What is the THEA like?
Students are given 5 hours to complete three sections—reading, writing, and math. Students may choose the order in which they complete the test. Each section has approximately 50 multiple choice test questions. In addition, the writing section requires an essay of 300-600 words. The reading section has seven to ten selections of about a page each with questions, the math section covers algebra and geometry, and the writing sample asks for an essay of several paragraphs on a given topic. The test is designed to measure beginning college level skills.
The purpose of the test is to assess the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshman-level students should have if they are to perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges or universities. Students are given 5 hours to complete three sections—reading, math, and writing. Students may choose the order in which they complete the test. The Reading Section of the THEA Test has approximately 40 multiple choice questions matched to about seven reading selections of 300 to 750 words each. The selections represent a variety of subject areas and are similar to reading materials (e.g. textbooks, manuals) that students are likely to encounter during their first year of college. The Mathematics Section of the THEA Test consists of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions covering four general areas: fundamental mathematics, algebra, geometry, and problem solving. The test questions focus on a student’s ability to perform mathemat
