Math TSI Test Preparation
A student slideshow for Day 1 introduction, Day 2 focus skills, Day 3 Methodize practice, and Day 4 practice test readiness.
Welcome to Math TSIA2 Prep
Your teacher will introduce themselves.
They may share their name, campus, math background, and what to expect this week.
Your job today:
Learn what the Math TSIA2 is, how it works, and where to find practice resources.
This is a low-stakes prep session. We are here to understand the test, practice smart, and identify next steps.
Know the Test
Today is about understanding the Math TSIA2: what it is, how it works, how it is scored, and where to practice.
What is the Math TSIA2?
The TSIA2 helps determine whether students are ready for college-level coursework in math.
It is a readiness test.
It checks what math you already know and what skills you may need to strengthen.
It is not a label.
A score gives information. It does not decide your intelligence or your future.
Important Test Facts
Untimed
Take your time and think carefully.
Computer-adaptive
The difficulty can adjust based on your answers.
No handheld calculator
Some questions provide an onscreen calculator.
No skipping around
Answer the question in front of you and move forward.
The Math TSIA2 Has Two Possible Parts
Math TSIA2
Math CRC
20 questions
Yes: done
No: diagnostic
Math Diagnostic
48 questions
College-ready in math usually means CRC 950+ or CRC below 950 with Diagnostic Level 6.
Why the First Part Matters
If you score high enough on the CRC, you do not take the diagnostic.
Do your best on each question. Since the test is adaptive, every answer helps determine what you see next.
If you do take the diagnostic, do not panic. It gives more detail about your strengths and focus skills.
The 4 Math Categories
Quantitative Reasoning
percents, ratios, proportions, rates, number sense
Algebraic Reasoning
equations, expressions, functions, graphs
Geometric & Spatial Reasoning
area, perimeter, volume, coordinate plane, shapes
Probabilistic & Statistical Reasoning
data, charts, mean, median, probability
Today's Goal
By the end of today, you should be able to explain:
- what the Math TSIA2 is,
- how the CRC and Diagnostic work,
- what score path shows college readiness,
- what math categories appear on the test,
- and where to find practice resources.
Resource Links
Use this slide as your one-stop link page.
Focus Skills: Recognize the Type
Before you solve, ask: What kind of math is this?
| If you see… | Think… |
|---|---|
| percent, discount, tax, increase | Quantitative reasoning |
| x, equation, expression, function | Algebraic reasoning |
| shape, area, volume, coordinate plane | Geometry/spatial reasoning |
| chart, average, chance, data | Statistics/probability |
The First-Move Strategy
You do not need to know the full solution immediately. Start with the first smart move.
| Question Type | First Move |
|---|---|
| Percent | Convert to decimal or set up a proportion. |
| Ratio/rate | Label the units. |
| Equation | Isolate the variable. |
| Graph | Read the axes first. |
| Geometry | Write the formula before plugging in numbers. |
| Word problem | Circle what the question is asking. |
Mistakes Are Data
When you miss a question, identify the mistake type.
Reading
I misread the question.
Vocabulary
I did not understand a math term.
Setup
I chose the wrong equation or operation.
Calculation
I had the right idea but made an arithmetic mistake.
Concept Gap
I need to learn or review the skill.
Pacing
I rushed or got stuck too long.
Focus Skill Tracker
Use this to track patterns, not just right or wrong answers.
| Question / Topic | Category | Correct? | Mistake Type | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent discount | Quantitative Reasoning | Yes | None | Keep practicing percent problems |
| Graph question | Algebraic Reasoning | No | Reading / Setup | Read the axes before calculating |
| Area formula | Geometric & Spatial Reasoning | No | Concept Gap | Review area and perimeter formulas |
Methodize: Practice With a Purpose
The goal is not to click through questions. The goal is to notice patterns.
What do I already know?
These are strengths to keep sharp.
What do I miss?
These become focus skills.
Why did I miss it?
Reading, setup, calculation, pacing, or concept gap?
What should I practice next?
Use the results to build a plan.
Methodize Checklist
- Log in and find the TSIA2 Math practice area.
- Use scratch paper for every problem that needs work.
- Track missed questions by topic.
- Review explanations instead of only checking the answer.
- Choose one or two focus skills before the practice test.
Practice Test Day
A practice test score is a map, not a label.
Take it seriously, use your strategies, and learn what to practice next.
Practice Test Reminders
Read twice.
First for the situation, second for the details.
Use scratch paper.
Do not trust mental math for multi-step problems.
Choose a first move.
Even if you are unsure, start somewhere logical.
Check reasonableness.
Eliminate answers that do not make sense.
Beat the Test by Understanding the Test
You do not need to know every skill perfectly today. You need to know what the test looks like, how to practice, and what your next step should be.