Improve TSI Scores—Increase Course Options
Mission & Purpose
| Our Mission: Help underprepared students quickly reach TSI completion or qualify for credit-bearing courses by providing accelerated, targeted instruction within a supportive learning environment that builds confidence, mastery, and college readiness. |
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| Our Purpose: Empower students to overcome developmental barriers, accelerate their academic progress, and successfully transition into college-level coursework. Through encouragement, engagement, and support, we promote persistence, confidence, and long-term academic success. |
ACC’s TSI Prep Program offers FREE 8-week courses to help underprepared students strengthen their academic skills and prepare for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) college readiness assessment.
TSI Prep courses allow students to develop their academic skills without impacting their GPA (Grade Point Average) or SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress).
Courses focus on the MATH and ELAR (English Language Arts & Reading) concepts that are directly assessed by the TSI college-readiness score minimums:
- MATH: 950 or Diagnostic of 6
- ELAR: 945 or Diagnostic of 5, and Essay 5
Registration in a TSI Prep course REQUIRES TSI scores within the last 12 months to establish a baseline for measuring student progress.
Students will retake the TSI at least once during the course term to measure progress and satisfy course completion requirements. Improved TSI and Diagnostic scores may qualify students for additional academic pathways and credit-bearing course options. Students who achieve a TSI Diagnostic score of 3 or higher are encouraged to explore their new options.
NOTE: ACC offers many “Level 1” career certificate awards that don’t require TSI completion. Students with TSI Waivers for Level 1 status are not eligible for the TSI Prep program. Please contact an advisor for information regarding career certificates and degree options.
Program Benefits
- Fulfills developmental requirements that may restrict registration in certain credit-bearing courses.
- Builds college readiness skills without affecting the GPA.
- Allows unlimited course repeats until college readiness or TSI completion is achieved.
- Welcomes students on academic probation or dismissal who seek pathways to academic success.
Program Eligibility & Registration Requirements:
- have an APPROVED ACC Traditional Application (for degree courses; not Level 1 certificate status)
- have TSI scores from the LAST 12 MONTHS in the subject requested
- be a high school or GED graduate
- live in the Austin Community College service area
- meet ESOL Level 4 assessment minimums, if applicable
3 STEPS for course registration:
- Meet the program eligibility requirements and SUBMIT a REGISTRATION REQUEST with the selected courses.
- TSI Prep coordinators will process Registration Requests within 14 days.
- A CONFIRMATION email will be sent once registration is finalized.
Need help applying to ACC? Contact the ACC Welcome Center for guided support with the Traditional ACC Application process.
Individuals with F1 or F2 (International Student), J1 or J2 (Exchange Visitor), or B1/B2 (business/tourism) visas are not eligible for this program. This includes expired, voided or canceled visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do TSI Prep classes cost?
The classes and textbooks are free.
What are the attendance requirements?
Students are required to attend 85% of the time to remain enrolled in the program.
Can TSI Prep classes be taken while a student is on academic suspension, probation, or warning?
Yes; TSI Prep classes can help a student develop their academic skills while working toward improving their academic status.
Will students in TSI Prep classes receive a grade that impacts their GPA?
The TSI Prep grade will not impact the GPA. The program is designed to help students improve their academic skills and become ‘college ready’.
Can students enroll in TSI Prep classes while taking ACC credit classes?
Yes; students are encouraged to continue their degree plan in content areas where they are TSI complete.
Can students participate in TSI Prep classes if they are already TSI complete in that subject area?
It depends. We ask that you speak directly with a TSI Prep Program coordinator to discuss the specific situation.
What is the average age of the students? Is there a minimum age requirement?
Participants have ranged from 19 to 70 years old (any student preparing for credit classes is eligible). High school graduation requirements apply.
Are advisors available to assist with registration into credit classes? ?
Yes, Adult Education Advising specialists provide complete advising services to students for transition into college credit classes including degree planning and financial aid application assistance.
Additional questions? Email [email protected] or call 512.223.7477.
*Based on data from the two most recent terms (Spring (8A) and Fall (8B) terms).
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