A&M International Offers Quick TASP Testing

The Quick Texas Academic Skills Program ( TASP) Test will be offered at Texas A&M International University for all persons who plan to attend A&M International this Fall and have not taken TASP during the regular TASP test period.

The Test Date will be Tuesday, Aug. 18 in Pelligrino Hall Room 101. The test will start at 8 a.m. and is 5 hours long. The test is divided into mathematics, reading and writing.

Zulema Marroquin of the University's Academic Enrichment Testing Center said the Quick TASP offers potential University students who have missed conventional testing periods one more opportunity.

Registration for the exam is at the AEC-Testing Center in KL 203. Deadline is August 15.

Cost of the Quick TASP test is $39 and includes a $29 TASP test fee and a $10 service fee. Payment may be made by check or money order to TASP. A social security number must be added to the check or money order and will be mailed with the test materials. Another payment option is charging the testing to VISA or Master Card.

Needed in order to take the exam are the following: social security number or student identification number, two no. 2 pencils and two forms of identification, to include a recent photo. The use of calculators, calculator watches, scratch paper and other aids is strictly prohibited.

The TASP, mandated in the Spring of 1987 by the State of Texas, was instituted to ensure that students entering an institution of higher education in the fall of 1989 or thereafter possess the necessary academic skills for successful performance at the college or University level.

Beginning in the Fall of 1998, students who have accumulated at least one, but fewer than 9 semester credit hours or the equivalent, must be tested prior to the end of the enrollment period of the Fall 1998. Failure to do so will result in students' non-admission into ANY Texas public institution of higher education.

Students who do not pass or take all areas of the TASP will be required to take developmental education coursework in at least one of the section areas of the TASP in order to enroll.

For additional information, please contact Marroquin at the AEC Testing Center at 326-2130 or 326-2131.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu