Testing Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I be tested prior to enrolling at Lee College?

Yes. If a student is not exempt by other standards (SAT, ACT, TAAS, or TAKS), you must take an initial assessment test. Students in most certificate programs may only need a placement test.

Can I be exempt from initial testing?

• Students may be exempt with specified scores on SAT or ACT. Beginning in 2004, TAKS replaces TAAS with scores yet to be determined.
• Students who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree are exempt. TASP policy only recognized baccalaureate degrees; the Texas Success Initiative also recognizes students with an associate’s degree as exempt.
• Students are exempt who transfer to a Texas institution from a private or independent college or university and who have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution.
• Students who have attended any institution and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution are exempt.
• Students enrolled in a vocational certificate program may only need a placement test—often only a reading test.
• Students who have served in the military (discharged after August, 1990) or are serving in the military
• Students who are not seeking a degree.

If I was exempt under the rules of TASP, am I still exempt?

Yes. If you were exempt from any of the provisions of TASP, you are still exempt. Those entering college for the first time, after September 1, 2003, must follow the policies of the Texas Sucess Initiative.

What tests are approved for this initial testing?

Students may use scores from the Accuplacer or THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment, formerly known as TASP). The Accuplacer is offered through the Lee College Counseling Center on a daily basis. Other tests which are acceptable are the ASSET or Compass.

What is Accuplacer like?

Accuplacer consists of three sections (reading, writing and math). Most students take three hours to complete all three sections, but there is no time limit. The math, reading, and writing sections will be multiple choice, with the writing section requiring an essay. A more detailed Accuplacer description (Adobe .pdf) including practice questions is available online.

When is the Accuplacer given and when will I receive my scores?

With few exceptions, Lee College administers the Accuplacer whenever the Counseling Center is open. Students are advised to contact the Counseling Center to reserve a test time. Walk-ins may test if space is available. Accuplacer scores are available immediately following testing.

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.

When will the THEA test be given and when will I receive my scores?

Lee College administers the THEA test at least once each month. Students are advised to contact the Counseling Center for exact dates and times. Score results will be mailed to the student’s home and should arrive one to three weeks after testing.

Must I go through advising?

• Students who do not pass the initial assessment must be advised.
• The College has ways in which you will be able to demonstrate that you are ready for college level work. This may include developmental courses and retesting.

How can I show that I am ready for college level courses?

The College will determine if you are ready for college level courses. This may include completion of developmental courses, performance in college level courses, or performance on an assessment test.