Students taking the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) often ask what counts as a good TSI score. In 2025, college-ready benchmarks remain clear. Here’s how to understand your results and aim for the scores Texas colleges expect.
What is a good TSI score in 2025?
A good TSI score is any score at or above the official college-ready benchmark for each section.
For most colleges, that means 945 in ELAR with an essay of 5 or higher, and 950 in Math or a 6 on the diagnostic.
What is the college-ready benchmark for TSI Reading and Writing (ELAR)?
The benchmark is 945 with an essay score of at least 5.
If you score 910–944 but achieve a diagnostic level of 5 or 6, you also meet college-ready requirements.
What is the college-ready benchmark for TSI Math?
The benchmark is 950 or higher, or a diagnostic level of 6 if your multiple-choice score is between 910 and 949.
This shows you can handle college-level algebra and quantitative reasoning without remedial classes.
How are TSI scores reported?
TSI gives a scale score (310–990) and a diagnostic level (1–6).
The scale score measures overall performance. The diagnostic level shows how well you performed on key skill groups and whether you qualify for placement even if your scale score is slightly lower.
What is the minimum passing TSI score?
You need at least 945 in ELAR and 950 in Math, or the lower score plus a diagnostic of 5–6.
Anything below those cut scores requires developmental education or additional college prep coursework.
How can you reach a good TSI score?
Use targeted practice tests and focused review in weak areas.
Take timed practice exams to build speed, strengthen algebra and reading comprehension skills, and review grammar for the essay. Consistent study is the best way to reach or exceed benchmarks.
What if you don’t meet the college-ready benchmark?
You can retake the TSI exam as many times as needed.
Some colleges offer free retests or remedial classes. Retesting after focused study often leads to higher scores on the next attempt.
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👉 Take our Free 10-Question TSI Practice Test to see how close you are to a good TSI score.
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