Testing

Do I have to take the THEA?
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Effective September 1, 2003, the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) law was repealed and replaced by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The TSI requires students to be assessed in reading, writing, and math skills PRIOR to enrolling in college and to be advised based on the results of the assessment. TSI exemptions based on test scores are as follows:

SAT Reasoning Test and ACT scores are valid for only five years from the date of testing and all requirements listed above must be met on the same test date. TAAS and TAKS scores are valid for only three years from the date of testing and scores for exemption purposes must be met on the first attempt. Other exemptions include:

A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment. A certified copy of orders or documentation showing length of service is required.  
A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States. A certified copy of the certificate of release is required.

New Student Information

Prairie View A&M University will use the approved Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) as the assessment tool for TSI. Before a student will be allowed to enroll at PVAMU they must have valid documentation on file for an exemption or they must take the THEA prior to enrolling in any college level classes. [Prairie View A&M University will only accept COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, or ASSET scores when documented on an official transcript. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that an institution administering the COMPASS, ACCUPLACER or ASSET test will be able to validate those scores on an official transcript, otherwise the student will need to take the THEA). Be advised that many institutions will only validate COMPASS, ACCUPLACER OR ASSET scores if the student enrolls in classes at that particular institution.] At PVAMU we administer the regular THEA and Quick THEA. To register for the regular THEA you may obtain a THEA Registration Bulletin from your counselor and follow the given instructions. Additional information can be obtained from the THEA website: http://www.thea.nesinc.com.

In-State Transfer Student Information Students transferring from any Texas public institution must provide official transcripts showing their current TSI status. Please note that developmental courses do not transfer into PVAMU. Transfer students who have not met all of the TSI requirements will be placed in the PVAMU developmental sequence based upon THEA scores. Transfer students meeting a TSI requirement must have their status documented on an official transcript. (Transferring grades in certain classes does not signify that the student has met the TSI requirement).

Out-of-State Transfer Student Information Students transferring from out-of-state are still liable for meeting the TSI testing requirement before enrollment can occur. Out-of-state transfer students can meet TSI requirements by transferring in a grade of C or better in the following courses:

Transfer students failing to meet all requirements must take the THEA in the appropriate content area prior to enrollment.

QUICK THEA INFORMATION PVAMU Quick THEA Procedures:

1. Call the Testing, Tracking, Assessment and Evaluation Unit at (936) 261-3610 or sign up in Room 238 - Delco Building to reserve a seat.
2. Pay the $29 test fee at the time of the test administration. This payment can be made with a personal check, money order, VISA or Master Card, or purchase order (we do not accept cash). Make sure your personal check or money order is made payable to NES. Be sure to write your social security number on your payment.
3. Bring two (2) forms of identification (one with a recent photo).
4. Bring two (2) No. 2 pencils.

IMPORTANT NOTES about Quick THEA:

• Score reports are guaranteed within ten (10) working days. Scores may not be produced if any or all outstanding fees that are applicable are not paid in full.
• The test session is (5) hours long. The time may be used to work on any or all three sections of the test.

All of the above information is subject to change without notice. To be assured of accuracy of information, students are encouraged to consult the Office of Testing, Tracking, Assessment and Evaluation at (936) 261-3610. Published 11/11/03

What is the THEA test?
THEA is the name for the former TASP Test. The content of the THEA is the same as the former TASP. STEM applicants must have passed all sections of the THEA, or be exempt from the test because of high SAT, ACT or TAKS scores. Fee for THEA quick test is $29 per student. For more information on any testing questions you can call 936-261-3610.
 
What test are required?
Prairie View A&M University's Office of Testing and Tracking offers on-campus THEA, SAT and ACT testing on a published schedule throughout the year.  

What test scores are required?
Minimum Test Scores: SAT- 820 or ACT-17 and All TAKS Passed  

Where is the Testing Locations located?
THEA, SAT and ACT tests are administered at the Hobart Taylor, the W. R. Banks, the New Science and the Delco Buildings on the Prairie View A&M University campus