Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: I have questions about TSI. Who can I ask?

A: It depends on your question. If you have general questions about the TSI process, allowed exemptions, or questions about the TSI assessment--please email us at tsi@tamuk.edu or speak with our Student Assessment Coordinator at 361-593-4031.  If you are enrolled and have questions on how to proceed with your degree plan if you do not pass the TSI Assessment, please contact your college advisor.

 

Q: I completed dual credit courses.  Why do I have a TSI hold?

A: If you have college-level courses that will complete a TSI area, submit your official college transcript to the Admissions office. Your high school transcript cannot be used to demonstrate the completion of college-level courses.

 

Q: I turned in my college transcript(s) that show a TSI exemption. Why do I still have a TSI hold?

A: Often, transcripts you have submitted to the university contain information that will exempt you; however, the automatic review processes cannot run until the Admissions office has fully processed your documents. During peak times, it may take a bit longer for your transcripts to be reviewed.

 

Q: I scored higher on the SAT/ACT the second time I took it. Can those scores exempt me?

A: If you have scores that will complete a TSI area, make sure you have requested for SAT/ACT to release the sores to us for processing.

 

Q: I was TSI complete at my last institution.  Why do I still have a TSI hold?

A: If you have submitted your official transcript that contains the information that will exempt you to TAMUK, your transcript may still be in the reviewing process.

 

Q: If I bring documentation on the day of my orientation to exempt me from TSI, will my TSI hold be removed immediately?

A: We encourage you to submit official documentation well in advance of your orientation.  You may bring documentation to orientation; however, it will take the advising team time to review and update your student advising profile.  This means you will probably experience a delay in being able to enroll for your courses since it takes time to update your profile.  submit them to the Admissions office for processing.  Please use the (https://www.tamuk.edu/enrollment-management/admission/future-students/ftic-transfer/uploaddocs.html ) Upload Documents online form to ensure your documents are processed and matched to your student file.

 

Q: How many times can I re-take the TSI Assessment?

A: You may take the TSI Assessment as many times as you like. You are encouraged to take time in between to prepare for the re-take so that you can be successful. See the TSI Testing Dates information on the TAMUK TSI website for more information on the TSI Assessment.

 

Q: I am currently enrolled in courses at another institution that will allow me to be exempt from TSI.  Why do I have a TSI hold?

A: Once your courses are complete and your grade awarded, submit your official transcript to the Admissions office. We are not able to exempt you based on courses that are not yet completed.

 

Q: I have AP/IB test scores that are high enough to earn course credit.  Why do I have a TSI hold?

A: AP/IB scores can be used for a TSI exemption. Depending on the timing, your scores may not have been awarded credit yet. Log on to your JNET account and check your Blue & Gold student account and under DegreeWorks to see whether credit has been awarded.

 

Q:  I have taken COMPASS/ACCUPLACER/THEA/ASSET.  Can I use this score to be exempt from TSI?

A: As of Fall 2013, the state has prescribed that only the TSI Assessment may be used (THEA, ASSET, COMPASS, and ACCUPLACER are no longer allowable unless they have been used at a previous institution to satisfy the requirement.).

 

Q: I am currently serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces, have been serving for at least 3 years, and I did not have a hold at my previous institution.  Why do I have a TSI hold?

A: As an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces you are eligible for a waiver of the TSI requirements each semester you attend.

 

Q: I am a former member of the U.S. armed forces or Texas National Guard. To be exempt what documentation should I submit?

A: As an honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces on or after August 1, 1990, you may submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214 Form) to the Admissions Office.

 

Q: What is the difference between a TSI waiver and a TSI exemption?

A: A waiver is a one-semester reprieve from the TSI requirements for a limited selection of cases (e.g., active military, students not seeking a degree) so that students can enroll in courses. Waivers must be renewed every semester to lift the TSI hold. TSI exemptions are a permanent completion of a particular TSI area based on the set of allowed criteria (e.g, scores or coursework), and once all three sections are complete, the student is considered TSI complete.