Alright fellow students, it’s course selection season, and you may be thinking about taking ACC classes next year. But it isn’t as simple as signing up for a high school class. You might need to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment, or the TSI, to determine if you’re college ready.

Sorry sophomores, you will need to take the TSI. Juniors and seniors may be exempt from the TSI if they scored at least a 480 in reading and writing on the new SAT, or a composite score  of 23 on the ACT with at least a 19 in both reading and math. Students can sign up in Naviance to take the TSI.

Here are some things to remember before you walk into the testing room if you need to take the TSI Assessment:

1. Take a few practice tests

You may hear rumors about the TSI being easy, but it’s a good idea to brush up on some skills you haven’t used in a while before the test. Click here to see a page from ACC with practice tests and reviews. Take one or two to prepare and you should blow the test away.

2. Get a good night’s sleep the night before

Get some sleep the night before the test! The great thing is that a few of the testing dates for dual credit students are not during school, so you can plan to take the test during a time when you won’t be busy.

3. Eat breakfast

Eating a good breakfast the day of the test can help you feel alert during the test, which might even earn you a higher score.

4. Arrive at school a few minutes early

I recommend arriving at school about 10 minutes early to check in and get situated before the test. When I need to do something important in the morning, I have found that it helps me to arrive a few minutes early. Don’t forget to bring a photo ID!

5. Breathe

If you feel nervous about the test, don’t be. I’ve heard that the test is easy, and our teachers wouldn’t be doing their job if they didn’t teach us anything! Just breathe. Before you know it you’ll be done with the test, and you’ll be one step closer to signing up for dual credit classes.