Testing Questions
Q: What is the THEA (formerly TASP)?
A: The THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment) is a test that allows students to fulfill the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement, which is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. This test is used to verify that students have the basic skills needed to succeed in entry-level college courses. Students are required by state law to fulfill the TSI requirment before enrolling in any Texas public college or university. There are three parts to THEA: Reading, Writing, & Mathematics. Students who fail to achieve the minimum required score on any part will be required to enroll in developmental coursework. Some students may be exempt from the THEA if the meet certain requirments.
Q: Am I required to take the THEA (formerly TASP)?
A: Effective Fall 1998 and thereafter, all students must report scores or prove exemption prior to enrolling in classes. For more information about THEA requirments and exemptions, see the Texas Success Initiative website..
Q: I took AP exams in High School how do I get credit?
A: Make sure your scores were sent to UT Arlington (code 6013). Go to the Testing Services website and click on “Credit by Exam” and look up if your AP test score is accepted at UT Arlington. If so, then contact Testing Services to fill out a petition to have the course credit added to your transcript.
Q: Am I required to take placement tests?
A: UT Arlington determines your math placement based on your SAT or ACT Math score. You must have taken the SAT or ACT within 5 years of your admission date and you must have passed the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Math requirement. For more information, see Testing.
Q: Do I have to take any placement exams prior to attending New Maverick Orientation?
A: Some UT Arlington students are required to take the Calculus Readiness Test (CRT) and/or the Math Placement Test (MPT). Students with majors in the College of Science and UT CAP students are required to take both the CRT and MPT unless their SAT/ACT Math score exempts them. All students with majors in the College of Engineering and all Gateway students are required to take both the MPT and CRT. There are no exemptions for engineering majors and Gateway students. Students in all other majors and programs are required to take the MPT prior to orientation, unless their SAT/ACT Math score exempts them. For more information about placement testing, whether or not you are exempt, and how to take the MPT/CRT prior to attending orientation visit Testing.
Q: Do I have to take the placement test if I have taken an AP Calculus or AP Statistics exam (but haven’t received the scores yet)?
A: Students who have taken the AP exam but have not yet received scores will be required to either wait for their scores or take the placement exam before registering for any of these classes. If a student has received the AP credit for a math class, he/she does not have to take the placement exam in order to sign up for any other math courses.
Q: What if I’m an adult student that hasn’t taken math in years. Do I still need to take the Math Placement Test?
A: If a student has not had any previous college-level math, they must take the Math Placement Test. It is suggested (but not required) by the Mathematics Department that students who are not able to pass the placement test take either Math 0301 or 0302 (Developmental Math) before retaking the test. However, a student will not be allowed for any reason to sign up for college level math courses until they have passing scores on the placement test. There are no exemptions from the math placement test based on THEA scores.
Q: How do I take the tests?
A: The Math Placement Test and Calculus Readiness Test can be taken at any time before orientation, through UT Arlington Testing Services at no cost. The Math Placement Test and Calculus Readiness Test will need to be taken prior to attending orientation. Go to the Testing Services website for testing dates, practice tests, and further information.
