Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective Students/General Info
How can I get a copy of the application?
Undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and international students can apply online or print a copy of the appropriate application. In addition, high school counselors can provide a copy.
Can I apply to more than one college at Texas Tech?
Yes. You are given a choice of 2.
What are the "Standardized Test" requirements?
You must take either the SAT I or ACT to be admitted to the university. The writing component of the SAT I is required and is used in admission review. You can get English credit with a high score on the SAT I writing component. Refer to the Undergraduate Credit by Exam page of the catalog for more information.
What are the minimum SAT scores required to be admitted to the Whitacre College of Engineering as a freshman?
Once a student is admitted to the university, they are admitted to the Whitacre College of Engineering. The university admission requirements are listed below:
| Class Rank | Test Score | |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | SAT–1 | |
| Top 10% | no minimum | no minimum |
| First Quarter | 25 | 1140 |
| Second Quarter | 28 | 1230 |
| Lower half | 29 | 1270 |
Do I have to apply to a particular major? What if I change my mind later?
You can either apply to a specific major or undecided. If you change your mind, you may fill out a “Change of Major form” and change to a new major if you meet the requirements of the new major. You must select a major after taking 45 credit hours.
What happens if I am not admitted during Early Decision?
Students can have their application reevaluated in a holistic manner, which will require additional information. You can also participate in the Gateway Program for transfer to Texas Tech after successful completion of a selection of core courses.
What is the minimum high school GPA required to be admitted to the Whitacre College of Engineering as a freshman?
There is no special requirement for admission into the Whitacre College of Engineering. Once you are admitted to the university, you may choose Engineering as your major.
Does Texas Tech have an honors program?
Yes, for more information, visit the Honors College.
Can engineering students study abroad?
There are lots of opportunities for engineering students to study abroad and there is no limit on the number of hours taken abroad as long as the last 30 are taken at Texas Tech. For information on general programs visit the Study Abroad Web site. For programs specific to engineering, visit Opportunities for Study Abroad.
Does the Whitacre College of Engineering offer credit for AP, IB, and GCE scores?
A comprehensive description of the Texas Tech policy on this type of credit can be in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Will the Whitacre College of Engineering offer transfer credit for college classes taken during high school?
Texas Tech has general guidelines for which courses taken from another accredited university or junior college will transfer. For more information visit the Transfer Evaluation Office. Engineering courses will transfer on the approval of the Dean of Engineering.
Are admissions interviews required?
No.
When will I find out about my admissions decision?
After receiving all documentation requested, it should take 3 – 5 weeks.
How can I check on the status of my application?
You may check online at the Admissions Office.
International Applicants
I’m a citizen of Mexico/Canada. Am I still considered an international student?
Yes. The University has special arrangements with Mexico, Canada, Central America, and South America. Visit the Office of International Affairs for more information.
Does Texas Tech offer financial aid for international students?
For information on financial aid for international students, visit the Office of International Affairs.
If English is not my first language, do I still need to take the SAT II Writing exam?
You must take the TOEFL instead of the SAT II. Refer to the Texas Tech Catalog for information on exceptions.
When will I receive my I–20 Form?
Students are admitted with all financial documents to pay tuition, fees, living expenses. Must meet all academic requirements. Information is sent to International Cultural Center (ICC) and the I–20 is picked up there. For graduate students, the I–20 is picked up at the graduate school. Contact the ICC for more information
What type of support is available for international students?
The Office of International Affairs offers financial aid, admissions, housing, and immigration information. They also help with advising and obtaining the necessary forms.
What tests are required for international applicants?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required with a score of at least 550 for paper exam and 213 for the computer exam.
Transfer Applicants
Who is a transfer student?
Students who have attended another accredited college beyond high school graduation and have completed 12 credit hours are considered transfer students.
When is the transfer application deadline, and when will I be notified of Texas Tech’s decision?
The deadlines are March 1 for the summer or Fall Semesters and November 1 for the Spring Semester.
Does it matter if I am transferring from a two– or four–year college?
No.
Does it matter to which engineering major I apply?
No.
When will I find out how many of my credits will transfer to Texas Tech?
Refer to the Texas Tech Office of Admissions for information.
How are decisions made for transfer students?
Requirements for transfer students are handled by the Texas Tech Office of Admissions.
Does the Engineering College require any standardized test scores of transfer applicants?
No. However, students transferring with fewer than 12 hours must meet the same standards for admission that are required of new freshmen entering from high school and a GPA minimum of 2.0.
Are there any special requirements for international transfer applicants?
No. However, they must provide academic records in their original language with a certified English translation.
If I receive AP, transfer, or credit by examination from my current institution, will that automatically transfer to Texas Tech?
A grade of C or better is required for all courses included in the engineering degree plan. For information on other courses, visit the Texas Tech Registrar transfer page.
If my transcript and/or course descriptions are not in English, what should I do?
They must be translated in certified English.
Are course descriptions required as part of the transfer application?
No. However, if no articulation agreements exist, descriptions would be helpful in determining which courses will transfer.
Academic and Social Life
Can I change my major or college after I get to Texas Tech?
Yes.
What kind of academic and personal help is available to Texas Tech Engineering undergraduates?
The Academic Programs office in Suite 102 in the Engineering Center building is available to assist students. In addition, the P.A.S.S. Learning Center offers tutoring and other programs for academic success.
What is the student–to–faculty ratio?
Currently, the ratio is less than 25 students to each faculty member in the college.
Who will be teaching me in the classroom?
Most departments have faculty teach courses and graduate students teach labs.
How large are classes, particularly in the first year?
On the high end, there are about 80 students per class. The average class size is 20 – 40 students.
What is the Cooperative Education Program in the Whitacre College of Engineering and how does it work?
The Whitacre College of Engineering has a very active Co–op Program. For information on the Co–op Program in engineering, visit the Engineering Opportunities Center.
Can you double major in the Whitacre College of Engineering?
Yes. It will require more than 130 hours and should be approved by the Dean of Engineering.
How good is Texas Tech at helping students find internships?
We offer job fairs in the Fall and Spring where 200 companies are present.
Do I have to live on campus?
Texas Tech requires that students entering the university with under 30 hours to stay on campus. There are many options to fit a student’s needs both on and off campus. Visit the Housing Web site for more information.
What is the ethnic diversity in the Whitacre College of Engineering?
In Engineering, 9.7% are female, 11.9% are Hispanic, 3.4% are African American, and 0.1% are American Indian.
What are sports and athletics like at Tech?
Texas Tech is a leader in the Big 12 in many men’s and women’s sports including basketball, football, baseball and softball. We have a state–of–the–art basketball arena (United Spirit Arena), football field, and baseball field where you can cheer on the Red Raiders and have a good time. For more information, visit Red Raider Sports online. In addition, we offer intramural sports, sports clubs, and outdoor activities. For more information, visit Texas Tech Recsports.
Admitted Student FAQ
If I’m accepted, when do I have to decide?
Visit Student Business Services for "Important Dates" and the "Tuition and Fee Schedule".
Can I come and visit before I decide?
Student’guided walking tours are available during the week between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During the school year, you may schedule an appointment to meet with advisors from the academic departments after your tour. These tours are also available on weekends, but there will be no appointments. The university also offers a University Day in the Fall and Spring for students and parents to visit. For more information, visit the Visitor’s Center. If you would like to schedule a visit to the Whitacre College of Engineering and request an appointment to speak with an advisor, visit the Admissions page.
Do I need to submit my final grades to Texas Tech? When does Texas Tech need to receive them?
Yes, as soon as possible.
Red Raider Orientation
Red Raider Orientation (RRO) is a chance for students to learn more about Texas Tech and its traditions. At RRO, students will take a campus tour, meet with various campus departments, learn Texas Tech history and traditions, talk with an academic advisor, and register for classes. The three day session also includes many other activities such as an ice cream social and will require students to stay on campus during the session. Future dates for RRO are listed here:
| Summer School Orientation (Summer Admissions Only) |
|---|
| June 1 (Summer I) |
| June 6 (Summer II) |
| One-Day Sessions (Transfer Only) |
|---|
| May 20 |
| May 21 |
| July 12 |
| July 13 |
| August 24 |
| August 25 |
| Three-Day Sessions (Freshmen and Transfer) |
|---|
| June 9-11 |
| June 13-15 |
| June 16-18 |
| June 20-22 |
| June 23-25 |
| June 27-29 |
| July 14-16 |
| July 18-20 |
| July 21-23 |
| July 25-27 |
| July 28-30 |
| August 1-3 |
| August 11-13 (Tentative) |
For more information on the RRO, please go to http://www.redraiderorientation.ttu.edu/.
Financial Aid FAQ
If I'm still waiting to hear from the Financial Aid Office, when do I need to notify Texas Tech about whether or not I will accept an offer of admission?
The first day of class. An offer for financial aid is good until the New Scholarship date of Feb. 1st.
Will applying for financial aid hurt my chances for admission?
Definitely not.
Is my financial aid award guaranteed for four years?
No. It is awarded on an academic basis and you must reapply every year. Contact the Texas Tech Financial Aid Office for more information.
Does Texas Tech offer merit aid?
Yes. To see what scholarships are available and how to apply, visit our Scholarships page. Also, visit the Honors College Scholarships page.