.

How do I know if I am exempt?
Go to our TSI Exemptions page and use our TSI Exemptions Status Check.  TSI Exemptions page
What test do I need to take if I’m not exempt, and where can I take it?

If you are not exempt, you must take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2)—the only state-approved test used to assess college readiness.

You can take the TSIA2 at Texas A&M University through the TAMU Testing Services office. For more information or to schedule your test, call (979) 845-0532 or visit testing.tamu.edu.

Before taking the test, all students must complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA), which includes important information about the exam and a brief practice test. Completion of the PAA is required before you can test.

The TSIA2 is also offered at all Texas public colleges and universities. If testing elsewhere, be sure to ask about available dates and procedures.

After testing, make sure your scores are sent to Texas A&M. You can do this by:

  •   Requesting your scores be sent directly from the testing agency (Accuplacer/College Board/ACT)
  •   Asking your high school counselor to include them with your official transcript.
Will I be denied admission if I don’t pass the TSIA2?

No. Not meeting TSI requirements will not prevent you from attending Texas A&M. The assessment is used for placement purposes only. If you're not college-ready in a subject, you'll be enrolled in the appropriate support course.

Become a TSI Tutor or Mentor

HIRING NOW OPEN!

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program at the Academic Success Center is looking for qualified undergraduate students who desire to help their fellow Aggies achieve both academically in math as well as personally as they settle into the college experience.

Benefits of Working for the TSI Program:

Flexible schedule that prioritizes your class schedule first

  • Pay:  $12/hr
  • Work up to 20 hrs/week
  • Build your portfolio and work experience in preparation for future career or graduate school
  • Develop management skills that you will take into your professional career  

Math Tutor Job Description

Application currently open!

Tutor Responsibilities:

  • Diagnose specific math needs of each assigned developmental math student;
  • Design assignments to address specific math deficits for each assigned students, with the supervision of the program coordinator;
  • Regularly instruct small groups of developmental math students in basic math skills and/or credit-bearing entry level MATH courses;
  • Keep a log of student assignments;
  • Keep attendance records;
  • Monitor and maintain the policies as detailed in the Policy and Guidelines for Developmental Education Courses.

Qualifications:

  • Highly qualified undergraduate (sophomore, junior, or senior) or graduate student with at least a 3.5 average in math courses
  • Knowledge of and ability to explain basic math and algebraic concepts

Learning Objectives:

  • Coordinate with other math tutors in the diagnosis and evaluation of individual students's math deficit(s) [Team work]
  • Clearly communicate math lessons on a level of understanding for developmental math students [Communication skills]
  • Conduct occasional training sessions for other tutors on skills associated with teaching developmental math students [Presentation skills]
  • Keep regular records of student performance [Management skills]

Peer Mentor Job Description

Application currently open!

Description:

Peer mentors are guides that support and encourage their mentees through regular one-to-one interactions. The primary goal of a peer mentor is to encourage their students to manage their own educational progress by providing access to resources, by teaching time management, by monitoring their performance and activities, and by serving as a role model. 

Responsibilities:

  • Meeting with assigned students one-to-one weekly for approximately 20-30 minutes each week. 
  • Attend training at beginning of the semester
  • Meet with Program Coordinator twice monthly for sharing concerns (Mentors must be able to use Zoom, FaceTime, or other video conference platforms for these weekly meetings should they become necessary)

Qualifications:

  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or above
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal communication skills
  • Classification must be second semester sophomores or beyond to qualify