Texas Tech University

Admission

For First Year Students

TTU

We're here to help make each step toward becoming a Red Raider a smooth experience. Follow the steps below to apply!

 

Let's get started.

STEP

01

Complete an application for admission.

  • Common App [or]
  • ApplyTexas Application



Texas Tech has no preference for one type of application over another, but it’s important that you submit only one per admissions cycle.

If you have questions about whether you should complete a domestic or international application, complete this questionnaire here.

Although the Fall 2024 priority application deadlines for admission have passed, Texas Tech will continue to accept applications for Fall 2024.

Spring 2025, Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 applications are now open on ApplyTexas. Common App opens August 1.

STEP

02

Submit required and/or supplemental documents.

Required:

  • High School Transcript
  • $75 application fee or fee waiver

Optional Supplemental Items:

  • SAT/ACT scores [learn more]
  • Essay(s)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • Resume



Test Optional Policy

Some applicants may feel that an SAT or ACT score does not fully reflect their academic preparedness or potential. If this is the case for you, Texas Tech University has extended a test optional admission policy through 2025 entry terms. This policy allows students the option to apply without consideration of SAT or ACT scores.

Learn More

STEP

03

Create your RaiderConnect account and check your application status!

Create a RaiderConnect account to submit supplemental documents, check your application status, and register for events hosted by Undergraduate Admissions.

Note: Create your RaiderConnect account with the name and email address as it appears on your application.





Transcripts

  • Applicants may submit an official high school transcript by US mail to Box 45005, Lubbock, TX 79409. Your school may also send your transcript electronically via TREx or Parchment.
  • Applicants who complete a non-traditional secondary education (for example, those who are home-schooled or complete a GED) or who provide a transcript without a rank, will have a rank assigned in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1543. [TX SB1543 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature (2015, June 19)]
  • A final high school transcript that is official and shows a graduation date will be required upon graduation. This transcript should be sent by your high school. Home school transcripts must have a notarized signature to be official.
  • Information for home school students

SAT/ACT Scores

  • Official SAT and/or *ACT Scores (Test scores sent from the high school are considered official if they are included on the transcript or sent from the school registrar.)
  • Learn more about our test optional policy for for students applying through 2025 entry terms here.
  • ACT Test Preparation
  • SAT Test Preparation

If you are completing a domestic admissions application but have international credentials, 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 here.

Applicants to Texas Tech University must be in good standing and eligible to return to all previous institutions.


Are you uncertain if you should apply as a domestic or international student? Click here to determine which application you need to submit.

 

Requirements

Assured Admission

Once you've submitted your application for admission, pay the application fee or submit fee waiver documentation, and submit your high school transcript, your application will be sent to our professional staff for consideration. Texas Tech issues decisions on an assured basis along with a holistic evaluation of your credentials. Both of these processes are outlined below.

You have assured admission if you are graduating from high school and present the required combination of high school class rank and college entrance test scores indicated below.

Class Rank Test Scores* 
  ACT SAT
Top 10% No minimum  No Minimum
First Quarter
(excluding top 10%)
24 1180
Second Quarter 26 1240
Third Quarter 27 1280
Fourth Quarter Application Review

*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. Assured admission is granted to all students who hold competitive scholarships awarded by an official Texas Tech University scholarship committee.

Admission Review

We expect students to be academically prepared for success as students at Texas Tech; therefore, we specifically consider academic performance and educational preparation. Additional information used to evaluate a student's potential for success includes:

  • Academic Rigor*
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Leadership experiences
  • Civic or other service activities
  • Socioeconomic background
  • Family educational background
  • Special talents or awards
  • Unique experiences and background


If you do not meet the assured admission requirements, we strongly encourage you to respond to essay prompts through the application for admission and submit up to 3 letters of recommendation. Essays or personal statements are a great way to showcase your writing skills while allowing the admissions committee to hear directly from you.

*Texas Tech University values high school students who push themselves, are intellectually curious and are interested in learning. We understand and appreciate that a greater number of students are engaged in rigorous, college-level coursework such as Honors, AP or IB courses. Because we believe that these experiences can elevate the high school experience, it is our policy to make academic rigor a factor in consideration for admission to Texas Tech. Students are expected to perform well in these and all other courses in high school in order to demonstrate their college readiness.

 

Already applied?

Although applications will be accepted beginning July 1, initial decision letters will be released in mid-September. Decisions beyond this time usually take 2-4 weeks. If you have any questions regarding the application or enrollment processes, contact your admissions counselor here.





Some academic colleges and departments at Texas Tech only accept students who meet assured admission requirements:

Arts & Sciences - Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Physics
Human Sciences - Interior Design
Rawls College of Business - All majors
Whitacre College of Engineering - All majors
Honors Arts and Letters - Honors College admission required

Note: Test-optional applicants will be holistically reviewed for admission into the above programs.


SAT
ACT

College Board Code (Domestic): 6827
College Board Code (International): 6859




Per state law, TEC 51.803-51.809, Uniform Admissions Policy (UAP) requires applicants to four year public universities to meet college readiness standards through completion of a high school graduation program or equivalent or through SAT or ACT score benchmarks.

Texas Tech University applies consistent admissions standards for all high school applicants. Under the provisions of Texas Foundation High School Program, students with a minimum of a Foundation level of high school diploma are eligible to apply for admission to Texas public institutions for higher education. To this end, Texas Tech University will accept applications for admission from students who have achieved a Foundation level high school diploma.

In order to demonstrate the highest level of college preparation and to be the most competitive in the applicant pool, Texas Tech University recommends that applicants complete the Foundation Curriculum with the Distinguished level of achievement. The Distinguished diploma is required for Top 10% Automatic Admission. This recommended curriculum includes:

Language Arts (4 Credits)

English I, II & III
Advanced English Course
Options include English IV, Creative Writing, Humanities, & Advanced Journalism

Mathematics (4 Credits)

Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Advanced Math Course
Options include Precalculus, AQR, AP Statistics & Engineering Mathematics

Science (4 Credits)

Biology
IPC or Advanced Science
Two advanced Science Courses
Options include Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, & Astronomy

Social Studies (3 Credits)

U.S. History
U.S. Government (.5 credit)
Economics (.5 credit)
World Geography or World History

Foreign Language (2 Credits)

Both credits must be the same language
American Sign Language is accepted as a foreign language for admission purposes.
Some academic programs have different foreign language requirements; please refer to the catalog for information concerning your desired major.
Computer Science is acceptable for admission purposes, however, it does not satisfy the TTU graduation requirements for foreign language.

Physical Education (1 Credit)

Fine Arts (1 Credit)

Electives (6 Credits)




You may qualify for automatic admission to Texas Tech University through the Top 10% Rule. To meet the requirements, you must graduate in the top 10% of your class at a recognized public or private high school. You will also need to complete one of the following:

The Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation High School Program, or Complete Coursework that is "Equal in Content & Rigor" If you provide a high school transcript that does not indicate you are graduating with the Distinguished diploma, your high school counselor should submit the Diploma Verification form to our office. Earn a score on the ACT or SAT that meets the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks. Your official SAT score must be at least 480 for EBRW and 530 for Math or your official ACT scores must be at least 18 English, 22 Reading, 22 Mathematics and 23 Science.


View immunization requirements and submit documentation here.

Admission Alternatives

Students not initially admitted as first-year students have the opportunity to gain admission through these alternative programs. Click on the links below to learn more about these programs.

Have questions?

We have a dedicated team of admission and financial aid experts ready to answer your questions!