Exceptional Admission at North Harris Montgomery Community College District is designed for individuals whose academic needs can best be met by college-level instruction. Students qualifying for the program may earn college credit only or concurrent high-school credit and college credit.

Applicants for admission under this policy must meet the following provisions for the applicable category:

• Complete an application for admission and an exceptional admission program application
• Have a signed approval from the high school principal or designate and a parent or guardian
• Have passed relevant portions of the TASP test (Texas Academic Skills Program) or alternate test if enrolling in college courses
• Students enrolling in developmental education courses must have passed the exit-level TAAS test and completed the relevant high school graduation requirements in the discipline prior to enrolling
• Complete an information session with an NHMCCD admissions office representative

Notes: Participation in the exceptional admission program may make some students ineligible for University Interscholastic League competition in certain academic areas, depending on the course taken. English and history courses do not affect eligibility. Students should contact their high school advisor for specific Interscholastic League requirements.

Students admitted to this program are subject to all TASP regulations.

Students accepted in the program must complete college courses attempted with a grade of "C" or better in order to continue enrollment in the exceptional admission program at NHMCCD.

College credits earned through the exceptional admission program will be accepted by most institutions on the same basis as other college credit. There is a possibility, however, that a specific college may add additional requirements for transfer purposes. Contact the college admissions office or a high school counselor for further information.

High school students who are admitted under the exceptional admission program may be eligible for a tuition waiver if concurrent credit (high school and college credit) is awarded for the course(s) taken.

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 TASP Requirement and College Placement Requirements

To qualify for Exceptional Admission students must meet both the state TASP requirement and the college-level placement requirements.

TASP requirement

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