THEA Exam Review

Texas is one of the biggest and most populated states in the country, and consequently has a very large number of colleges and universities, and they’ve got their own statewide test to determine if prospective college students are ready and able to do college level work. It’s called the Texas Higher Education Assessment, or THEA. This test not only helps colleges to determine if students are equipped for college work, but it also helps them place incoming students in the appropriate level of classes. A person may need remedial classes, or they may have already mastered the skills of a basic math class, and can start at an advanced level, thanks to a high score on the THEA. There are two versions of the THEA. A pencil and paper version is offered five times a year at locations all over Texas. But you can also take the computerized version of the THEA pretty much year ‘round at many Texas colleges. (However, if you should happen to fail the computerized version, you will not be allowed to take it again for 30 days.) Currently, the fee to take the test is $29.

There are three subjects on the THEA test-math, reading, and writing. Each subject is scored on a scale of 100 to 300. On the writing portion of the test, the minimum passing score is 220. On the other two parts of the THEA, a 230 is the minimum passing score. On the reading portion of the exam, there will be around 40 multiple choice questions based on several short reading selections, and this part of the THEA measure reading comprehension and logical reasoning. The math portion consists of 50 or so questions testing your ability at problem solving with basic math, algebra, and geometry. You are allowed to bring a calculator for the THEA, as long as it’s a basic kind that can’t be programmed. The writing portion of the exam has two parts. You’ll be required to write a short essay on an assigned topic, and you’ll be graded on how well you use the English language, and how well you make your argument. Then you’ll have 40 multiple questions about the various elements of good writing-grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, etc. It’s important not to underestimate the challenge that the THEA presents. A failing score can be a serious impediment to your college aspirations.

For additional information, we recommend you check out these free THEA test resources: