Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Legislature in June 2003 approved the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) as a program designed to help students be successful in college. It includes assessment of students before entering a state-supported college or university, advisement and an individual plan designed to prepare students to meet college-readiness skills.
Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) and COMPASS
All students must take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) or another state-approved assessment before enrolling in college for the firs time, unless they are specifically exempt by law. Midland College offers the following: Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) and COMPASS. A schedule of testing dates is available on this website. Results are used by college advisors to place a student into appropriate course work to help him/her achieve academic success at Midland College.
The following minimum passing standards are established to determine a student's readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework:
THEA: Reading 230; Mathematics 230 (270 or an appropriate math placement test score is required for placement in college level math courses); Writing 220
COMPASS: Reading 81; Algebra 39 (71 or appropriate math placement test score is required for placement in college level math courses); Writing - Essay: 6 or Essay: 5 plus 59 objective.
Both THEA and COMPASS are offered at the Midland College Testing Center located in the Scharbauer Student Center. Please call (432) 685-4504 or visit our website at www.midland.edu for testing dates. The cost is $29.00 for each testing session.
Special testing accommodations can be made for a student with a diagnosed learning disability or other disability, such as a visual or hearing impairment. Students should contact Dale Williams at (432) 685-5598 for more information.
Exemptions/Exceptions
Students who meet one of the following conditions are exempt from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements:
1) For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards:
a) ACT taken April 2004 or later with a composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections.
b) SAT taken April 2004 or later with a combined "critical reading" and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the "critical reading" test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections.
2) For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who tests and performs on the eleventh grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the math section and/or a Minimum score of 2200 on the English Language Arts section with a writing subsection score of at least 3 shall be exempt from the assessment required under this title for those corresponding sections.
3) A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a public institution of higher education in the state of Texas.
4) A student who transfers to Midland College from other accredited institutions of higher education with appropriate college-level work in the areas of writing, reading and/or mathematics (grades of C or higher) may be deemed as college ready after review by the Registrar's Office. Students not meeting college readiness in writing, reading or mathematics will be required to take the THEA or COMPASS test for that area.
5) A student who enrolls in a certificate program of one year or less (level one certificate, 42 or fewer credit hours).
6) A student who is 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 has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment. Written documentation from the appropriate branch of the military is required.
7) A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the Unites States. Written documentation (DD214) is required.
8) A casual/enrichment student who is taking courses for personal interest only and who is not seeking a degree or certificate will be allowed to defer development course work and may enroll under the following conditions:
a) take a maximum of two courses per semester that are not academically restricted courses;
b) may not declare a major; and
c) may not receive financial aid. Consult with a Midland College counselor or adviser for a list of academically restricted courses.
Students who have not yet tested should contact the Midland College Testing Center (432) 685-4504. Remember, test scores must be available before you are permitted to register for classes.