When is the THEA test given?
The THEA test is given five times annually. Students may access THEA information on-line through the official THEA site. Students may also take the Quick THEA, a computer-administered test with results available in seven business days, at locations throughout the Houston area, including the University of Houston Main Campus and Texas Southern University. For more information, contact 713-718-6363.

Are THEA practice materials available on-line?
Yes, students may access THEA practice tests on-line at www.thea.nesinc.com.

How long will I have to stay in a developmental program?
Students complete the developmental reading program once they pass GUST 0342 (College Reading II). Students may also re-take the THEA, and upon successful completion of the reading portion, they are no longer required to take developmental reading courses. Students who enter the reading program in GUST 0339 must also take and pass GUST 0341 and GUST 0342 before they complete the developmental reading program.

Do I have to wait until I’ve finished my developmental classes to start regular academic course work?
Students may not enroll in academic classes that require them to have sufficient command of basic skills they did not master on the THEA. For example, if a student failed the reading portion of the THEA, he/she must enroll in developmental reading courses and will not be allowed to take courses in English, social sciences or other areas that require him/her to have mastered the basic reading skills required by THEA. However, if the same student who failed the reading portion of the THEA passed the math portion, he/she will be able to enroll in math courses while taking classes in developmental reading. In addition, some course prerequisites allow a student to enroll in credit and GUST courses concurrently. Students should speak with their counselor about course prerequisites.

What happens if I do not attend my developmental course(s)?
Students who do not attend their developmental courses are automatically dropped from all courses in which they are enrolled.

If I fail only one section of THEA, such as reading, will that prevent me from taking regular academic courses in areas I did not fail on the test, such as math?
No, students failing one section of THEA need take only developmental courses in that area. They may take regular academic courses in areas they passed. For example, a student failing the reading portion of the THEA would be unable to take classes in English or social sciences until they have successfully completed their THEA remediation in reading. However, they would be eligible to take core classes in math.

Do I receive course credit for developmental reading and study skills courses?
Students taking GUST 1270, College and Career Planning, receive two hours of semester hour credit. However, developmental reading courses are non-credit classes.

Is the grading system in Guided Studies classes the same as that in regular academic classes?
The grading system in Guided Studies 1270, College and Career Planning uses the same system of A-F used in other regular academic classes. In reading classes, the grading system differs in that no D's or F's are given. The grade scale for grades above 70 remains the same (i.e. A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79). However, if a student is taking a reading class for the first time and makes a grade below 70, that student receives an IP (In Progress) and he/she must re-take the class if he/she does not re-take and pass the reading section of the THEA in the meantime. Students re-taking a reading course who do not make a final grade above 70 on their second or succeeding attempts receive a grade of F.

Do grades in my developmental classes count on my GPA?
Yes, GUST grades count toward a student’s cumulative GPA at HCC.

What does the grade IP in reading classes mean?
“In Progress.” It means the course must be re-taken and is given only to students taking the course for the first time and making a final grade below 70.

Who can use the Learning Centers operated through the Guided Studies programs at HCC-Central, HCC-SW and HCC-NE?
Any HCC student is welcome to make use of tutoring assistance and computer access available through the Learning Centers operated by the Guided Studies programs. A student does not have to be enrolled in the developmental program to use the facilities.

How much does tutoring and other services offered through the Learning Centers cost?
Tutoring services are free to all HCC students. Use of computers and available software is also free to HCC students. There may be a small charge for printing.