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TSI FAQ

Must I be tested prior to enrolling at Lee College?

Yes. If a student is not exempt by other standards (SAT, ACT, TAAS, or TAKS), initial assessment is required. Students in most certificate programs may only need a reading placement test.

Can I be exempt from initial TSI testing?

  • Students may be exempt with specified scores on SAT, ACT, TAAS or TAKS.
  • Students who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas institution are exempt. Students are exempt who transfer to a Texas institution from a private or independent college or university and who have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution.
  • Students who have attended any institution and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution are exempt.
  • Students enrolled in a vocational certificate program may only need a placement test—often only a reading test.
  • Students who have served in the military (discharged after August, 1990) or are serving in the military are exempt.
  • Students who are not seeking a degree are exempt.

If I was exempt under the rules of TASP, am I still exempt?

Yes. Students exempt from any of the provisions of TASP, are still exempt. Those entering college for the first time, after September 1, 2003, must follow the policies of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI).

What tests are approved for this initial testing?

Students may use scores from the Accuplacer or THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment, formerly known as TASP). The Accuplacer is offered through the Lee College Testing Center. Lee College is a testing site for the regular THEA offered on Saturdays. Other tests which are acceptable are the ASSET or Compass.

What is Accuplacer like?

Accuplacer consists of four sections (reading, sentence skills, math and writing). Most students take three hours to complete all four sections, but there is no time limit. The reading, sentence skills and math sections will be multiple choice, with the writing section requiring an essay. A more detailed Accuplacer description, including practice questions, is available online.

When is the Accuplacer given and when will I receive my scores?

With few exceptions, Lee College administers the Accuplacer whenever the Testing Center is open. Students are advised to contact the Counseling Center to reserve a test time. Walk-ins may test if space is available. Accuplacer scores are available immediately following testing.

What is the THEA like?

The purpose of the test is to assess the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshman-level students should have if they are to perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges or universities.

Students are given 5 hours to complete three sections — reading, math, and writing. Students may choose the order in which they complete the test.

The Reading Section of the THEA Test has approximately 40 multiple choice questions matched to about seven reading selections of 300 to 750 words each. The selections represent a variety of subject areas and are similar to reading materials (e.g. textbooks, manuals) that students are likely to encounter during their first year of college.

The Mathematics Section of the THEA Test consists of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions covering four general areas: fundamental mathematics, algebra, geometry, and problem solving. The test questions focus on a student’s ability to perform mathematical operations and solve problems. Appropriate formulas will be provided to help students perform some of the calculations required by the test questions.

The Writing Section of the THEA Test consists of two subsections: a writing sample subsection and a multiple-choice subsection. The writing sample subsection requires students to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in writing on a given topic requiring 300-600 words. The multiple-choice subsection includes approximately 40 questions assessing students’ ability to recognize various elements of effective writing.

COMPARING
THEA AND ACCUPLACER

Similarities: Differences:
  1. They each test reading, writing, and math skills.
  2. They each include multiple choice questions.
  3. They each require you to write a 300-600 word essay.
  4. They each meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. (Education majors must take THEA.)
  5. They are important tests. Take them seriously; scores matter.
  1. THEA costs $29 and is paid by check or money order; registration is by mail.
    Accuplacer costs $20 and is included in your tuition and fees.
  2. THEA is given about 5 times each year—always on Saturday mornings.
    Accuplacer is given almost every weekday.
  3. THEA requires you to have a testing appointment—“walk-ins” are not allowed.
    An appointment for Accuplacer is encouraged; some “walk-ins” are allowed.
  4. THEA allows a maximum of 5 hours testing.
    Accuplacer has no time limits.
  5. Regular THEA is paper and pencil.
    Accuplacer is computerized.
  6. Regular THEA results are available about 10-14 working days after testing.
    Accuplacer results are available immediately after testing.
  7. All sections of THEA can and should be taken at one sitting.
    Each section of Accuplacer can be taken separately.
  8. You can retest on THEA every time it’s given—about every two months.
    There are no time restrictions for retesting on Accuplacer (must be recommended by counselor).

Must I go through advising?

All first-time-to-Lee College students must be advised.

How can I show that I am ready for college level courses?

The College will determine if you are ready for college level courses. This may include completion of developmental courses, performance in college level courses, or performance on an assessment test.