Assessment Process

Students who have not taken the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) and do not have a Palomino ID number and are planning on enrolling into Laredo College must first visit the Office of Registrar and Admissions where they will fill out an admissions application and will receive a Palomino ID number.

Please note to bring in all relevant test scores from the students respective school, including: ACT,SAT, TAKS, STAAR ect as well as a photo ID. Students who are planning on attending Laredo College will then proceed to the Student Success Center to speak to an adviser who will then issue a test permit.

*Please keep in mind that all first time students taking the TSI exam must complete a Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) found in the Assessment Center and Student Success Center website. Please log onto www.laredo.edu, click on the Student Services tab, then click on Enrollment Management tab, then select Student Success Center tab where you will find the Pre-Assessment Activity tab. Click on this tab to begin your Pre-Assessment Activity.

Print a copy of the "Certificate of Completion" page found at the conclusion of the activity and present it to the Assessment Center along with the test permit and exam fee receipt.

All students testing must bring a valid government issued Texas Driver's License or Texas ID for identification purposes. Failure to bring ID will prolong exam services.

Students who do not plan on attending Laredo College but wish to take the TSI must first complete the Pre-Assessment Activity before they take the TSI. All non-LC students who plan on taking the TSI exam (1 section only) excluding the essay, will only be allowed to test on Friday's, must arrive at either test centers no later than 8:30 AM, have their test permit, copy of the "Certificate of Completion" and payment receipt. A valid photo ID must be presented on the day of exams.

Assessment

Assessment is not used for admission purposes. After being admitted to the college, an assessment is mandatory for new students to determine placement level and/or to satisfy the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Before first time students can take the TSI, students must first complete the mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) found in the following website: 

https://forms.laredo.edu/forms/tsiform/ Please visit the Student Success Center for test permit and PAA details.

Assessment Policy

Assessment is an important part of student success in post-secondary education. Information gained from assessment is used to advise students in the selection of courses that will provide the best possible opportunity for academic success.

The Laredo College assessment program provides an effective academic placement service for our students. Our program is designed to identify students’ academic strengths and weaknesses in basic skills and as a means to satisfy the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) is our local placement examination. First time students taking the TSI must complete a mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) found in https://forms.laredo.edu/forms/tsiform/ During the TSI exam, students have the option to "Stop and Save" any of the multiple-choice sections (Essay cannot be saved). The entire set of exams must be completed before scores can be produced. If the TSI exam is stopped and saved, students must complete it within 14 business days from the date the exam was started. The assessment information gathered from this examination, or other approved exam listed below, is used to place students in the courses which best help to improve his/her skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. This assessment information may also be used or required for admission to various college programs.

In addition to our local assessment examination, the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) results may also be accepted with the following examinations: the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the American College Test (ACT), the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam and/or other alternative tests approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Students who receive official SAT, ACT, TAKS, or STAAR results are urged to visit an adviser at the Student Success Center.

Test Score Interpretation, Advisement, and Registration

After assessment, students must consult with an advisor for course placement and degree planning. Students who are pursuing an Associate of Arts/Science degree or those who have not selected a major must report to the Student Success Center for advising, unless the student is assigned to a TRIO, LEAPS, Honors or other specialized advisor.  Students pursuing a Certificate program or Associate of Applied Science degree must meet with a faculty advisor located in their respective departments. Advising is required every semester and prior to the registration of classes.

Once advised, students may register for courses online via PASPort or in person at the Office of the Registrar and Admissions. To complete the registration process, students must pay their tuition and fees in full or enroll in an installment plan by the payment deadline. Students are responsible for initiating course withdrawal(s) if he/she decides not to remain enrolled after completing registration for the given term. Course withdrawal(s) occurring after the first class day are subject to fees.