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Testing Centers are located at CPC, PRC, and SCC for proctoring, credit by exam testing, instructional testing, assessment for course placement, and tests for TSI purposes. Collin is an official testing site for SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), ACT (American College Testing Program), CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), and THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment).

TSI – Texas Success Initiative

TSI assessment is a test of reading, writing, and mathematics that is required of all students taking college-level courses at a public college in Texas. The test fee will be paid by the student. All students seeking teacher certification will be required to take THEA. Performance on TSI will not be used as a condition for admission to Collin. Students can enroll only in developmental education coursework without having taken TSI assessment.

In addition, students may seek exemption from TSI based on: • A composite ACT score of 23 or higher (with individual

mathematics and English scores of no less than 19)

• A combined SAT score of 1070 (with a minimum of 500 on the mathematical and verbal tests each), or

• TAKS (taken as a junior) with a minimum qualifying score of 2200 math and ENLA 2200 with writing sub score of 3.

ACT and SAT scores can be no more than five years old. TAKS scores can be no more than three years old.

Partial Exemptions

• Student who tested after April 1, 2004 and has a composite score of 23 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with an ACT Math score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT Verbal may be less than 19. Likewise, an ACT Verbal score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT Math may be less than 19 can be exempt from TSI Reading and TSI Writing.

• Student who tested after April 1, 2004 and has a composite score of 1070 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with a SAT Math score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT Verbal may be less than 500. Likewise, an SAT Verbal score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT Math may be less than 500 can be exempt from TSI Reading and Writing.

• Student who tested after April 1, 2004 with a TAKS Math score of 2200 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math. Likewise, a TAKS Eng. Lang. Arts score of 2200 with a writing sample of 3 exempts a student from TSI Reading and TSI Writing.

An alternative method to meet the TSI requirements is defined as follows: If a student has (1) taken a TSI section and failed; (2) enrolled in and completed appropriate developmental coursework; (3) taken the TSI a second time if required, failed; and (4) then attained a grade of “C or better” in an approved college-level course related to the failing area, the student has met the TSI requirement in the failed area

New students will be required to furnish the college with necessary proof regarding TSI status.

NOTE: For specific current information about TSI and Collin’s testing, contact the Director of Testing at 972.548.6773. Please note that, in addition to the state test, the college requires new students to be assessed in reading. All students must be assessed or provide proof of prerequisites prior to enrolling in an English or mathematics course. All students who wish to enroll in freshman English courses must be assessed for proper course placement. Developmental classes and tutorial assistance are available for students who need or want this support. Transfer students must provide documentation of TSI status. Documentation may be in the form of official TSI score reports or official transcripts.

Students may also apply in writing for TSI Waived status based on the following criteria:

1. If a casual student, non-degree seeking, and taking a course for personal enrichment.

2. If a student is pursuing a certificate in a program with 42 or less hours of credit, the student may request “TSI Waived” (not required) status by contacting the TSI Office at 972.881.5902. Passing scores for the THEA are:

• Mathematics 230

• Reading 230

• Writing 220

Passing scores for COMPASS are:

• Mathematics 39

• Reading 81

• Writing 59/5

Basic Skills Assessment

Basic skills assessment is the process each student must complete to identify academic strengths and/or weaknesses. First-time college students are required to take Collin’s reading assessment prior to enrollment. Students who wish to enroll in any of the following courses must be assessed:

• English: ENGL 0300, 0305, 0315, and 1301 • English as a Second Language classes • Mathematics: MATH 0302 or higher • Reading 0300 or higher

Other assessments may be required based upon faculty and/or advisor recommendations. Some assessments may be waived based upon prerequisite proof or TSI scores as described in the following assessment policies.

Computer Science Assessment Policy

Basic computer literacy is required to substitute a higher-level computer transfer course for COSC 1300. Credit by examination is available for students whose academic programs do not require advanced computer literacy; check with the Computer Science Department Chair.

Mathematics Assessment Policy

Students with a THEA score of 270 or higher, or with a COMPASS score placing them into college algebra, may enroll in MATH 1314, MATH 1414, MATH 1324, or MATH 1342 without assessment. Otherwise, all students enrolling in mathematics courses above MATH 0300 must be assessed or show prerequisite proof. A student may enroll in MATH 0300 without assessment. Students are allowed to take the assessment twice before their mathematics entry level is established for enrollment during a semester. Students deciding not to enroll in a mathematics course during the semester of assessment may retain this assessment for one year, or may reassess at the beginning of the

semester when enrollment is planned. However, once students enroll in the appropriate course and have begun the developmental mathematics sequence of courses, they must continue from the point of entry through MATH 0310 before enrolling in MATH 1314, MATH 1414, MATH 1324, or MATH 1342. (MATH 0305 is the prerequisite for MATH 1332).

Students will not be allowed to retake the mathematics assessment test once they enroll in a developmental mathematics course unless they have an approved reevaluation petition, recommendation of their current developmental mathematics professor, and approval from the dean of Developmental Education.

Reading Assessment Policy

Students who have passed TSI reading or are exempt from TSI requirements based on test scores are not required to take Collin’s reading assessment. Otherwise, first time college students must take the reading assessment test. Students who assess below college level are required to see an academic advisor, are not eligible for Telephone or Webline Registration, and are required to register for an appropriate developmental reading course. Enrollment in other courses may be limited. EXCEPTION: Students who take the ESL New Student Assessment.

Writing Assessment Policy

Students who are exempt from TSI requirements by ACT, SAT, or TAKS scores may enroll in ENGL 1301 without assessment. Otherwise, students may be required to take the college writing assessment for placement in the appropriate level English course and should consult with Academic Advising, the Testing Center, or the Division Office for placement requirements.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

New students wanting to enroll in an ESL course must take the ESL New Student Assessment. Interested students must pick up an ESL New Student Information packet from the Information Center at the Spring Creek Campus.

Assessment scores are valid for one year. These scores are used for course placement only and do not affect the admission status of students.

Students interested in taking ESL classes through the Continuing Education Division may call 972.985.3750 for assessment instructions. Other Testing Services

The Testing Center also offers an extensive testing program in the following areas:

• CLEP – College-Level Examination Program • ACT – American College Testing Program • SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test

• Credit By Exam Subject tests designed by college faculty

• Correspondence Testing (A fee is required for test administration)

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Collin codes for these tests are shown below:

• CLEP (Spring Creek Campus) 1951

• ACT (Central Park Campus) 40460

• ACT (Spring Creek Campus) 42090

• SAT (Central Park Campus) 44-646

• SAT (Spring Creek Campus) 44-702

• THEA (Central Park Campus) 137

• THEA (Spring Creek Campus) 138

Students requiring more information on the above programs should contact the Director of Testing at 972.548.6773.