If you wish to get high school and college credit for the college courses you take (this program is called concurrent credit), first look to see which college courses are approved by your independent school district.

The following must be submitted to the college admissions office prior to, or when registering:

• Completed College Admission Application
• Copy of Official test scores
• THEA exemption score or qualifying THEA score from appropriate test.
• Qualifying placement scores
• College registration form with college classes authorized by high-school counselor
• Exceptional admission form signed by student, parents, high school principal or designee with the college classes and high school classes if concurrent enrollment.

Class Load and Grades
State regulations allow a student to take a maximum of two (2) college credit courses per semester. However, when indicators such as grade point average, or assessment scores indicate a student may have the academic abilities to handle more than two courses, exceptions may be granted by the college’s chief academic office or designate. Students qualifying for the Exceptional Admission program must complete each college course attempted with a grade of "C" or better in order to continue in the program.

State TAAS Requirement
High School students must pass all sections of the exit-level TAAS test to be eligible for Exceptional Admission at NHMCCD. Verification of the passing TAAS scores is to be indicated by the high school representative on the exceptional admission form.

State THEA Requirement and College Placement Requirements
To qualify for Exceptional Admission students must meet both the state THEA requirement and the college-level placement requirements.

THEA requirement
Students can meet the THEA requirement by being exempted from the THEA test based on ACT, SAT, or TAAS scores or by achieving a passing score on the THEA or one of the approved alternative assessment tests (i.e. ASSET, COMPASS, MAPS, ACCUPLACER).

College Placement
In addition to passing the THEA or alternative test, students are required to meet college-level placement scores (mathematics, reading, writing) required for the individual courses.

• A student must pass both the reading and writing portions of the test for all college-level courses*.
• Students are required to meet math prerequisite skills in science-based math courses (ex. physics and chemistry).
• Students are required to pass the math portion to enroll in math courses.

*Exceptions: (1) Certificate programs in technical areas, and (2) College Prep courses.

Non-Accredited Schools
Students from non-accredited schools must receive approval by the college Student Services administrator or designee.

THEA Scores and Placement Scores

* Scores required for exemption must be attained on one "sitting" for an appropriate test instrument. These exemptions are effective for three years from the test date for the TAAS and five years for the SAT and ACT.