Admissions FAQ
I applied at least a week ago. Why have I not received my eRaider username and activation code?
Neither the Office of Graduate Admissions nor Texas Tech University's IT Help Central issues nor creates eRaider usernames and activation codes. Please DO NOT call/email IT Help Central or Graduate Admissions to request your eRaider username/activation code. These items are created by a separate TTU system entity, and our offices do not have any control over how long that creation process takes. However, most eRaider usernames/activation codes are created within 5 to 10 business days. Once these items are created, the database will send out eRaider activation codes to each email address listed on the applicants' application.
Also, you will not receive a new eRaider username if you have previously been admitted to Texas Tech University, even if you never registered for or attended classes. You will need to contact IT Help Central (806-742-HELP; ithelpcentral@ttu.edu) to get your eRaider account reactivated.
I activated my eRaider account but cannot log in to the Raiderlink portal. What should I do?
Please make sure that you are logging into the correct website (http://raiderlink.ttu.edu/). There will not be an Applications tab in the eRaider Manager (http://eraider.ttu.edu/). Please contact IT Help Central if you log into the Raiderlink portal and receive an error upon log on or do not have an "Applications" tab.
Why are my documents listed as not received? I sent my documents to your office already.
It takes between 3-6 weeks for us to enter materials received into our database due to the volume of applications and application materials we receive. These packets are processed in the order in which they were received. We encourage applicants to continue to check online as we cannot confirm receipt of packages via e-mail or telephone due to the volume of materials. Our office is working diligently to update materials as quickly as possible.
I submitted my application, but I need to pay my application fee. Can I pay the application fee online?
Yes, you can pay your application online at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/admissions/AppFeePayForm.php.
Why are my transcripts listed as not received?
Our database only allows us to code transcripts and diplomas as received if they are final and official. We created a separate requirement "College Transcript Pending" to indicate when either incomplete or unofficial transcripts are received.
Why are my GRE/GMAT scores not listed?
The Office of Graduate Admissions does not require GRE/GMAT scores, so this item is not listed on our checklist. However, if you submitted either student-supplied or official scores, these will be available for your prospective graduate advisor to review.
What do "Pending" and "Deferred to Department" mean?
"Pending" means that we have all the materials we need to evaluate your file, and your file has been added to the queue to be reviewed by one of our advisors. Your transcript's status will be updated when an advisor evaluates your file. "Deferred to Department" means that our office completed the preliminary evaluation of your file (which includes credential evaluation and review of English proficiency scores) and created paperwork for your prospective department.
Do I need to submit my Sponsor's bank statement or Copy of my Passport Bio page for my application to be processed?
These items are not mandatory to process. You may submit at the time of application if you have copies or you may wait until a final admission decision has been made. By providing at the time of applying it should speed up the time to process your I-20 if accepted. However, you may choose to wait until an official admission decision is made, at which time our office will contact you with the estimated amount needed to prepare your I-20.
How will I know when a decision is made regarding my application?
All admission decisions will be posted on your application status. Please continue to check your status online at http://raiderlink.ttu.edu/.
If I am admitted, how soon will I receive my acceptance letter? Can I request multiple copies?
Newly admitted graduate students can now print their acceptance letters as soon as their acceptance decision is entered. Once a decision status of AD (Student Admitted), CD (Student Admitted Conditionally), or GD (Graduate Admit) is entered, a "Letter of Admission" link will appear on the Applications tab underneath your application checklist. The letter will open in a new window in PDF format. Adobe Reader is available for free download at http://www.adobe.com. You may either save the document, or you may print as many copies as you wish.
My department told me I was admitted. When will my I-20 be issued?
At peak processing times, your admission and I-20 processing may take 3-6 weeks after your paperwork has been returned to our office. We realize that visa and travel arrangements must be made, but in an effort to be fair to all admitted applicants, all initial attendance I-20s are issued in the order in which we received decisions back from departments.
I was admitted conditionally. What do I need to submit?
Please check your Raiderlink account to view any incomplete/missing checklist items. You are required to submit any incomplete/missing checklist items by the twelfth class day of your first semester of graduate enrollment. If you cannot submit the missing documentation by then, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions as quickly as possible.
How can my I-20 be shipped via express mail?
Newly admitted international students not currently enrolled at another U.S. college/university will receive an email explaining your shipping options. You may choose one of two options for shipping your I-20: either regular airmail at our expense or express mail shipment via eShipGlobal at your expense. More information is available on the Graduate School Mailing Immigration Documentation page.
How can I find out information about graduate orientation?
Orientation is organized by the Student Government Association. Dates are
set for Fall and Spring semesters. For more information, contact the Student Government Association at 806.742.3631 or
see their website.
More information . . .
What are my tuition and fees?
Information about tuition and fees, including information about
fee waivers, can be found at Student Business Services.
More information . . .
Where do I send my immunization information?
Send immunization records to Thompson Hall, the Student Health Clinic:
tel. 806.743.2848 fax.743.2122