How We Use Testing to Help You
Texas law requires that you complete assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics before you enroll in college. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) mandates that any new undergraduate student entering a public institution must be assessed for readiness to enroll in college coursework.
Students registering for Palo Alto College are required to take the ACCUPLACER to satisfy both TSI and placement requirements. Students must pay for the ACCUPLACER prior to making an appointment. To pay for the ACCUPLACER online, go to alamo.edu/district/virtual-business-office/ and follow the links. Payment can be made in person. The fee is $10.00 per section or $29.00 for the entire test. Appointments can be made by clicking the Testing Appointments icon at the bottom right-hand corner of this page.
Your test scores are used to determine:
- What courses you are eligible to enroll in
- How much time it will take to complete your degree
- How much your college education will cost
Students who fall below the minimum placement scores in reading, writing, and mathematics will be placed in developmental education courses for each subject area in which college readiness is not demonstrated. This results in you spending more semesters in college.
Who Must Take Tests?
The following students must take basic assessment tests in reading, writing and mathematics prior to being able to register for classes:
- First-Year-Experience-in-College - any student enrolling in college for the first time.
- Transfer - if you do not have placement for one or more areas
- Military Personnel - for placement purposes only
Who is Exempt from Testing?
The following students are exempt from testing if:
- Transfer Student - has met college readiness standards in all areas from a private or out-of-state College or University.
- SAT - scores must be 500+ Critical Reading and 500+ Math with a total of 1070 or higher and can be no more than 3 years old at the time of enrollment
- ACT - scores must be 23 in COMP, with a minimum of 19 in both Read and Math and no more than 3 years old at the time of enrollment
- Have earned an Associate degree or higher from a Texas College or University.
- Military Personnel - if they have proper placement from previous coursework or other assessment.
Contact the Testing Center to see if you meet one of these exemptions.