Admission Requirements for Undergraduate International Students

• Application Procedures for International Students
• English Proficiency and High School Foreign Language Guidelines
• International Prospective Student Athletes

Sukant Misra, Ph.D., Vice Provost

Office of International Affairs

T 806.742.3667 | www.international.ttu.edu

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate International Students

International Admission. See Office of International Affairs – International Undergraduate Admissions for additional information regarding admission of international students.

Residency Status Determination. For rules governing the determination of residency status as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, search “residency” at www.collegeforalltexans.com. Additional information and forms can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/residency/ and www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/apply/residency/.

Individuals who do NOT meet any of the criteria below should complete an international application to Texas Tech University.

Individuals who meet the criteria listed below should complete a domestic application to Texas Tech University:

• U.S. Citizens
• Permanent Residents
• Individuals who have a pending application for Permanent Residency
• Undocumented immigrants
• Individuals with DACA status
• Individuals meeting all of the following criteria:

  • Have graduated or will graduate from a public or accredited private high school/secondary school in Texas or received the equivalent of a high school/secondary school diploma in the state, AND

  • Lived in Texas for the 36 months immediately preceding the date of high school graduation, AND

  • Lived in Texas for the 12 months preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the student enrolls at Texas Tech University.

Meningitis Vaccine. The Texas Education Code, Section 51.9192 requires all students under the age of 22 years entering a public institution of higher education in Texas to provide documentation that they have had a meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine within the last five years. Visit www.admissions.ttu.edu/meningitis for more information.

Texas Senate Bill 1107 (now TEC 51.9192) requires all students entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester. In addition to a current meningitis vaccine, Texas Tech University also requires the submission of two doses of Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR). 

There may be additional Tuberculosis screening requirements for international students travelling from specific countries. Please visit the Student Health Services website for additional information regarding immunization requirements: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/studenthealth/newstudents/

General Guidelines

• Applicants may be considered for admission to the undergraduate divisions of the university by graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent or by transfer from an accredited college. Graduates of foreign secondary schools who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma may apply for admission to Texas Tech University. The completed application, test scores, prior conduct findings, and other applicable qualifying factors constitute the basis upon which eligibility is considered.  Students who meet the stated requirements may reasonably expect to be admitted. However, additional factors may be considered in determining the applicant’s admission. The admission of some applicants may be deferred in order to ensure sufficient resources to serve all enrolled students effectively. To be considered for admission, applicants must be eligible to return to all prior institutions.
• All new students will be admitted to the university and then to a college and major. Texas Tech University may assign a major if the applicant does not meet the qualifications for a chosen major. A college or major may have admission requirements in addition to the university requirements. Please check the TTU online catalog for admission requirements for specific colleges.

Deadlines

International applicants are encouraged to submit all official documentation prior to the priority deadlines listed below for early processing and consideration for merit scholarships. International Undergraduate Admissions will continue to accept and process applications beyond these dates.

Submit application electronically at www.applytexas.org or https://www.commonapp.org/

• Summer 2021 First-Time Students

Priority deadline to complete application process: March 1, 2021

Final deadline to submit application: May 1, 2021

• Summer 2021 Transfer Students

Priority deadline to complete application process: May 1, 2021

Final deadline to submit application: June 1, 2021

• Fall 2021 First-Time Students

Priority deadline to complete application process: April 1, 2021

Final deadline to submit application: July 1, 2021

• Fall  2021 Transfer Students

Priority deadline to complete application process: July 1, 2021

Final deadline to submit application: August 1, 2021

• Spring 2022 First-Time Students

Priority deadline to complete application process: October 1, 2021

Final deadline to submit application: November 1, 2021

• Spring  2022 Transfer Students

Priority deadline to complete application process: December 1, 2021

Final deadline to submit application: January 1, 2022

TTU Costa Rica Deadlines:

Priority deadline to complete the application process: Fall – July 15

Priority deadline to complete the application process: Spring – December 15
 

For additional information concerning programs offered at TTU- Costa Rica, please visit: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/costarica/

Submitting Documentation

Students are highly encouraged to apply early and submit all required documentation as requested. All required documentation must be submitted to and received by the International Undergraduate Admissions (IUA) Office in order for applications to be evaluated. All materials become the property of Texas Tech University and are not returnable or refundable.

1. Students are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Falsification or omission of information during the application/admission process may result in denial of admission to the university or admission being rescinded.
2. All documentation must be in PDF form. Required documents must be provided in the indigenous language and in English. If official English translations are not supplied by the applicant’s institution(s), the applicant must request a translation done by an American Translators Association-certified translator.

• A list of ATA-certified translators is available online at www.atanet.org/onlinedirectories. The official translated documents must be sent from the translating agency directly to Texas Tech University.

3. Unofficial documentation may be submitted for evaluation purposes only. Screen shots of transcripts or test scores will not be accepted.

• Texas Tech will accept an unofficial high school /college transcript for evaluation purposes only. Students will still be required to submit official documentation from all institutions attended for final admissions processing. The document(s) may be submitted in the following manner:
  • The student may upload official document(s) through their TTU student portal.

  • Students may also upload supplemental documentation through this portal (letters of recommendation, essays, and resumes.

4. All official documentation must be submitted from the student’s previous high school, institution, or the testing agency directly to Texas Tech University – International Undergraduate Admissions to complete the applicant’s file.
5. Students can request this process through their school counselors/Registrar. These school officials can do the following:

• Contact International Undergraduate Admissions office to submit official documentation through the TTU Counselor Portal: international.admissions@ttu.edu
• Submit official documentation electronically through TREx, SPEEDE, eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment
• Submit official documentation in a sealed envelope via mail to: International Undergraduate Admissions Office - 601 Indiana Ave., P.O. Box 45004, Lubbock, TX 79409-5004
  • All official test score reports must be sent directly from the testing agency to the Office of International Affairs – International Undergraduate Admissions.  Students should choose the correct institutional code for international undergraduate admissions when requesting score reports to avoid delays in admissions processing. (SAT International Code: 6859 / ACT International Code 4220)
• If admitted, official documentation must be submitted prior to matriculation. If official documentation is not received prior to matriculation, a hold will be placed on the student’s account preventing registration and/or the admission decision may be rescinded.

5. Applicants will be notified by the International Undergraduate Admissions (IUA) Office when an admission decision has been made. Applicants may check their application status on the TTU student portal.
6. Note: Processing may take up to 4 weeks depending on the timely submission and receipt of official documentation.

If mailing documentation, counselors may submit official documentation to the following address:

Regular Airmail
Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

Express Mail
Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

Test Optional Policy

Texas Tech University has enacted a test optional admission policy for students applying for the Fall 2021 term. This policy allows students the option to apply without consideration of SAT or ACT scores. At the time of application, students will share their plans regarding the submission or consideration of SAT or ACT as part of their application. Students selecting this option will have their application and supplemental information evaluated in a holistic manner. In lieu of these test scores, students are encouraged to submit additional material (detailed in the Supplemental Application Items below) that they feel best highlights their skills, talents, and potential contributions to Texas Tech.

Supplemental Application Items

• Essays using prompts from ApplyTexas or Common App
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• College Transcripts for Dual Credit, AP Exams
• IB, Exit Exams, any other test scores or certificates
• Resume

Evaluation for Admission

If a student wishes to be evaluated under the test optional policy, their application and supplemental information will be evaluated holistically in the following manner:

• Some applicants may feel the SAT or ACT does not fully reflect their academic performance. These students are strongly encouraged to submit additional documentation that would reflect the items listed above.
• If a student previously supplied a test score prior to submitting the application and chooses on the application to be reviewed test optional, the test score will not be visible to those reviewing the file for admission.
• A review committee will examine each applicant’s file to identify their achievements and the challenges they faced, hoping to identify the way they took advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
• The file will be evaluated for intellectual curiosity and academic rigor, demonstrated leadership and problem-solving ability, contributions to community, socioeconomic background and family responsibilities, special talents and awards, and diversity of experience and background.
• After the holistic review, a decision will be rendered by the review committee for test optional students.
• If a student was evaluated test optional and denied, the student may choose to submit a test score and request a re-evaluation with the score being considered. Students should contact their International Undergraduate Admissions counselor for information.

Test Optional: Scholarship Consideration 

Texas Tech University is proud to offer a high quality education at an affordable cost. TTU continues to be recognized as a best value university for your return on investment. Students who apply test-optional will be evaluated holistically for merit scholarships.

While students may be test optional for admissions, students still have the opportunity to submit test scores for scholarship consideration. We will continue to monitor the ability of SAT and ACT to administer their exams, which can be used for merit scholarship consideration but not always required for competitive-based scholarships. Students are able to submit scores until June 1 of their senior year to qualify for merit scholarships. After that, merit scholarships are available based on availability of funding. Students are considered for competitive-based scholarships with their application for admission.

This policy has been approved by the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents (May 2020).

International Undergraduate Students: First-Time Students

Applicants must complete the following:

1. Create an international student account for uploading documentation and checking application status at www.raiderconnect.ttu.edu
2. Submit an international first-time student application and pay a non-refundable application fee. The ApplyTexas application is available on the website www.applytexas.org. The Common app application can be located at https://www.commonapp.org/
3. Students applying to the Texas Tech Costa Rica campus should submit a first time student or transfer application and pay a non-refundable application fee at: https://texastech.force.com/iadmission

• Pay the application fee. Application fees are non-refundable and cannot be waived.

• The fee may be paid by credit card during the online application process (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover).

• Fees may also be paid online through Touchnet/Paypal using the following link: (https://secure.touchnet.net/C20210_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=14&SINGLESTORE=true)

• If the student does not have a credit card, they may choose the check/money order payment option during the application process. The fee may be paid by checks drawn on a U.S. bank, cashier’s checks, U.S. or international postal money orders, international money orders, or traveler’s checks. Fees may be mailed to the address below.
  
  International Undergraduate Admissions
  Texas Tech University
  601 Indiana Ave., Box 45004
  Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

4. Provide a high school/secondary school transcript showing GPA and class rank. Applicants that provide a transcript without a rank will have a rank assigned in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1543. Senior courses in progress must be provided on the transcript, a grade report, or listed on the ApplyTexas or CommonApp application form. A final official high school/secondary school transcript showing graduation date will be required after graduation and will become part of the student’s permanent record. This official document should be sent directly from the high school or uploaded through the Counselor portal on the Office of International Affairs website.

5. SAT/ACT Score Reports: International applicants applying for first-time student admission who have completed secondary school in the United States must submit either SAT or ACT scores. These scores are not required for international applicants who have completed secondary school outside of the United States, but are required for consideration when applying for certain majors and consideration for merit-based scholarships.

• Have college entrance test scores, either the SAT or the ACT, sent from the testing agency to Texas Tech University – International Undergraduate Admissions office at the time the test is taken. If it has been five years or more since high school graduation, the requirement to take the SAT or ACT test will be waived.
  • Please choose the correct institutional code for international undergraduate admissions when requesting test scores for TTU. Failure to do so will result in delays for admissions processing.
    • SAT: Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 6859.
    • ACT: Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 4220.
• If transferring with fewer than 12 transferable completed hours, applicants must meet the same standards for admission as required of new first-time students entering from high school and have a minimum 2.0 transferable GPA in work completed. Applicants enrolled in their first semester of college after high school graduation should apply as transfer students, but are required to submit a high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores and meet first-year admission requirements. (Students are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Falsification or omission of information during the application/admission process may result in denial of admission to the university or admission being rescinded.)

6. All international undergraduate applicants must provide official proof of English proficiency. Texas Tech accepts a variety of English proficiency exams as proof of proficiency. Unofficial copies of English proficiency may be submitted for application evaluation purposes only. Screenshots of test score reports will not be accepted. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official results from the test provider. Please choose the correct institutional code for international undergraduate admissions when requesting test scores for TTU. Failure to do so will result in delays for admissions processing.

Education systems and content offerings vary depending on country and location. The following course listings provide general guidelines for admission consideration:

¹ Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II are the courses recommended for admission.

² Biology I, Chemistry I, or Physics I are the courses recommended for admission.

³ If two years of a single foreign language are not completed in high school, at least two semesters of a single foreign language may be required at the college level.

Assured Admission

Prospective international undergraduate students can reasonably be assured admission if they present the combination of class rank, minimum test scores, and proof of English proficiency. Applicants that provide a transcript without a rank will have a rank assigned in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1543.   

For the purposes of assured admission, the chart below will be used to make admission decisions regarding first-year international applicants.

Criteria for Assured Admission

^* ACT composite score; SAT reflects evidence-based reading and writing, and math; the highest section scores from multiple tests on the ACT and SAT will be used to maximize score. 
^† Revised SAT

International students graduating in the top 10 percent of their high school class will be assured admission by:

• Completing distinguished level of achievement that is equivalent to a U.S. diploma in content and rigor, or
• Satisfying ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks; or
• Earning a score of 1500 out of the 2400 possible points on the legacy SAT assessment administered prior to March 2016, or earning a minimum score of 480 points on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and a minimum score of 530 points on the Math portion of the SAT administered on or after March 5, 2016.

Students graduating in the remaining class ranks will be assured admission according to the minimum test score standards above and by:

• Completing the equivalent to a U.S. diploma in content and rigor, or
• Satisfying ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks; or
• Earning a score of 1500 out of the 2400 possible points on the legacy SAT assessment administered prior to March 2016, or earning a minimum of 480 points on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion and a minimum score of 530 on the Math portion of the SAT administered on or after March 5, 2016.

Admission Review

Applicants who do not meet assured admission criteria will have their records reviewed in order to evaluate other factors that could predict success at Texas Tech University. A committee will review applicants individually in a holistic manner. Academic performance, standardized test scores, English proficiency, and educational preparation are specifically considered for admission. Additional information used to evaluate a student’s potential for success includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• High school coursework, including advanced rigor
• Extracurricular activities
• Leadership experiences
• Civic or other service activities
• Special talents or awards
• Diversity of experience
• Conduct findings

An essay submission for the ApplyTexas Application  or CommonApp and up to three letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged for students who do not meet the assured admission requirements.

International Undergraduate Students: Transfer Applicants

International undergraduate students who have attended an accredited college beyond high school/secondary school graduation should apply as an international transfer student and may be accepted for admission to Texas Tech provided they meet admission requirements. Falsification or omission of application information can void admission to Texas Tech University. Students are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Falsification or omission of information during the application/admission process may result in denial of admission to the university or admission being rescinded.

Transfer applicants may be admitted to the university in one of the following three ways.

1. Transfer of 24 or more hours from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.25 and eligibility to return to the institution most recently attended.
2. Transfer of 12 to 23 hours, including at least 12 hours of required basic courses, from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and eligibility to return to the institution most recently attended.
3. If transferring fewer than 12 hours, meet the same standards for admission as required of new first time in college applicants entering from high school and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average in work completed and eligibility to return to the institution most recently attended.

Applicants must complete the following:

1. Create an international student account for uploading documentation and checking application status at www.raiderconnect.ttu.edu.
2. Submit an international transfer student application and pay a non-refundable application fee. The ApplyTexas application is available on the website www.applytexas.org. The Common app application can be located at https://www.commonapp.org/.
3. Students applying to the Texas Tech Costa Rica campus should submit a first time student or transfer application and pay a non-refundable application fee at: https://texastech.force.com/iadmission.

• Pay the application fee. Application fees are non-refundable and cannot be waived.
• The fee may be paid by credit card during the online application process (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover).
• Fees may also be paid online through Touchnet/Paypal using the following link: (https://secure.touchnet.net/C20210_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=14&SINGLESTORE=true)
• If the student does not have a credit card, they may choose the check/money order payment option during the application process. The fee may be paid by checks drawn on a U.S. bank, cashier’s checks, U.S. or international postal money orders, international money orders, or traveler’s checks. Fees may be mailed to the address below.

International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

4. Provide official transcript(s) of academic records from all institutions in which the applicant has been or is currently enrolled. Applicants must be eligible to return to the institution most recently attended.

• If transferring with fewer than 12 transferable completed hours, applicants must meet the same standards for admission as required of first year students entering from high school/secondary school. Applicants enrolled in their first semester of college after high school graduation should apply as transfer students but are required to submit a high school transcript and meet first-year admission requirements.
• Transfer applicants with 30 or more transferable hours must choose a major.
• All international undergraduate transfer applicants must provide proof of high school/secondary school completion. (Graduation certificate/Diploma)
• All international undergraduate applicants must provide official proof of English proficiency. Texas Tech accepts a variety of English proficiency exams as proof of proficiency.
• A college or major may have admission requirements in addition to the university requirements. Texas Tech University reserves the right to assign a major if applicants do not meet the qualifications for their major of choice. Please refer to www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/apply.php for more information regarding transfer advising for international applicants.
• Some academic colleges and departments at Texas Tech only accept students who meet assured admission requirements. College entrance requirements are subject to change and are listed in the Texas Tech Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Architecture 3.0 GPA
  • Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Microbiology 2.5 GPA
  • Business 15 hours + 2.75 GPA
  • Counseling and Addiction Recovery Sciences 2.5 GPA
  • Engineering 24 hours + 3.0 GPA
  • Honors College 3.5 GPA
  • Human Development & Family Sciences 2.5 GPA
  • Interior Design 2.7 GPA
• An unofficial copy of the high school transcript is necessary for academic advising prior to enrollment, but not required for admission unless the student has fewer than 12 transferable hours.
• In order to apply high school foreign language credits toward the basic foreign language requirements of Texas Tech University, students must provide an official copy of their high school transcript.

Transfer Advising and Admission

Transfer Advising provides pre-transfer academic advising services to prospective students. The office advises high school/secondary school, community college, and four-year institution students who are Red Raider Bound. The key is for transfer students to work with transfer advisors early to make informed educational decisions identifying the courses and appropriate sequencing of coursework needed while at the prior institution to ensure successful applicability of earned transfer college credits toward a TTU degree.

Transfer advising includes review of transferrable courses/credits, a degree checklist and discussion of how transferrable credits will apply to a chosen TTU degree, course sequence planning, and course recommendations.

International undergraduate students that wish to transfer to Texas Tech University should complete the following:

• Search the Transfer Equivalency Table (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/registrar/private/transfer/) to determine if the institution the student is transferring from is listed with Texas Tech University. If the institution is not listed, the student should follow the directions below.
• International undergraduate students who are already studying in the United States and wish to transfer from a domestic institution should provide copies of course syllabi (not course descriptions) and course content to their TTU international undergraduate admissions counselor prior to transferring to Texas Tech University.
• International undergraduate students who are studying outside of the United States and wish to transfer from an international institution should provide course syllabi (not course descriptions) and English translations of syllabi and course content to their TTU international undergraduate admissions counselor.

After receiving the transfer documentation from the student, the TTU admissions counselor will review the information and submit it to the Transfer Evaluation Office (TEO). TEO will assist with submitting the documentation to the individual departments to determine course equivalency and will apply credits to the student’s program accordingly.

Assured Admission

Transfer applicants will be assured admission if they meet all admission requirements including the following (cumulative GPA is calculated with transferrable credit only):

Transferrable Credit

Hours           Transfer GPA

12-23               2.5

24+                  2.25

Admission Review

Transfer students who do not meet assured admission requirements but have at least a 2.0 transferrable GPA will be reviewed holistically. The student’s major, types of courses taken, and pattern of progress toward major, as well as high school records and standardized test scores may be considered in the admissions process. An essay explaining any extenuating circumstances is highly recommended.

Work in Progress

TTU International Undergraduate Admissions will only consider coursework in progress for the long term prior to a student’s term of entry (summer not considered) in order to provide a decision on application for admission. If a student is applying for a fall term, International Undergraduate Admissions must have final grades for all coursework taken the previous fall and prior; if a student is applying for a spring term, International Undergraduate Admissions must have final grades for all coursework taken the previous spring and prior.

Scholarship Information

International students who are interested in applying for merit-based scholarships must submit SAT or ACT test scores. SAT official test scores must be received directly from the College Board. For the SAT, Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 6859. Official test scores must be received directly from ACT. For the ACT, Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 4220.

Students interested in competing for merit scholarships should check the scholarship website (www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/) for deadlines and additional information.

The Office of International Affairs provides additional information related to scholarships that are available to international applicants. For more information, visit the international prospective student page at: www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/costs-scholarships.php

Admission will be granted to students who hold competitive scholarships awarded by an official Texas Tech scholarship committee.  International students must also meet English proficiency requirements as well.

Official Proof of English Proficiency and High School Foreign Language Guidelines

All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency before their applications can be considered for admission. International students can demonstrate English proficiency through exams, secondary and post-secondary course work, certificates, and waivers. Students may submit unofficial copies of score reports for evaluation purposes only. Screenshots of scores will not be accepted. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official results directly from the test provider. See Submitting Documentation for important details.

Texas Tech University will accept any of the following as proof of English proficiency:

Exams:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language; TOEFL)
  • The minimum TOEFL score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 550 (paper-based version) or 79 (internet-based version). TOEFL scores must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS); Texas Tech University’s institutional code for International Undergraduate Admissions is B100. TOEFL scores are valid for only two years.
  IELTS (International English Language Testing Service; IELTS)
  • The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version; IELTS General Training results are not acceptable. There is no IELTS institution code for Texas Tech University. IELTS scores are valid for only two years.
• SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test; SAT)
  • The minimum Evidence-based Reading and Writing score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 500. SAT Scores must be received directly from the College Board. Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 6859. 
• ACT (American College Testing Program; ACT)
  • The minimum English score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 21. ACT scores must be received directly from the ACT organization. Texas Tech University’s Institutional code is 4220.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic; PTE Academic)
  • The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60. PTE General and PTE Young Learners results are not acceptable. There is no PTE Academic institution code for Texas Tech University. PTE Academic scores are valid for only two years.
• Cambridge CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English; CPE)
  • The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is C. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CPE. The Cambridge CPE is valid for life.
• Cambridge CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English; CAE)
  • The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is B. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CAE. The Cambridge CAE is valid for life.
• Duolingo English Test (Online examination)
  • The minimum required Duolingo score is 100. There is no institutional code for Duolingo. Scores are reported within 48 hours and are valid for two years.

High school/secondary school or College Course Work:

• Attend two consecutive years of high school/secondary school in the United States.
• Attend two consecutive years in a high school/secondary school with U.S. accreditation or attend high school/secondary school within an English proficiency exempt country.  See a list of exempt countries below.
• Achieve a grade of 4 or better in English on the IB diploma.
• Achieve a grade C or better in English on the A-Level GCE. This cannot be English as a second language (ESL courses), English literature, etc. 
• Completion of the equivalent of TTU’s ENGL 1301 + 1302 English courses with a grade of B or better at an institution with U.S. accreditation or an institution within English proficiency exempt country. This can include a literature, composition, speech, or English class. These cannot be remedial or ESL courses. See a list of exempt countries below.
• Complete 30 transferrable credit hours at an institution with U.S. accreditation or an institution within an English proficiency exempt country. Remedial or ESL courses do not count towards the total credit hours. See a list of exempt countries below.

Certificates and Other:

• An ELS Educational Services (https://www.els.edu/) official transcript and certificate showing successful completion of ELS’ English for Academic Purposes program level 112 as proof of English proficiency.
• Completion of any CEA accredited English program, or the equivalent thereof, as proof of English proficiency. International Undergraduate Admissions (IUA) requires the official transcript and certificate showing successful completion of the CEA accredited English program or equivalent. A list of CEA accredited programs can be found at https://cea-accredit.org/accredited-sites.

English Proficiency Waivers. The English proficiency requirement is waived only for the following reasons: 

• Applicants who are citizens of an English proficiency-exempt country.
• Applicants who have attended two consecutive years in a high school/secondary school with U.S. accreditation or attended high school/secondary school within an English proficiency exempt country. See a list of exempt countries below.
• Applicants who have completed 30 transferrable credit hours at an institution with U.S. accreditation or an institution within an exempt country.

Texas Tech University considers the following countries to have English as their official language:

• American Samoa
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Canada (except the Province of Quebec)
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Grenada
• Guam
• Guyana
• Ireland, Republic of
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Micronesia Islands, Federated States of
• Montserrat
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Helena
• South Africa
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales)
• United States
• Virgin Islands
• Zimbabwe

Guidelines for High School/Secondary School Foreign Language

If two years of a single foreign language are not completed in high school/secondary school, at least two semesters of a single foreign language may be required at the college level.

In order to apply high school/secondary school coursework or foreign language credits toward the basic foreign language requirements of Texas Tech University, students must provide an official copy of their high school/secondary school transcript to their international admissions counselor.

Admission Alternatives

First-year applicants who have been denied admission for the summer or fall semester are eligible to participate in alternative programs. Contact the International Admissions Office for additional details regarding these programs.

Visit GateWay Program: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/Gateway/index.php

Visit Tech Transfer Acceleration Program: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/ttap/index.php

Provisional Admission. It is strongly recommended that students supply all required documentation prior to an admission decision. Under certain circumstances, however, consideration of a provisional admission for international students may be merited. For TTU-Lubbock, students may be admitted provisionally; however, I-20 documentation will not be issued until official documentation has been received directly from the testing agency or previous institution. TTU-Costa Rica students may be admitted provisionally because there are no U.S. immigration restrictions for processing.

International undergraduate applicants may be provisionally admitted under the following conditions:

• Students have submitted all unofficial documentation as required for admission and receipt of official documentation from their previous institution or testing agency is pending. Full admission is contingent upon submission of all required documentation as outlined in admission standards.
• A registration hold will be placed on the student’s record until the admission requirement has been satisfied.

Conditional Admission for English Proficiency. Prospective international students who meet the minimum academic requirements for admission consideration, except for proof of English proficiency, may apply for conditional admission through ELS University Admissions (https://www.els.edu/). International undergraduate students admitted conditionally must complete Level 112 of ELS English for Academic Purposes program before beginning an academic program at Texas Tech University. An official transcript documenting successful completion of ELS Level 112 must be provided by ELS directly to Texas Tech University before registration for Texas Tech coursework will be allowed.

Conditional Admission for Academics. Transfer applicants who are currently in attendance at another institution but do not meet assured admission requirements for Texas Tech will be considered for conditional admission using the following guidelines:

• Student must submit official transcripts for all work completed up to the point of application.
• The student’s major, types of courses taken, and pattern of progress, as well as high school records and standardized test scores may be considered in the admissions process. Successful transfer applicants usually have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. 
• Applicants whose transfer GPA is less than 2.0 will be placed in pending status until a final official transcript is received for evaluation.

Once the final transcript is received and the work is evaluated, applicants meeting university GPA requirements may be fully admitted to the university. Admission for applicants whose final transcript brings them below the minimum GPA will be rescinded.

If admitted with work in progress, the admission decision will be conditional. Students can attend orientation and register for classes for one term with a conditional admission decision.

If the university is still missing a final transcript for the prior term on the 12th class day, a registration hold for the following term will be placed on the student’s account and all final grades must be submitted to remove that hold.

Admission Requirements for Former Texas Tech Students

Students who were previously enrolled at Texas Tech University should refer to the criteria listed below. Official transcripts from all institutions attended subsequent to Texas Tech enrollment must be submitted by the application deadline.

1. If a student wishes to return within the first two terms after leaving, they should complete the Former Tech application on the Undergraduate Admissions website. Application materials and deadlines for former Texas Tech students are available at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/apply/status/returning_other/former/
2.  If a student wishes to return after an absence of for more than two long semesters, they should contact the Office of International Admissions for information on returning.
3. Students who were on probation, suspension, or second/subsequent suspension and are returning to Texas Tech should refer to the admission criteria under “Undergraduate Academic Standing Policy” in the Academic Requirements section of this catalog and on the website listed above.
4. Students wishing to return to Texas Tech are required to have a 2.0 GPA on work completed during their absence and no work in progress.
5. Former Tech students pursuing a second undergraduate degree must submit an application on applytexas.org and pay the application fee.

Any returning student who has completed an undergraduate degree and is returning to take prerequisite or other non-degree seeking coursework must submit the transient (non-degree seeking) application on www.applytexas.org.

Transient/non-Degree Seeking Applicants

Students who are not seeking degrees at Texas Tech University but wish to take courses at the university should use the international transfer application through www.applytexas.org. The application fee is required. Fee waivers are not accepted. Students should provide an official transcript from their most recently attended institution. Students should inform their counselor of their non-degree/transient status at the time of application. The international undergraduate admissions counselor will update the application type internally to non-degree/transient once the application is in the system.

Second Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Applicants

Individuals seeking a second bachelor’s degree who have not previously attended Texas Tech should provide the following:

• International transfer application through www.applytexas.org (Student should indicate they are seeking a second degree.)
• Application fee (Fee waivers are not accepted.)
• Official transcript showing the date and type of bachelor’s degree that was conferred An academic dean must approve admission to any program. Admissions will request this approval after the applicant’s file is complete

Application Appeals

The applications of prospective international students who do not meet initial admission requirements are reviewed holistically by the International Undergraduate Admissions staff. The secondary review process will consider other indicators of English proficiency, academic performance to date, and potential for success at TTU. Students who are denied admission after the holistic review may file for an appeal.

International undergraduate applicants whose applications have been denied for any of the reasons listed below will receive a notification explaining the reason for the denial and the available appeals process.

Possible reasons for denial of admission:

• Cumulative GPA below requirements
• Transferrable credit hours below requirements
• Lack of English proficiency

In the case of an admission denial based on both insufficient prior academic performance and lack of English proficiency, separate appeals must be submitted. The appeal of the academic performance decision will be considered first by the International Undergraduate Admissions Appeals Committee (IUAAC). An unsuccessful appeal of the academic performance decision preempts an appeal of the English proficiency decision.

Appeal Process for Prospective International Students

For an appeal to have merit, it should present new academic and/or personal information, as well as details pertaining to extenuating circumstances that were not addressed in the initial application. Appeal letters must be written and submitted by the international undergraduate applicant or the TTU unit representing the applicant to the Director for International Enrollment Development and Outreach (IEDO) in the Office of International Affairs within thirty (30) days of the denial notification. Appeals must be sent directly to the Office of International Affairs (mailing address below) or by email to the director of IEDO: kelley.coleman@ttu.edu

Regular Airmail
Office of International Affairs
Attn: Director for International Enrollment
Development and Outreach
Texas Tech University
PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

Express Airmail
Office of International Affairs
Attn: Director for International Enrollment
Development and Outreach
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 US

The IUAAC comprises the following: Director of International Enrollment Development, International Senior Admissions Counselor, and a TTU faculty member.

The appeal process for all international prospective students may consist of the following:

• If possible, the student may be asked to meet in person with the IUAAC.
• The student may be asked to participate in a brief Skype (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.) interview.

The interview process may consist of the following:

• The student may be asked questions to engage him/her in conversation to assess English proficiency. Questions might include: cultural experiences, transition to United States, career goals, global challenges, etc.
• The student may be given a prompt and asked to submit a (short) writing sample during the interview.
• The student may be given a passage to read and asked questions to ascertain comprehension during the interview.
• The student may be shown a photograph and asked to describe the photograph during the interview.

Admission Alternatives

Students who are denied admission can also consider the following options:

• Admission applications can be re-evaluated for the term applied for if a student can provide additional documentation indicating an increase in English proficiency and/or increase in GPA after attending an intersession at another institution. If a student were able to increase their English proficiency and/or increase their GPA during the intersession and provide updated documentation/transcripts, their original application would then be re-evaluated for an admission decision.
• If a student were re-applying for a different term with updated documentation indicating an increase in their GPA or English proficiency, this would be considered as a new application. Students may have only one active application per term.

International Prospective Student Athletes

The below stated requirements are different from the required minimum for other student populations because student athletes receive academic support services from the Marsha Sharp Center, including but not limited to:

Individual Academic Support

• Athletic Academic Advisor
• Learning Specialist/Language Coach
• General/Subject Tutor
• Academic Coach
• Ongoing academic monitoring for early intervention

Social Support

• Engagement in the athletics international student-athlete programming
• Connection with other current international student-athletes
• Emersion in team environment with both domestic and international students
• Connection with on campus services for student services

Assessments

• Optimal Performance Evaluation (Academic, Mental Health, Nutrition, ADHD, etc.)
• Learning Profile

An international prospective student athlete who has received a scholarship offer and meets NCAA eligibility requirements should complete their admissions file in a timeframe that allows an admissions decision to be made on or before the date that is one week before the start of international student check-in and orientation. Any exception must include a detailed explanation for the request and be approved by the Vice Provost for International Affairs.

English Proficiency for Prospective Student Athletes

All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency in order to be admissible to the university. The TOEFL exam is the most widely used standard for measuring proof of English proficiency and therefore is listed as the standard in this policy; however, students may also demonstrate proficiency by meeting the minimum scores with other exams such as Duolingo, IELTS, SAT, Cambridge, etc. as listed in the TTU International Undergraduate Admissions Requirements.

TOEFL. The minimum TOEFL score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 55 (internet-based version) for prospective student athletes with scholarship offers. If the PSA’s TOEFL score is 55 and above, and the PSA meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the student will be automatically admitted.

DUOLINGO. The minimum score for the Duolingo English Test (DET) required to show proof of English proficiency is 80 (internet-based version) for PSAs with scholarship offers. If the PSA’s Duolingo score is 80 and above, and if he or she meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the student will be automatically admitted.

IELTS. The minimum score for the IELTS required to show proof of English proficiency is 5.5 for PSAs. If the PSA’s IELTS score is 5.5 and above, and if he or she meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the student will be automatically admitted.

If the PSA’s score is below the minimum threshold for TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS (or any other exam used by TTU to demonstrate English proficiency) and the PSA meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the PSA will be automatically eligible for a Secondary Review and requested appeal, if necessary.

Secondary Review and Appeals Process for Prospective Student Athletes

Secondary Review

Prospective Student Athletes who meet NCAA eligibility requirements and have been offered a scholarship, but were ineligible for admission because of inadequate English proficiency score on an approved test will automatically be slated for a Secondary Review by the International Undergraduate Admissions Appeals Committee (IUAAC).

The IUAAC comprises the following: Director of International Enrollment Development, International Senior Admissions Counselor, and a TTU faculty member.

Secondary Reviews by the IUAAC will consider other indicators of English proficiency, academic performance to date, and potential for success at TTU. Following the Secondary Review, the IUAAC will make a decision concerning the applicant’s admission. The decision will be sent to the designated Athletics Department contact. (All notifications regarding admissions will be sent directly to this point of contact.)

Appeals Process

If the IUAAC does not recommend the PSA for admission, the designated Athletics Department contact may appeal the decision of the secondary review to the Director of International Enrollment Development and Outreach or Vice Provost for International Affairs. The appeal will consist of the IUAAC interviewing the PSA.

The Director for International Enrollment Development and Outreach will coordinate with the designated Athletics Department contact to arrange the interview. After consulting with the IUAAC, the Director of International Enrollment Development and Outreach will communicate with the student by email to summarize the type of activities that may occur during the interview process.

The appeals interview for prospective international student athletes will follow the same guidelines as outlined above.

Admission Alternatives

Decisions on appeals are considered final; however, a student athlete or their representative may appeal the decision to the President or Provost who have authority under the provision of NCAA Bylaw 14.1.1.1 to review additional information related to decisions rendered and to consider or grant requests for reconsideration based on new or additional information.

This process may also be applied to other prospective international students who have been offered a competitive scholarship by any Texas Tech University department that provides a comparable level of academic and social support.

International students who are denied admission can also consider the following options:

• Admission applications can be re-evaluated for the term applied for if a student can provide additional documentation indicating an increase in English proficiency and/or increase in GPA after attending an intersession at another institution. If a student is able to increase their English proficiency and/or increase their GPA during the intersession and can provide updated documentation/transcripts, their original application would then be re-evaluated for an admission decision.
• If a student is re-applying for a different term with updated documentation indicating an increase in their GPA or English proficiency, this would be considered as a new application. Students may have only one active application per term.

Red Raider Orientation

Red Raider Orientation (RRO) is a mandatory program designed to provide all incoming undergraduate students an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, gather information about Texas Tech programs and services, and learn the history and traditions of the university. All new undergraduate students are required to attend RRO in order to register for classes. In addition to the regular RRO, there is a one-day orientation tailored specifically to the needs of international students-International Student Orientation (ISO) offered before the start of classes. For more information, view the following sites: 

• RRO site www.redraiderorientation.ttu.edu, email redraiderorientation@ttu.edu, or call 806.742.2993
• ISO site http://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem//studentlife/services.php#orientation, call 806.742.3667, or email International Student Administrator, Beth Mora (beth.mora@ttu.edu)
• TTU Costa Rica students are required to attend RRO. Please visit the website or contact the Costa Rica campus/staff for additional details. https://blog.ttu-cr.com/red-raider-orientation

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a developmental education program mandated by the state of Texas to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges and universities possess the necessary academic skills to succeed. State regulations require that all students enrolling in public higher education institutions demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics by earning passing scores on the TSI Assessment Test or providing proof of exempting ACT, SAT, STAAR, or TAKS test scores; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited public institution of higher education; honorable discharge from the U.S. military; or active U.S. military service. More information can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/registrar/private/tsi.

The TSI Assessment Test is available through Academic Testing Services, 214 West Hall, 806.742.3671. Students will need to present their driver’s license or passport for identification purposes. After testing, student must submit their test scores to the TSI Compliance Office, 103A West Hall.

Students with questions about their status regarding the Texas Success Initiative should contact the TSI Compliance Office at 806.742.3661. Students who have tested but did not meet the minimum scores in one or more sections of the TSI Assessment Test are required to obtain TSI advising through the TSI Developmental Education Office, 806.742.3242, www.depts.ttu.edu/tsi.

Developmental courses offered by the TSI program are listed here.

Credit Transferred from Other Colleges and Universities

Evaluation of course credit earned at other institutions by the Transfer Evaluation Office does not decree approval of the credit for use toward degree requirements. Only the academic dean of the college offering the program in which a student is enrolled has authority for determining which courses will be applied toward any specific program. The only exception to this rule is that no transferred course completed with a grade below C- may be applied to fulfill course requirements in majors, minors, or concentrations.

Applicants must submit official records from all accredited institutions attended. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. All college-level, non-vocational courses completed with a passing grade of D or above at regionally accredited colleges and universities (not including trade or technical schools) will be evaluated for acceptance of transfer credit by the Transfer Evaluation Office. The Transfer Evaluation Office determines acceptable transfer credit on the basis of an evaluation and in consultation with the appropriate academic units at Texas Tech University as necessary for clarification. While all credit hours presented on the sending institution’s transcripts will be evaluated and equivalent college-level courses posted to the student’s academic record, a maximum of 80 semester credit hours from two-year colleges may be applied toward Texas Tech University degree requirements. Courses that are accepted for transfer do not necessarily apply toward college, departmental, or program degree requirements. Transfer requirements are as follows:

• Texas Tech University may accept up to 80 degree-applicable credit hours from any accredited two- or four-year institution.
• Students may apply to bring in up to 90 degree-applicable credit hours provided that a minimum of ten degree-applicable hours are upper division (3xxx/4xxx) and from a four-year institution. The student’s home department, college, and the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs must approve the request.
• The last 30 hours of the degree must be taken in residence, defined as instructed by Texas Tech University. Students may petition their academic dean for exceptions to this requirement.

Students are encouraged to meet with the academic advisors of the college in which they plan to enroll to discuss that college’s policies on applicability of transfer credit for degree purposes. Credit hours will be applied to degree programs and majors when courses are deemed equivalent to the Texas Tech courses that satisfy various program requirements by the college in which the student is seeking a degree.

Students wishing to transfer credit to Texas Tech from a nonaccredited institution must (1) complete 30 semester credit hours of work in residence at Texas Tech with at least a 2.0 GPA and (2) receive approval from the academic dean in order to validate credits for transfer.

Guidelines for Transfer of College Credit

• Transcript – Original copies of official college transcripts from which the academic credit was originally taken will be reviewed, and all coursework will be evaluated before transfer credit will be posted to a student’s permanent academic record. Courses that may have been accepted for credit by another institution will not necessarily be accepted by Texas Tech. Texas Tech will not transfer credit for any college course documented only on a high school transcript.
• Grade – Nonvocational, college-level courses completed with a grade of D or above at another accredited institution (including courses taken on a pass/fail basis and passed) will normally be accepted for transfer. No transferred course completed with a grade below C- may be applied to fulfill course requirements in majors, minors, or concentrations. Courses completed with codes indicating no grade or credit will not be transferred. This includes courses from which a student has withdrawn or received a grade of incomplete.
• Classification Level – Courses will transfer to Texas Tech at the level at which the courses were taken at the transfer institution.  Credit hours taken at a junior or community college may not be transferred as upper-division work, even when the Texas Common Course Numbering System designation indicates similar course content.
• Credit Hour – Transfer credit will be awarded on a semester credit hour scale for all courses, including courses transferred in on quarter-hour scales. Credit transferred in on quarter-hour scales will be converted to semester credit hours.
• Credit by Examination – Credit by examination will be accepted when the student provides documentation of appropriate test scores on an original score report from the national testing organization or official high school transcript. Credit is awarded according to Texas Tech University’s credit by examination guidelines.
• Course Equivalency – Transfer courses that have received an equivalent course evaluation by the Texas Tech academic department will be honored.
• Block or General Credit – Transfer courses that do not receive an equivalent course evaluation by the Texas Tech academic department but are eligible for transfer will be assigned block or general transfer credit for the subject and level (1—, 2—, 3—, or 4—).
• Repeat Courses – When a course has been repeated at another institution, the credit award will match credit granted on the sending institutions’ transcript.
• Academic Standing – Transferability of courses will not be affected by a student’s academic standing (i.e., probation, suspension), but credits earned while on academic suspension from Texas Tech University will apply to a degree plan only if approved by the student’s academic dean.
• Nontraditional Educational Experiences – Credit granted for nontraditional educational experiences by community colleges or other universities will not be accepted for transfer. These include courses taken at a non-degree-granting institution, life or work experience, and work completed at specialized proprietary schools.

Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS)

The Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) has been designed to aid students in the transfer of general academic courses between Texas public colleges and universities throughout the state. The system ensures students that courses designated as common will be accepted for transfer, and the credit will be treated as if the courses had actually been taken on the receiving institution’s campus. Texas Tech courses identified as common will have the Common Course Number listed in brackets in each course description. For more information concerning the Texas Common Course Numbering System, please visit the TCCNS web page at www.tccns.org. Visit www.reg.ttu.edu for information on how your credit will transfer.

Transfer Disputes Involving Lower-Division Courses

If a dispute occurs involving the transfer of lower-division courses, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has established the following procedures to resolve the dispute:

• If an institution of higher education does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, the receiving institution shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer of the course credit is denied. The receiving institution shall also provide written notice of the reasons for denying credit for a particular course or set of courses at the request of the sending institution.

• A student who receives notice as specified above may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or the receiving institution.

• The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Coordinating Board rules and guidelines.

• If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the institution that denies the course credit for transfer shall notify the Commissioner of Higher Education of its denial and the reasons for the denial.

The Commissioner of Higher Education or the Commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions. The Coordinating Board shall collect data on the types of transfer disputes that are reported and the disposition of each case that is considered by the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee.

If a receiving institution has cause to believe that a course being presented by a student for transfer from another school is not of an acceptable level of quality, it should first contact the sending institution and attempt to resolve the problem. In the event that the two institutions are unable to come to a satisfactory resolution, the receiving institution may notify the Commissioner of Higher Education, who may investigate the course. If its quality is found to be unacceptable, the Coordinating Board may discontinue funding for the course.

Undergraduate Credit by Examination

It is the general policy of the university to recognize academic achievement of students gained by means other than through performance in organized classes. Students will be given the opportunity to receive credit by examination in all courses in which proficiency may be determined by examination. The award of credit by examination will be based upon the score requirements in place during the most current of the following but no earlier than the student’s first term of entry to Texas Tech University: (1) the first term of entry to Texas Tech University or (2) the term in which the scores are presented to Texas Tech University. Students may achieve a high level of proficiency in certain subject areas through advanced work in high school, participation in advanced placement programs, or independent study. The university strongly encourages such superior attainment, recognizes it for academic purposes, and permits students who have done such work to obtain course credit through examination.

Students at Texas Tech University may attempt credit by examination for degree credit during their first year, sophomore, junior, and senior years. The student is responsible for taking the tests early enough to allow sufficient time for scores to be reported to the university and processed by the Office of the Registrar. All students in the College of Arts & Sciences should see the Credit by Examination paragraph in the General Degree Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences for the college’s regulations regarding credit by exam, including lead time required for graduation processing and for foreign language exams. Students classified as seniors in colleges other than Arts & Sciences should plan to attempt credit by examination prior to the semester of graduation. Seniors must notify their academic dean’s office prior to attempting credit by examination and provide proof of notification upon registering for an exam at Academic Testing Services.

For those who successfully earn test credit, the grade will not be calculated into their grade point average but will appear on the transcript as follows depending on which test was taken: CLP, AP, DE, FLP, and IB. Course credit earned by examination is recorded by the registrar on the student’s transcript as “(Number) hours of credit via credit by examination program in (course equivalent),” and no grade points are awarded. Course credit by examination may not be used to satisfy the 30-hour minimum residence credit requirement for graduation. Any current, former, or prospective Texas Tech student may attempt to earn undergraduate course credit using the designated exam options. Some credit-by-exam programs (AP and IB) are only administered at participating high schools. CLEP exams are a credit-by-exam option for several undergraduate subjects and are administered at Texas Tech throughout the year and during Red Raider Orientation. Students may not use credit-by-exam options to attempt to remove or replace a grade that has already been earned in a Texas Tech course. The student is responsible for complying with the following procedures:

• All CLEP exams are computer-based. Appointments to use the computers and schedule the exams must be made through Academic Testing Services in 214 West Hall, 806.742.3671. For more information on CLEP, visit the Academic Testing Services website, www.depts.ttu.edu/testing or www.collegeboard.com.

• The student is responsible for having test scores sent to Texas Tech University. CLEP scores must be sent to the university directly from College Board. The student is responsible for completing tests for lower-level courses in sufficient time to qualify for registering for higher-level courses.

• Students classified as seniors should plan to attempt credit by examination prior to the semester of graduation. Seniors must notify their academic dean’s office prior to attempting credit by examination and provide proof of notification upon registering for an exam at Academic Testing Services.

• After the 12th day of classes, credit by examination may be attempted for a course one is enrolled in only upon written approval of the appropriate academic dean’s office.

• Matriculated students seeking credit by examination in foreign languages not offered through the CLEP program are required to work with Academic Testing Services to test via the 16-point exam given by the Foreign Language Proficiency Testing Service of the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies or the University of Pennsylvania Language Proficiency Testing Services. (The requirement for sitting for the 16-point exam from New York University is uniform and applicable to all students unless an exception is requested. An exception is granted when the student’s home college requires less than 16 hours of foreign language credit. Students may, on a case-by-case basis, request permission to complete the 12-point exam as an alternative to the 16-point exam. Requests will be reviewed by Academic Testing Services in consultation with the student’s Academic Dean.) If the language to be tested is not available through Texas Tech, NYU, or the University of Pennsylvania, the student must work through Academic Testing Services to locate another accredited university distance program. Credit by examination through other institutions’ distance education programs often takes a minimum of two long semesters for scores to be reported to Texas Tech, and all language score reports subsequently must be evaluated by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures to determine credit awarded. It is the student’s responsibility to plan in advance, in consultation with the appropriate academic dean’s office, for scores to arrive and evaluation credit to be applied to the transcript in time to meet individual deadlines.

• In cooperation and compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws and policies, credit by examination is open to all persons. Students with mostly A and B grades who have higher admission test scores are encouraged to consider attempting credit by examination.

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests cannot be repeated before six months have passed.

• Accommodations for nonstandard testing must be submitted in writing (before the test date) and supported by documentation from a professional who is licensed and certified to diagnose the disability. All requests are subject to approval and must be scheduled with Academic Testing Services, 214 West Hall, 806.742.3671.

A student may earn course credit by examination from the following approved programs:

1. AP – Advanced Placement Examinations that are a part of the College Board Advanced Placement Program available in a limited number of secondary schools.
2. CLEP – Specified subject examinations of the College Board College Level Examination Program.
3. IB – The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and/or examinations, dependent upon departmental evaluation.
4. Departmental examinations prepared, administered, and scored by faculty members who teach the related course.

Many courses in the credit-by-examination program are prerequisites for higher-level courses; therefore, students seeking credit by examination must plan so that this credit can be assured before registering for advanced courses. Information regarding test dates and fees for national standardized examinations is available from Academic Testing Services at Texas Tech. It is the student’s responsibility to request that test scores be sent to the university. Information concerning each of the testing programs is provided in this section, but students should note that policies and fees are subject to change.

Credit for Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

The Advanced Placement Examination is the standardized final exam for a course offered in participating secondary schools. The objective of the AP is to allow students to begin work toward college credit while still in high school. Students should check with their high school counselor or principal as to the availability of the AP examinations in their school. The AP exam is offered once a year during May at designated high schools. AP scores are reported to the university in July.

Click for a list of courses for which credit can be earned  

Credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Under the College Level Examination Program, the university will award credit only for specified examinations. Accepted exams vary among institutions, so students should be aware of which exams are accepted at Texas Tech. As with the other College Board testing programs, a student may attempt a CLEP examination at a national CLEP testing center before enrolling and have the scores reported to the university. However, these examinations are offered on the Texas Tech campus during Red Raider Orientation conferences, as well as several times each month throughout the year.

NOTE: Scores accepted for credit vary among universities. Students are responsible for knowing what scores are accepted at Texas Tech. Required scores are psychometrically scaled conversions and do not correlate on a one-point, one-question basis, nor is the required score a percentile.

Further information about the CLEP tests may be obtained from a high school counselor or principal; www.collegeboard.com; or Academic Testing Services, Texas Tech University, Box 45002, Lubbock, TX 79409-5002, 806.742.3671.

Credit by Departmental Examination

Any current or former Texas Tech student (or prospective student) may attempt to earn credit by examination for any undergraduate course provided the student has neither passed nor failed that course at Texas Tech. Several departments within the university prepare, administer, score, and award credit for their own examinations. Credit for specific courses is given upon satisfactory performance of the comprehensive examinations that are administered by the departments responsible for the courses and recommended by the deans of the respective colleges. To be eligible to attempt credit by departmental examination, a student must not have previously audited, enrolled in, or attempted credit by examination in the course. A student must apply in writing to the responsible department at least 30 days prior to taking a departmental examination for credit. Course credit earned by Texas Tech University departmental exam is not guaranteed to transfer to another institution. Further information regarding any credit by departmental examination should be secured directly from the academic department concerned.

Credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations and/or Diploma

The International Baccalaureate is an international program of courses and examinations offered at the high school level. Texas Tech welcomes students in the IB program and will grant a minimum of 24 hours credit for an IB Diploma completed with Higher or Standard Level exam scores of 4 - 7. For those individuals who participate in IB courses but do not have an IB Diploma, individual course credit may be earned based on the subject and score obtained on specified IB exams. Students must send an official IB examination transcript to Texas Tech to receive credit.

Acts of Dishonesty

All international undergraduate prospective students applying to Texas Tech University are expected to adhere to the university’s Statement of Academic Integrity (www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct/academicinteg.php). This includes entering all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended on the application for admission as well as submitting official academic credentials from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. Official documentation must be sent to Texas Tech University – International Undergraduate Admissions directly from the testing agency or previous institution. The falsification of academic records or withholding of information on applications could result in denial of admission.

For additional information or questions, please refer to the Office of International Affairs website: www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/prospective.php or contact the office at:

Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
806.742.3667