Undergraduate Admissions

Ethan Logan, Ph.D., Executive Director
Jamie Hansard, Managing Director

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
West Hall | Box 45005 | Lubbock, TX 79409-5005
T 806.742.1480 | F 806.742.0062
admissions@ttu.edu | www.gototexastech.com

Texas Tech accepts the ApplyTexas Application for Admission to Four-Year Institutions available online at www.applytexas.org. Essays and letters of recommendation are strongly recommended for students who do not qualify for assured admission. Please see the Admissions Deadlines  section of this catalog for 2016-2017 admission deadlines.

Admission to the Graduate School. See the Graduate School  section of this catalog for information about graduate admission.

International Admission. See Admission Requirements for Undergraduate International Students below for 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, see
www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?objectid=6D1466D9-AEA5-DE00-C12F3F75E7367718 or www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/admissions/domestic/tution_faqs.php.

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.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are 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. Students are expected to be academically prepared to succeed; therefore, academic performance, standardized test scores, and educational preparation are specifically considered. Additional factors may be considered in determining the applicant’s eligibility for admission during a holistic review that includes, but is not limited to, the student’s extra-curricular activities, leadership experiences, special talents, awards, and employment experiences.

Students are admitted to a specific college within the university. The university reserves the right to modify its admission requirements in order to manage enrollment in high-demand areas. The colleges may set various requirements for continuance in certain degree programs in addition to the general university minimum requirements. Texas Tech reserves the right to assign a major if applicants do not meet the qualifications for their major of choice. See below for admission requirements for specific colleges.

First-Time Freshman Admission

Applicants must complete the following:

1. Submit a freshman application and pay a non-refundable application fee. The ApplyTexas Application is available on the website www.applytexas.org. The fee may be paid by check, money order, or online at www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/couns-volunt/portal/application-fee.php with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, or Discover). If payment of the fee creates financial hardship, students may submit verification or qualifying documentation of need for a fee waiver along with the application and supporting documents for admission. Refer to Undergraduate Admissions website for Fee Waiver guidelines (www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/couns-volunt/portal/application-fee.php). Applications will not be complete without either the application fee or fee waiver documentation. No waiver of the international application fee is available.
2. Have an official high school transcript showing GPA and class rank sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If no rank is provided on the high school transcript, one will be assigned. The transcript must state the diploma type or further documentation may be required. Senior courses in progress must be provided on the transcript, a grade report, or listed on the ApplyTexas Application form. A final official high school transcript showing graduation date will be required after graduation and will become part of the student’s permanent record. A student with a GED must submit official GED scores as well as a partial high school transcript.
3. Have college entrance test scores, either the SAT or the ACT, sent from the testing agency 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.
4. Individuals who are not high school graduates but who have submitted evidence of a high school equivalency diploma from the Texas Education Agency (or equivalent agency in other states) may be eligible for admission to Texas Tech University when they have submitted all of the following items to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions:
   • Application for Admission
   • Scores on the ACT or the SAT (scores cannot be more than five years old); and
   • Current Application Fee

Applicants currently enrolled in their first semester of college after high school graduation and wanting to transfer to Texas Tech should apply as transfer students but must also meet freshman admission requirements, submit SAT or ACT scores, and provide a high school transcript showing a graduation date. Applicants must have one of the following:

1. Successfully completed the curriculum requirements for either the Recommended High School Program, the Advanced High School Program, the Distinguished Endorsement High School Program, the Foundation diploma, or Foundation diploma with an endorsement.
2. Satisfied ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks (English 18, Math 22, Reading, 22, and Science 23) on the ACT assessment or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 or the equivalent.

The following courses are recommended to be considered for admission:

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

Homeschooled Students. The admission requirements for students who have been homeschooled are the same as for students who have attended traditional public or private schools. A transcript with all coursework, completed and in progress, is required with the application, test score, and application fee or waiver. Homeschool transcripts must bear a notarized signature of the school official attesting to the authenticity of the record. See www.admissions.ttu.edu/homeschool. Please see Senate Bill 1543, 84^th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2015 for information on admissions of students with nontraditional secondary education. (www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1543) and (www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/pdf/SB01543F.pdf#navpanes=0).

Early High School Graduates. Students graduating early from high school must submit all application materials and verification of early graduation. A letter from a high school counselor or an indication on the official transcript is acceptable for verification. Early graduates are required to meet regular freshman requirements. An essay explaining the purpose or reason for early graduation is recommended.

Early College High School. College transcripts should be provided as part of the student’s admissions packet.

Assured Admission

Students who graduate from an accredited high school and have completed the Texas Recommended High School Program (RHSP), or Advanced High School Program, or the Distinguished Endorsement of the Foundation School Program, or a high school diploma with endorsement, or Distinguished Diploma, or their equivalent (including Department of Defense schools) with required coursework will be assured admission if they present the appropriate combination of class rank and minimum test scores.

* The SAT test scores required for assured admission could change once the College Board evaluates the updated SAT Concordance.

^†Writing portions of the ACT and SAT are not included in the minimum scores for assured admission.

^‡In accordance with House Bill 5, 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, a student must earn distinguished level of achievement to be eligible for top 10% automatic admission.

Admission will be granted to students who hold competitive scholarships awarded by an official Texas Tech scholarship committee if the recipient otherwise meets the freshman admission requirements.

Admission Review

Academic performance, standardized test scores, 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
• Dual credit (on an official college transcript)
• Extracurricular activities
• Leadership experiences
• Civic or other service activities
• Socioeconomic background
• Family educational background
• Bilingual proficiency
• Special talents or awards
• Diversity of experience

A response to essay topic A, B or C on the ApplyTexas Application and up to three letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged for students who do not meet the assured admission requirements.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who are provisionally admitted can become fully admitted by completing six qualifying credit hours through the Texas Tech Gateway Program, earn at least a 2.5 GPA at an accredited community college, and provide a final transcript of the qualifying college credit. Because Undergraduate Admissions will continue to review applications until April 1, provisional admits also can provide additional items for consideration, such as updated test scores and revised/updated high school transcripts.

Admission Alternatives

Freshman applicants who have been denied admission for the summer or fall semester are eligible to participate in alternative programs. Visit www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/Gateway/ and www.depts.ttu.edu/ttap/ for details.

Transfer Admission

Undergraduate students who have attended an accredited college beyond high school graduation should apply as a transfer 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. Applicants must complete the following:

1. Submit a transfer application and pay a non-refundable application fee. The ApplyTexas Application is available at www.applytexas.org. The fee may be paid by check, money order, or online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, or Discover). If payment of the fee creates financial hardship, students may submit verification or documentation of need for a fee waiver along with the application and supporting documents for admission. Refer to Undergraduate Admissions website for Fee Waiver guidelines (www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/couns-volunt/portal/application-fee.php). Applications will not be complete without either the application fee or fee waiver documentation. No waiver of the international application fee is available.
2. Provide official transcript(s) of academic records from all institutions in which the applicant has been or is currently enrolled. Admission will be determined by transferable work only. Applicants must be eligible to return to the institution most recently attended.

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 less 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.

Assured Admission

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

• If transferring with fewer than 12 transferable completed hours, applicants must meet the same standards for admission as required of new freshmen 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 freshman admission requirements.
• Transfer applicants with 45 or more transferable hours must choose a major.
• The university reserves the right to modify its admission requirements to manage enrollment in high-demand areas.
• Some majors have additional admission requirements in addition to the university admission requirements. Please refer to ???.

Admission Review

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

Conditional Admission

Transfer applicants who are currently in attendance at another institution may be conditionally admitted to Texas Tech if they meet the following requirements:

• Texas Tech must receive official transcripts for all work completed up to the point of application.
• After evaluation of their completed work, applicants must meet guidelines for assured admission.
• Applicants whose transfer GPA is at least 2.0 will be reviewed for possible conditional admission.
• Applicants whose transfer GPA is less than 2.0 will be placed in pending status until a final transcript is received for evaluation.

Applicants will be conditionally admitted pending receipt of a final transcript. 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 who do not meet university guidelines will be rescinded.

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 Transient Application through www.applytexas.org.

Second Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Applicants

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

• Transfer application through www.applytexas.org (indicate you are seeking a second degree)
• Application fee
• 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.

Applicants who have a degree from Texas Tech should use the Former Tech Student application found at www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/otheradmission.php (on the third question, indicate graduation with a bachelor’s degree).

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 specializations.

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, nonvocational 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 of course content as described from the sending institution’s catalog 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.
• A minimum of 40 credit hours must be upper division.

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

• Original copies of official college transcripts will be reviewed and coursework 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.
• 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 specializations.
• 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.
• Texas Tech University will not accept WECM (Workforce Education) courses for academic credit, except in the following circumstances:
  1. The student has transferred in a complete Applied Associates degree from an accredited, two-year institution and is enrolled in a B.A.A.S. program or in University Studies, or
  2. The student is enrolled in a degree program as part of an Articulation Agreement with another institution and WECM courses are an approved component of that Agreement, or
  3. The student obtains approval from the home department, college, and Senior Vice Provost to transfer in individual WECM courses. To request permission, the student must provide syllabi for all requested transfers, document the credentials of the instructor of record for the course(s) in question, obtain departmental approval for the transfer, and obtain college-level recommendation for the transfer.
• 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.
• Remedial courses will not be accepted for transfer and the credit hours will not be reflected on the student’s academic record at Texas Tech.
• Nonvocational, college-level courses from a nonaccredited institution may be posted to the student’s academic record only after the student has validated the credits for transfer with the student’s academic dean according to Texas Tech policy.
• 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.
• 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.
• Credit for specialized support courses such as math, science, and English intended for use in an occupational program will not be transferred.
• 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.
• When a course has been repeated at another institution, only the most recent course and grade will be transferred and posted to the student’s academic record, unless the course is designated in the institution’s catalog as “may be repeated for credit.”
• Texas Tech will not transfer credit for any college course documented only on a high school transcript.
• Transfer courses that have received an equivalent evaluation by the Texas Tech academic department will be honored and are degree applicable. Changes to the equivalent may be requested annually by the department.

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 Number System, please visit the TCCNS web page at www.tccns.org.

Visit www.reg.ttu.edu for information on how your credit will transfer. The following lower-division courses have been evaluated by academic departments and determined to be the equivalent of the Texas Tech courses listed.

• Click here to view the TTU equivalents for the
  Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS)
   . 

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. A 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 in subsection (1) may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or the receiving institution.
• The two 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.

Approval for Concurrent Attendance at Other Institutions

Students who are registered at Texas Tech and wish to register concurrently at another institution must obtain prior written approval from the academic dean of the college in which they are enrolled. This approval applies to all courses in progress elsewhere at the time of registration and those begun during the semester. A student registered at another institution but wishing to enroll concurrently for credit at Texas Tech will be considered as a freshman or transfer (where appropriate) student and will be required to meet the standards for such students. Concurrent registration resulting in a combined enrollment beyond a maximum load at this institution will not be permitted.

Credit for Core Requirements Taken at Another State Institution

In accordance with the rules mandated by the Texas Legislature concerning the transfer of core curriculum: “If a student successfully completes the 42 semester credit hour core curriculum at an institution of higher education, that block of courses may be transferred to any other institution of higher education and must be substituted for the receiving institution’s core curriculum. A student shall receive academic credit for each of the courses transferred and may not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution unless the board has approved a larger core curriculum at that institution.” (Section 5.402, d)

Credit for Educational Courses Completed in the Armed Services

Credit may be given for formal service school courses completed in the armed services after evaluation of official documents by the Transfer Evaluation Office. The student’s academic dean decides if credit awarded for such courses will be applied toward requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate International Students

The applications of prospective students from countries other than the United States are reviewed on an individual basis. Prospective students who have an application pending for permanent residency, prospective students who are undocumented, and prospective students who meet all the following criteria should apply through www.applytexas.org and select the U.S. Freshman or Transfer option, as appropriate:
    •    Graduated from a public or accredited private high school in Texas or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in the state, and
    •    Lived in Texas for the 36 months immediately preceding the date of graduation, and
    •    Lived in Texas the 12 months preceding the censes date of the academic semester in which the student enrolls at Texas Tech University

These applications will be reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. All other applicants, including international applicants attending high school in the United States who do not meet the criteria listed above, must apply through www.applytexas.org and select the International Freshman or Transfer option, as appropriate. These applications will be reviewed by the Undergraduate International Admissions unit in the Office of International Affairs.. Applications for international undergraduate admission must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• Fall–First-time Students: May 1
• Fall–Transfer from U.S. Institution: July 15
• Spring–First-time Students: October 1
• Spring–Transfer from U.S. Institution: November 15
• Summer–Transfer from U.S. Institution: April 1

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

The procedures stated below should be followed carefully for international applicants to be considered for freshman or transfer admission to Texas Tech University. Applications will not be evaluated until all admission requirements have been met. All materials become the property of Texas Tech University and are not returnable or refundable. Required documents must be provided in English. If official English translations are not supplied by the applicant’s institution(s), the applicant must provide a translation done by an American Translators Association-certified translator. A list of ATA-certified translators is available online at www.atanet.org/onlinedirectories.

1. Application–Prospective international undergraduate applicants may apply for admission to Texas Tech University by submitting the electronic application available at www.ApplyTexas.org. All institutions attended, including name and location, must be included on the application. Falsification of application information will void admission to Texas Tech.
2. Nonrefundable Application Fee–A nonrefundable application fee ($60) is required for the application to be complete. Application fees cannot be waived. Acceptable methods of payment are checks drawn on a U.S. bank, cashier’s checks, U.S. or international postal money orders, international money orders, traveler’s checks, or credit cards. The application fee may be paid through the ApplyTexas application (www.ApplyTexas.org), online (https://secure.touchnet.net/C20210_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=14&SINGLESTORE=true, or by sending payment to:

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

3. Official Transcripts and Related Documents
   • For Freshman Admission - The applicant must submit documentation (transcripts, school leaving examinations, school leaving certificates, etc.) showing completion of a secondary school equivalent to that of a U.S. high school. Applicants must submit transcripts of all secondary schoolwork, including subjects taken and grades/marks earned, in addition to secondary school leaving examinations, if applicable. Applicants currently in secondary school should send transcripts from grade 9 - 11 for application consideration. Upon completion of grade 12, an additional transcript must be submitted. Unofficial copies are acceptable for evaluation purposes, but official documentation is required before registration for classes.
   • For Transfer Admission - In addition to the required secondary school documents (see above), the applicant must submit a record of all post-secondary schoolwork, including subjects taken and grades earned. Unofficial copies are acceptable for evaluation purposes, but official documentation is required upon admission. International transfer students will not be allowed to register for classes without providing all secondary and post-secondary credentials.
4. Official Diploma/Degree Certificates–The applicant must submit an official copy of any secondary school completion/leaving certificates and any post-secondary diplomas/degree certificates earned.
5. Official Proof of English Proficiency–All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency before their applications can be considered for admission. This test is waived only for citizens of an English proficiency-exempt country or for those applicants who have completed at least two consecutive years at a high school or college/university in the U.S. or in an English proficiency-exempt country. Texas Tech University considers the following countries to have English as their native language: Australia, Canada (except the Province of Québec), Commonwealth Caribbean countries, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. Applicants may submit one of the following measures of English proficiency:
   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language; www.toefl.org). The minimum TOEFL score required is 550 (paper-based version) or 79 (internet-based version). The TOEFL score must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Texas Tech University’s institutional code is 6827. TOEFL scores are valid for two (2) years. Applicants may provide a copy of their Examinee Score Report for application evaluation purposes; screenshots of the TOEFL results from the ETS website are not acceptable.
   • IELTS (International English Language Testing Service;  www.ielts.org). 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. IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years.
   • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic; www.pearsonpte.com/pteacademic). 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 (2) years.
   • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English. The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is C. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CPE. The Cambridge CPE is valid for life. For more information visit the website www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/proficiency/.
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English. The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is B. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CAE. The Cambridge CAE is valid for life. For more information visit the website www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/advanced/.
   • ELS Intensive English Program (www.els.edu). Texas Tech will accept completion of Level 112 of ELS’ English for Academic Purposes program. An official copy of the ELS transcript and certificate of completion must be submitted to meet this requirement.
   • SAT I – a minimum of at least 500 on BOTH the critical reading and writing sections
   • ACT – a minimum score of 21 on the English section
   • AP English Language and Composition Exams – 3.0 or higher on BOTH sections.
   • For applicants transferring from a U.S. college or university - completion of the equivalent to Texas Tech’s ENGL 1301  and ENGL 1302  with a grade of C or better. Applicants currently enrolled in ENGL 1302  (or its equivalent) may apply for admission but will not be allowed to register if admitted until providing a final transcript reflecting the required grade.
6. SAT/ACT Scores–International applicants applying for freshman 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 the United States, but are required for consideration for merit-based scholarships.

See the Prospective Student page at www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/prosadmitted.php for more information.

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 (www.els.edu/en/UniversityAdmissions). 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 copy of the ELS transcript and certificate of completion must be submitted before registration for Texas Tech coursework will be allowed.

Submitting Applications and Required Application Documents. Applicants should provide their full names on the envelope return address. An application Document Cover Sheet is available at www.depts.ttu.edu/international/attachments/ieem/admissions/DocumentCoverSheet.pdf. Correspondence should include the applicant’s full name, date of birth and R number. All entries into the records system are made by family name (last name), first name(s), middle name(s; if any). Send all official documents to the following address:

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

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

Evaluating Applications. Applications will not be evaluated until all of the above requirements have been met. Applicants will be notified by the Office of International Affairs when an admissions decision has been made. Applicants may check their application status on the Raiderlink portal.

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 your application for admission as well as submitting official academic credentials from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. Not providing that information on your application or not submitting all academic credentials is considered falsification of academic records and will result in the voiding of your application or to other disciplinary action.

Application Appeals. International undergraduate applicants whose applications have been denied may submit an appeal to be reconsidered. Every application denied has already been through an extensive review. For an appeal to have merit, it must present new compelling 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 to the Senior Director of International Education and Enrollment Management within thirty (30) days of the denial decision. Email is an acceptable format for submission. Please clearly outline the reasons for the appeal and present new and compelling information. Applicants can appeal only once, and decisions resulting from an appeal are final. Application fees are non-refundable regardless of the result of an appeal. Appeals must be sent directly to the Office of International Affairs (mailing address above) or by email to elizabeth.mcdaniel@ttu.edu.

Guidelines for High School Foreign Language Requirements for International Students

*Texas Tech University requires students from non-English-speaking countries to demonstrate the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language. Students must provide one of the following to document English proficiency:

1. TOEFL score of at least 79 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based)
   1. TOEFL scores must be received directly from ETS
   2. Texas Tech University’s institutional code is 6827
   3. TOEFL scores are valid for two years only.
2. SAT Critical Reading and Writing score of at least 500 each
   1. SAT scores must be received directly from the College Board
   2. Texas Tech University’s institutional code is 6827
3. ACT English score of at least 21
   1. ACT scores must be received directly from ACT
   2. Texas Tech University’s institutional code is 4220
4. IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall band
   1. IELTS General Training results are not acceptable
   2. There is no IELTS institution code for Texas Tech University
   3. IELTS scores are valid for two years only
5. Transfer from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education with at least 30 semester credit hours including the equivalent to Texas Tech’s English 1301 and 1302 with a grade of “C” or better.
6. Level 112 at ELS, documentation provided to TTU directly from ELS

Admission Requirements for Former Texas Tech Students

Application materials and deadlines for former Texas Tech students are available at www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/otheradmission.php . Official transcripts from all institutions attended subsequent to Texas Tech enrollment must be submitted by the application deadline. 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 Status Policy ” in the Undergraduate Academics section of this catalog and on the website listed above. Students wishing to return to Texas Tech are required to have a 2.0 GPA on work completed during their absence.

Academic Fresh Start

Any applicant who elects to participate in this program should do so at the time of application or within the first semester of enrollment and must otherwise meet current freshman or transfer admissions requirements. State residents may apply for admission to Texas public universities without consideration being given to academic work completed 10 or more years prior to the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll. An applicant who is admitted under this plan may not receive any credit for courses taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment.

If a student enrolled under this program completes a prescribed course of study, earns a baccalaureate degree, and applies for admission to a postgraduate or professional program offered by a public institution of higher education, the admitting institution will only consider the grade point average earned after the student enrolled under this program (along with other criteria the institution used to evaluate applicants for admission).

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

All students are responsible for complying with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). State regulations require proof that all students involved in higher education are college ready in reading, writing, and mathematics. A student may demonstrate college readiness by earning passing scores on the TSI Assessment Test. Students may be exempt or designated as college ready if they have earned specific ACT, SAT, or TAKS test scores or have earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. For additional information regarding TSI compliance requirements and exemptions visit www.reg.ttu.edu.

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. Once tested, students must submit their test scores to the TSI Compliance Office, 103A West Hall.

Students with questions about their TSI status should contact the TSI Compliance Office at 806.742.3661. Students who tested but did not earn the minimum score(s) in one or more sections of the TSI Assessment Test are required to meet with an advisor in the TSI Developmental Education Office, 78 Holden Hall, 806.742.3242. Developmental courses offered by the TSI program are listed here .

Red Raider Orientation

Red Raider Orientation (RRO) is a mandatory program designed to provide all incoming 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. For more information, view www.redraiderorientation.ttu.edu, email redraiderorientation@ttu.edu, or call 806.742.5433.

Special Programs

Special High School Enrollment Program

Outstanding local area high school students are invited to take advantage of the Compass Program on the Texas Tech University campus. Students may take college classes and earn credit while still attending high school. Acceptance will be based on SAT/ACT scores, class ranking, and application packet. Email the Honors College (honors@ttu.edu) for more information or visit www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/academicsandenrichment/affiliatedandhighschool/compass.

Senior Academy Program for Ages 55+

This program is designed for students age 55 and above who wish to enrich their later years through the adventure of lifelong learning. Adults eligible for Senior Academy can enroll either to earn a degree or take a series of classes for personal enrichment. No transcripts or SAT or ACT scores will be required for nondegree-seeking students. For more information and the application, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website (www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/otheradmission.php).

Contact Information

Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
Box 45005  |  Lubbock, Texas 79409-5005
T 806.742.1480 |  F 806.742.0062
www.gototexastech.com
admissions@ttu.edu

International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
Box 45004  |  Lubbock, Texas 79409-5004
T 806.742.3667
www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/admission/newtrans.php
internationals@ttu.edu

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 freshman, 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 and Sciences should see the Credit by Examination paragraph in the General Degree Requirements for the College of Arts and 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 and 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, SAT, ACT, 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:

1. 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.
2. The student is responsible for having test scores sent to the Office of the Registrar unless tests are taken at Texas Tech University. Score reports sent from other university test centers must be requested from Academic Testing Services, 214 West Hall. The student is responsible for completing tests for lower-level courses in sufficient time to qualify for registering for higher-level courses.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. If the language to be tested is not available through Texas Tech or NYU, 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.
6. 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.
7. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests cannot be repeated before six months have passed.
8. 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.

There are seven separate programs by which a student may earn course credit by examination:

• Specified College Board Subject Tests.
• AP Examinations that are a part of the College Board Advanced Placement Program available in a limited number of secondary schools.
• Specified subject examinations of the College Board College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
• Departmental examinations prepared, administered, and scored by faculty members who teach the related course.
• The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and/or examinations, dependent upon departmental evaluation.
• SAT scores for which designated credit is awarded for English.
• ACT scores for which designated credit is awarded for English.

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 College Board Achievement Tests (SAT Subject Tests). Achievement Tests are part of the College Board Admissions Testing Program. Each year there are several national administrations of the SAT Subject Tests. Students should plan to take the specified tests at national testing centers during their senior year of high school at an early testing date in order that scores may be reported to the university by June. For more information, view www.collegeboard.com; visit a high school counselor; or contact Academic Testing Services, Texas Tech University, Box 45002, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5002, 806.742.3671.

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.

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.

Exams for Advanced Placement (AP) Program

Exams for College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Exams for International Baccalaureate (IB)

Credit by Exam with SAT, ACT

Undergraduate Admission Requirements for Specific Colleges

Undergraduates who are accepted for admission to Texas Tech University will be enrolled in one of the degree-granting units of the university listed below. In addition to university admission requirements, individual degree programs may have admission requirements that must be met before acceptance into the program.

Office of the Provost

• The admissions requirements of this division are the same as those for the university.

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

• The admissions requirements of the college are the same as those for the university.

College of Architecture

• Freshman admissions requirements of the college are the same as those for the university.
  • Freshmen choosing to major in architecture will be admitted to general architecture.
  • Transfer students choosing to major in architecture will be admitted to general architecture by transferring with a 3.0 GPA.
• Admission into the pre-professional program is competitive and based on a comprehensive review of the student’s portfolio, essay, statement of intent and GPA. The review to continue in the preprofessional program occurs at the end of the first year.

College of Arts and Sciences

• The admissions requirements of the college are the same as those for the university.
• Freshmen or transfer students who are considering majors within this college may be admitted into a general major known as Arts and Sciences Undeclared (AS-BA-ASUD) until they select an A&S degree program in which they intend to graduate. Students transferring from another institution with less than 45 hours (including coursework in progress) may choose ASUD. Students who have completed 45 or more hours must declare a major to be considered for admission to this college.
• Transfer students must have a minimum 2.0 transfer GPA to enter the college.

Jerry S. Rawls College of Business

• First-time freshmen wishing to major in any business discipline must meet assured admission criteria and will be admitted to a pre-business major until completion of the lower-division business core with grades of C or higher and attainment of a minimum 2.75 Texas Tech GPA. Once these requirements have been met, students may declare a major. For more information on majors, check the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business section of the catalog.
• Students transferring from any institution must have a minimum of 18 transferable hours and a 3.0 GPA or higher on transferable hours taken.

College of Education

• The admissions requirements of the college are the same as those for the university.
• Freshmen and transfer students wishing to become teachers may major in multidisciplinary studies. Degrees leading to certification in special education and bilingual education are also available. Students wishing to become science teachers (grades 8-12) may major in multidisciplinary science.
• Students who major in the college or who major in another college and wish to become teachers must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Requirements and applications are available online at www.educ.ttu.edu.

Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. College of Engineering

• To gain admission to the Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. College of Engineering and a degree program, first-time freshmen or transfer students with fewer than 12 transferable credit hours must be accepted to the university with assured admission status. Applicants who meet these criteria will be placed into their program of choice and initially work to complete a foundational curriculum. Upon completion of the foundational coursework, a student must apply and be successfully admitted to an engineering upper-division degree program. Students who are not successfully admitted to an upper-division degree program must transfer out of the college.
• Students who do not qualify to be directly admitted to the Whitacre College of Engineering but still intend to pursue an engineering degree will be initially admitted to the pre-engineering designation (UN-BS-PREN).
• Transfer students must have 24 or more hours transferable coursework and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 that includes the work at all previous institutions. Regardless of the number of hours and the specific courses included in the transfer credits, external transfer students are initially accepted into the lower-division foundational curriculum of their degree program and must complete a minimum of 12 hours of Texas Tech coursework before application to the upper division. Eligibility for admission to the upper division is based exclusively on the cumulative GPA earned at Texas Tech. Transfer students with fewer than 24 hours of transferable credit will begin in pre-engineering.
• The GPA criterion for admission into the petroleum engineering major is 3.2, and enrollment is limited.
• All applicants admitted into the Whitacre College of Engineering must be TSI compliant.

Honors College

• Students who are admitted to a major within another college at the university, but who wish to participate in the Honors College, must submit an additional application to the Honors College. It is recommended that incoming freshman applicants have a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT, 27 on the ACT or be in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. The minimum requirement for a current Texas Tech student or transfer student to apply to the Honors College is a 3.4 GPA. The application is available online at www.honors.ttu.edu.
• Admission requirements for the B.A. in Honors Arts and Letters are contingent on successful admission to the Honors College.
• December 1 is the priority deadline for the Honors College; the application closes on March 1.

College of Human Sciences

• Students meeting the admissions requirements of the university will be admitted to any major within the College of Human Sciences with the exception of interior design; community, family, and addiction studies; and human development and family studies.
• For admission into interior design, transfer students must have at least a 2.75 GPA. Incoming freshmen must be “assured admit” status.
• For admission into community, family and addiction studies or human development and family studies, transfer students must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
• Students seeking teacher certification in early childhood or family and consumer sciences must meet university requirements for admission to the Teacher Education program, including 60 credit hours completed towards the student’s major and a 2.75 cumulative GPA.

College of Media and Communication

• The admissions requirements of the college are the same as those for the university.
• Students enrolling in or transferring into the college for the first time will be admitted into the pre-major (major) codes. To declare a major, a student must have a 2.5 GPA (2.0 for communication studies) in the first 30 hours taken at Texas Tech and have passed MCOM 1300  and MCOM 1100  with a C or higher.

College of Visual and Performing Arts

• The admissions requirements of the college are the same as those for the university.
• Students applying to communication design will be admitted to art incoming (ARTI) and must apply and present a portfolio during the spring semester for admission to this field of specialization.
• Students applying to music will be admitted to music audition required (MUAR) until their audition. Music majors must audition and be admitted in their declared principal applied area with the appropriate faculty for acceptance into any music program.
• Students applying to theatre arts or dance will be admitted to theatre and dance admitted (THDA). Students pursuing dance majors, minors, and concentrations must audition for acceptance into the program. Entrance to the B.F.A. theatre arts program is by audition and interview, generally at the completion of at least one semester.