Introduction
The Test of Scholastic Aptitude (TSI) is a standardized exam that assesses students’ college readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is used by many colleges and universities in the United States to determine whether students are prepared for college-level coursework.

What is the TSI?
The TSI is a computer-based exam that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It consists of three sections:
- Reading: This section measures students’ ability to read and understand passages of text.
- Writing: This section measures students’ ability to write clear and concise essays.
- Mathematics: This section measures students’ ability to solve math problems.
Who Needs to Take the TSI?
The TSI is required for students who are:
- Enrolling in college for the first time
- Transferring from another college or university
- Have been out of school for more than 5 years
- Have not completed high school
How to Prepare for the TSI
The best way to prepare for the TSI is to practice taking practice tests. You can find practice tests online, at your local library, or through your college or university.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for the TSI:
- Review the material that will be covered on the test. This includes reading, writing, and mathematics skills.
- Take practice tests to get familiar with the format of the test. This will help you to feel more confident on test day.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test. This will help you to be alert and focused on the day of the test.
What to Do on Test Day
On test day, arrive at the testing center early and bring your photo ID. You will be given a locker to store your belongings.
During the test, follow the instructions carefully and pace yourself. You will have a limited amount of time to complete each section, so it is important to use your time wisely.
Scoring the TSI
The TSI is scored on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of 33 or higher is considered passing.
If you do not pass the TSI, you may be required to take remedial courses before you can enroll in college-level coursework.
Additional Information
For more information about the TSI, visit the College Board website: https://www.collegeboard.org/tsi
Sample Tsi Essay
Prompt:
The Test of Scholastic Aptitude (TSI) is a standardized exam that assesses students’ college readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is used by many colleges and universities in the United States to determine whether students are prepared for college-level coursework.
Essay:
The Test of Scholastic Aptitude (TSI) is a standardized exam that is used by many colleges and universities in the United States to determine whether students are prepared for college-level coursework. The TSI is a computer-based exam that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It consists of three sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
The Reading section measures students’ ability to read and understand passages of text. The Writing section measures students’ ability to write clear and concise essays. The Mathematics section measures students’ ability to solve math problems.
Students who are enrolling in college for the first time, transferring from another college or university, have been out of school for more than 5 years, or have not completed high school are required to take the TSI.
The best way to prepare for the TSI is to practice taking practice tests. Practice tests can be found online, at your local library, or through your college or university. It is also important to review the material that will be covered on the test and to get a good night’s sleep before the test.
On test day, arrive at the testing center early and bring your photo ID. You will be given a locker to store your belongings. During the test, follow the instructions carefully and pace yourself. You will have a limited amount of time to complete each section, so it is important to use your time wisely.
The TSI is scored on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of 33 or higher is considered passing. If you do not pass the TSI, you may be required to take remedial courses before you can enroll in college-level coursework.
For more information about the TSI, visit the College Board website: https://www.collegeboard.org/tsi
Conclusion
The TSI is an important exam for students who are planning to attend college. By understanding the exam and preparing adequately, students can increase their chances of success on the TSI and in college.