Exemptions
You can demonstrate college readiness through a list of approved exemptions. Students can qualify for an exemption by subject area in several ways, including:
- Meet college readiness benchmarks on the SAT or ACT or the English III/Algebra II STAAR End-of-Course high school tests
- Completed college-level course(s)
- Have been, or currently are, in the military
When you applied to Texas State University, the documents you submit are automatically evaluated to determine any possible exemptions.
Exemption by Test Scores
| Test | Reading and Writing Exemption | Math Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) | 530 Math |
| ACT | ACT administered prior to February 15, 2023: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests | ACT administered prior to February 15, 2023: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the mathematics test ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a score of 22 on the mathematics test |
| STARR | 4000+ (Level II) on the English III (EOC) | 4000+ (Level II) on the Algebra II (EOC) |
- SAT, ACT, and STAAR scores used to request an exemption must be less than five years old.
- The writing section of the SAT is not considered.
- Mixing or combining scores from the SAT administered prior to March 5, 2016, and the SAT administered on or after March 5, 2016, is not allowable.
If you believe you meet the above exemption, please get in touch with our office.
Exemption by Course Credit
The following courses from another college/university may exempt you from certain sections of the TSI Assessment if you have received a C or higher. Please note: courses that transfer as elective non-advanced (ELNA) or elective advanced (ELADV) may not be used to meet the TSI requirements.
| Credit from these courses: | May exempt you from: |
|---|---|
| English 1310, 1320, 2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2359, or 2360 | Writing |
| Anthropology 1312 History 1310, 1320, 2327, 2328, 2381, or 2382 Political Science 2310 or 2320 Psychology 1300 Sociology 1310 | Reading |
| Math 1312, 1315, 1316, 1317, 1319, 1329, 2321, 2328, 2417, or 2471 | Mathematics |
A TSI staff member can evaluate your college/university transcript(s) to determine if you completed courses that can qualify you for an exemption. To have our office review your courses:
- Submit an unofficial college transcript. We will not accept a high school transcript listing dual credit courses.
- Make sure your full name is visible on the transcript.
If you believe you meet the above exemption, please get in touch with our office.
Other TSI Exemptions
- You earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree.
- You are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
- You were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the United States armed forces or the Texas National Guard or served as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States on or after Aug. 1, 1990.
- You are a non-degree-seeking or a non-certificate-seeking student.
- You attended another institution and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.
- ESOL Waiver: Students with demonstrated limited English proficiency may receive a temporary waiver appropriate to ESOL/ESL coursework and interventions.
If you believe you meet one of the above exemptions, please get in touch with our office.