One small step for college, one giant step into your future!

So you’ve wrapped up your senior year. You put on your cap and gown and received your high school diploma. I hope you realize what an accomplishment you have achieved!!! You should be very proud of yourself. Take time to celebrate with friends and family, and enjoy the rest of your summer before you take a great step into your college career.

The summer before my freshman year in college, I was so excited. I worked extra hours at HEB so that I could save up money to spend in college. I also had such a fun time picking out cute dorm decorations and bedding. (By the way, you will need extra-long twin bedding for college! That’s important.) And then I got to go to orientation, where I had a blast getting to know the campus and making my first college friends.

Orientation was such a fun experience. I got to see what campus is like a little before I moved there. I tried out the Rec facilities, ate on campus, made my Tech ID, met the Matador and Raider Red up-close and made sure I had everything taken care of before move-in day. And by the end of the three days, I was advised for my first-ever, real college classes. I loved how I could choose my own class schedule. I knew I was going to love this new chapter in my life.

As you wrap up everything in high school, some people are ready to leave home right away while others are sad to move away. Both are completely normal. What I told myself was to remember why I was going to college– a great education, an irreplaceable college experience, friends, adventure and a diploma hanging on the wall of my future dream career. Sure change is scary, and I was nervous about starting a new life, but you aren’t alone. You are making a great decision. You can do this, and remember to smile because you are now a part of the Red Raider family!

One more thing — don’t forget to mail us your final transcript after you graduate and to sign up for Housing and Red Raider Orientation.
Wreck’em Tech!

By Megan, July 2011

Learn More About Texas Tech Academic Testing Services

Congratulations counselors! You have made it to the homestretch! TAKS testing is over and you only have a few more weeks of school left, so let’s let out a huge, collective sigh.

Feel better? Good! Now let’s get down to business!

I want to introduce you to the Academic Testing Services (ATS) at Texas Tech and several services that the program offers.

ATS provides quality services that are integral to recruitment, admission, retention, graduation and post-graduation testing needs of Texas Tech students and the larger community by offering academic testing options that provide students with timesaving alternatives that shorten the path to graduation.

Some of these services include credit by examination: Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), SAT and ACT. A list of all subjects and their corresponding credit hours can be found here

As you know, the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) took the place of TASP as of September 1, 2003. TSI was implemented to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges and universities possess the necessary academic skills to succeed. Under the Texas Success Initiative, any student who is not exempt is required to take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), the Compass, Accuplacer, or Asset test to test for basic skills in the areas of reading, math, and writing.

TSI test scores are not used to determine admissions status; however, entering students must test before enrolling in college-level courses in any Texas public institution of higher education. Students may take these tests at the ATS during orientation if they would like. For more information on TSI Testing, visit here.

ATS does not administer placement exams, but some students may have to take them before they can register for certain classes. For more specific information, click on the following hyperlinks: Math, Chemistry, and Foreign Language.

If you have any additional questions regarding credit by examination, TSI, or any other tests, please contact ATS by phone at (806)742-3671, by fax at (806) 742-5007, or by email at testing@ttu.edu.

Services Help Texas Tech Students Succeed

At Texas Tech, we understand that students sometimes need extra support for their academic endeavors. Student Services is here to help students with an array of assistance programs.

Texas Tech offers a number of free services for students at the Learning Center. Part of S.O.A.R, the center teaches techniques and technical skills to holistically improve preparation for future academic courses. Students can take advantage of offerings that include time management classes and career services.

Additionally, the Student Counseling Center provides short-term counseling and consultation to students who are experiencing emotional and psychological problems. Students at Texas Tech can come by the Student Counseling Center during our walk-in clinic hours between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Our family relations support service provides parents with information and resources that will help them stay informed about what is going on at Texas Tech and connect with other Tech parents and families.

Another awesome program at Texas Tech: financial advising. Students can avoid credit and debt issues with Red to Black, an outreach of the Texas Tech Personal Financial Planning program that provides financial planning education. In addition to seminars and presentations, the program provides confidential individual financial counseling and planning services.

For Red Raiders who need the occasional checkup or help with any other health-related need, Texas Tech has a clinic on campus. The Texas Tech Physicians Family & Community Medicine clinic provides health services to Texas Tech students who are currently enrolled and have paid the Student Health Fees as part of tuition and fees. To receive health services, they simply present their Student I.D. card at the time of the appointment.

Finally, we know life doesn’t end after graduation. Texas Tech wants to help our students find employment opportunities. Career Services views a student’s career development as a part of the student’s overall college and life experience, and focuses on assisting career development and education. University Career Services provides an extensive list of online jobs and on-campus interviews through www.raiderjobs.ttu.edu, as well as career counseling for students to explore those factors that influence career decisions.

We strongly encourage students to take advantage of the many services provided through Texas Tech. After all, our goal is to help them succeed!

Summer Showcase

We love a good opportunity to showcase the beauty of our campus.

For one thing, a campus visit is the best way for students to see why so many people choose to attend Texas Tech University.

The same idea applies to counselors.

Once you set foot on campus, see the wide-open spaces, the people, you’ll know why your students will love attending Texas Tech.

That’s why we invite you to Summer Showcase, an annual event for high school and community college counselors.

We will cover your airfare and on-campus accommodations for the June 27-29 event. You will arrive to a rousing welcome from campus leadership and get an opportunity to interact with Texas Tech students. Hear firsthand accounts of why they decided to call Texas Tech home.

We’ll try not to bore you with windy presentations. Instead of hurling facts and figures at you, we’ll let you participate in demonstrations, tour labs and take part in other experiences not typical of conferences.

We cluster our information sessions according to interests. This format allows you to see the academic opportunities for your students across a broad swath of our colleges.

Consider yourself and your students personally invited to visit. Save the date for Summer Showcase.

For more information, contact Julian Olivas at 806.742.1299 or email Julian.olivas@ttu.edu.

Your students can schedule a campus visit by visiting www.visit.ttu.edu. Campus tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and at 10 a.m. on most Saturday mornings. We look forward to seeing you on campus!

What past Summer Showcase participants are saying …

“I enjoyed the information I received that would allow me to better inform the students I worked with that would want to transfer to Texas Tech University.”

“I had never been on the Tech campus before. I enjoyed the entire experience, particularly interacting with current students.”

“I enjoyed the entire Showcase. Also like hearing from students–what a treat to see some projects, student tour guides, and attend performances. Thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality. I really did learn more about Tech.”

By Julian Olivas, April 2011

Techsan Preview

Since the majority of our student body at Texas Tech is a population of students that have traveled over 300 miles away from home to attend college, we know that most of visitors are also traveling long distances to take a tour of our campus. For this reason, we do our best to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable experience on our campus! Techsan Preview Days are just that… an experience!

Catered specifically to rising seniors in high school, this unique event gives the prospective student insight as to what it’s like to be a true Red Raider! The students will take an in-depth, interactive tour of the campus while exploring the academic areas, sitting through a mock class, touring a real science lab, and playing in the recreation center! While the students are out and about on campus having fun…the parents will be getting valuable information that THEY need/want for their students. The Office of Admissions, Student Financial Center and Scholarships Office, Center for Campus Life, and other offices will do short 30 min. sessions. The parents will also hear from Texas Tech’s Parent and Family Relations office, about how they can get involved with the Red Raider family. Both the students and parents will be provided lunch on campus. Finally, the will end with the students and parents browsing an academic resource fair.

This wonderful event is meant to showcase the university to students, in hopes that they will get excited about applying to Texas Tech their senior year. Parents enjoy this event because it not only accommodates the students, but the parent as well. Visitors leave campus will an understanding of what college life at Texas Tech is all about!

By Joann Mitchell, April 2011

A Night with the Raiders & Red Raider Q’s & A’s

Here are some up and coming events to help your students learn more about Texas Tech. Our Night with the Raiders program is where we bring Tech close for you and your juniors and seniors. Juniors will get time to start exploring about our different programs and learn about admissions, and campus life. Seniors can do all that as well if they are trying to get those last minute questions in. If they are admitted they get to meet other students to make new friends and prepare them for orientation.

Our Red Raider Q’s & A’s is a program where we help admitted students get all their questions answered before going to Tech. They will go over a checklist to learn what they need to do with in the next few months primarily with housing, financial aid and signing up for orientation.

We will have both events going out in different parts of the state and some outside Texas. If you would like to see where these will be held at please contact your regional office

Main Campus – Lubbock
806.742.1480

Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Center
214.630.8324

Houston Regional Center
713.467.5100

San Antonio Regional Center
210.614.7576

By Ricky Alarcon, February 2011

Red Raider Orientation

On behalf of the Undergraduate Admissions we want to congratulate your students on becoming a Texas Tech Red Raider! We could not be more excited for them to start their college journey here with us! A great way to get started is at our Red Raider Orientation! Here they will get a jump start on their college road to the best university in the State!

Red Raider Orientation is here to guide them through their transition from high school to college. RRO is for transfer and incoming freshman students. For these students they will learn all the Texas Tech Traditions, take a tour of the University grounds, stay on campus and get to make new friends to start a new chapter with. When they leave RRO they will be more prepared for college, registered for classes, have new friends, have school spirit and most importantly be a RED RAIDER! Get ready to Relax, have fun, go crazy as we welcome your students to our Red Raider family!

Below are a few websites where you can find the dates to sign up for Red Raider Orientation and a Checklist to help your students move right along the process. Once you have found the date of which your student wishes to attend go to the Register for RRO tab on the right of your screen and sign up. We welcome your students to join the journey to our Red Raider Family! From Here It’s Possible!

Dates of Red Raider Orientation:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/centerforcampuslife/redraiderorientation/dates.php
Checklist: Get Prepared:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/centerforcampuslife/redraiderorientation/next/getprepared.php

By Carlee Johnson, February 2011

Red Raider Madness

If you have students that are looking to experience the “Red Raider Life,” look no further. On Saturday, March 5th, we’ll be hosting an event where students will see firsthand what it’s like to be a Red Raider.

Red Raider Madness will begin with a student life fair. Students and parents will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from all across campus. Enjoy a lunch with a guest speaker, while taking in the breathtaking view from the Club Level of the Jones AT&T stadium. After lunch the students will receive a free ticket to cheer on our Lady Raiders at a basketball game.

If this exciting event brings a few students to mind, please share the information with them. The event is limited to admitted students only, so please be sure they take care of the acceptance before then. Invitations will be sent out at a later date.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Rex Oliver at rex.oliver@ttu.edu

Get your guns up!

By Megan Griffith, January 2011

Admitted Student Day

Your students have worked so hard, they have their acceptance letter to Texas Tech in hand, now what’s next? Admitted Student Day is the perfect next step in the process to becoming official Red Raiders. During this special day devoted just to our admitted students, they will be able to learn their way around campus and meet their future classmates while completing the steps to enrollment. Students will be able to tour our beautiful campus, our residence halls, and our student recreation center. Do you have students who can’t decide which major is best for them? Don’t worry! Admitted Student Day gives your students the opportunity to visit with representatives from our respective academic colleges. University Student Housing will also be on hand to help students with their online application to select their residence hall, roommate, and dining plan. Another great opportunity that Admitted Student Day provides is priority registration for Red Raider Orientation. Texas Tech reserves spots in each Red Raider Orientation for students who attend Admitted Student Day, so your students will be more likely to get the session that fits their schedule best. So don’t worry my friend- Admitted Student Day is the next stepping stone to help your hard working students become official Red Raiders! Admitted students can register online at www.visit.ttu.edu/ASD. We can’t wait to see them on campus! Until then keep those guns up! Wreck’em Tech!

By Marc S. Morales, January 2011

Housing

Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus. Once a student receives 30 hours of college credit, they may be able to move off campus. A first-time freshman entering Texas Tech with several hours of college credit taken in high school will not be exempt from the on-campus housing requirement.

Benefits of living on campus include:

Everyone has to live on campus, so your students won’t be the only ones adjusting to life on their own.

They meet tons of people

Build lasting friendships

Minutes away from class

Convenient dining areas

Learning Communities
A learning community is a section in each residence hall designed to promote success. It’s a chance for students living on campus to be able to room with other students who share the same interest in major. At the moment we have 18 different learning communities in several residence halls. By enrolling in a learning community, your students get the chance to get to know their peers, develop better study habits and become more successful.

Requirements
The housing application opens in November. Once admitted, a student must get their meningitis vaccination before they can reserve a room. Students can fax the form to 806-742-2696 or mail it to:

University Student Housing
Box 41141
Lubbock, TX 79409

After submitting the verification form to the housing department, the student can reserve a room online using his/her eRaider account. There is a $50 application fee along with a $400 deposit, for a total of $450 to reserve a spot.

For any questions or concerns, you or your students can always contact the housing department at 806-742-4661 or visit the website at www.housing.ttu.edu.

By Heather Olivarez, November 2010

Diploma Verification Form

It’s that time of the semester where students are rushing to get all of their application materials turned in before the holiday break. You will not only be asked to send transcripts or additional fee waivers, but you may also be asked to fill out the Diploma Verification form. The form is sent to students that do not show a clear diploma type on the transcript, students attending private schools and out-of-state students.

In order for the student to attend a Texas institution they must meet the Recommended or the Distinguished/Advanced diploma type. This form will be emailed to the student directly where they will be need to bring it to you to make sure that they are meeting the State of Texas higher education requirements. It is a short form that will verify that the student meets the 4 units of English, 4 units of math, 4 units of science and 2 units of a foreign language.

Once the student receives the notification their application status will indicate “App: Pending Verification” meaning that we are waiting for the Diploma Verification form to process the student’s application. The form is short, should not take more than five minutes to complete and once it has been filled out you have the option of mailing it to Undergraduate Admissions or fax it to 806-742-0062.

Please do not hesitate to contact your admissions counselor if you have additional questions regarding this process.

Best of Luck to you and your students!

By Anamaria Olivares, November 2010

Letters of Recommendation

Students and counselors always ask me about letters of recommendation. Are they mandatory? How many can you have? Should we get one? Letters of recommendation are optional for the Texas Tech application however I always strongly encourage students to have at least one. A positive letter of recommendation can’t do anything but help the student’s application. The letters are a great way for us to learn additional information about the student that can’t be found on the application.

Students can have up to three letters of recommendation and they can be from anyone; a teacher, coach, counselor, youth director, employer, or family friend. When working with students encourage them to choose someone that knows them well and will highlight their strengths. Also make sure that they choose someone who will write them a positive letter, we actually sometimes receive negative letters of recommendation.

The student can send their letters of recommendation to:
Undergraduate Admissions
Box 45005
Lubbock, TX 79409

Please make sure they include all of their information on the letter, including their student # if they have it to ensure that their letter is placed correctly.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me at anytime at andrea.e.gage@ttu.edu.

By Andrea Gage, October 2010

Honors College

Do you have overachieving students who continually strive for academic excellence? Well, the Honors College at Texas Tech University is one of the most unique programs in the country. The mission of the Honors College is to “to provide an enriched learning experience for intellectually capable and curious undergraduate students.” The faculty and staff are dedicated to replicating small-college learning in a large university setting.

The opportunities offered through the Honors College are endless. Honors Students are eligible to live in Gordon Hall, the Honors residence hall, and are allowed early registration for classes. In the classroom, these students will experience smaller classes, individual attention from their professors and early acceptance to Texas Tech’s Law School and Medical School. The list goes on. One important aspect to mention:most students enrolled in the Honors College have a major in some other college (Arts and Sciences, Engineering or Business Administration) and are enrolled in both the college of their major and also in the Honors College. However, the Honors College also has two unique major programs: Honors Arts and Letters and Environment & The Humanities.

Texas Tech’s Honors College is dedicated to extraordinary academia; however, it facilitates growth in many other aspects outside of the classroom. From the service and social organization, Eta Omicron Nu, to a special Student Activities Board, as a member of the Honors Community, students can take full advantage of everything it has to offer. Finally, the Honors College also has additional scholarships for their students. The scholarship information can be found here: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/scholarships.php

Now to the most important part: how to apply. The Honors College has a separate application and it can be found on their Website. (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/ ) The qualifications for the Honors College are as follows: a student must be either in the Top 10% of their graduating class, receive a 26 ACT or a 1200 SAT. These qualifications do not guarantee admission into the Honors College, because students are accepted through a holistic-review process. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the Honors College at 806.742.1828.

By Donielle Johnson, October 2010

Visiting Campus

Choosing the right university is a very important decision every student must make. There is no better way for students to be sure of their choice than to experience campus in person; and at Texas Tech a visit to our campus is key for students when deciding if Texas Tech is a fit for them. Our 1,850-acre campus gives students plenty of room to breathe while promoting a lively intellectual and social atmosphere. After visiting, students see that Texas Tech is a place to build lasting friendships, a foundation for learning and an experience that will shape the rest of their lives.
University Day is a special day we host for prospective students and their families, and is held every fall. We strive to show students firsthand exactly what makes Texas Tech the best place to achieve all their possibilities. Tours of our beautiful campus and residence halls, as well as student service and organization fairs are available. Faculty members and staff are on hand to answer any questions and assist in showing students that Texas Tech is the right choice for them. Students will start their University Day experience like a true Red Raider with our Spirit Squads, Saddle Tramps and the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. The Spirit Showcase is followed by a special welcome from our student leaders and Texas Tech administrators that will make students feel right at home. University Day will be held Monday, October 18, 2010.
We also have special events call Football Fridays. Football Fridays are special events where students can enjoy a little more than just a campus visit. On these days students can enjoy a campus and housing tour along with an admissions and financial aid presentation. Students will also be able to walk through an academic information fair and they can also visit and tour the student recreational center.
If students aren’t able to visit for University Day or Football Fridays, they can schedule a visit with the Visitors Center. Students can sign-up online at www.visit.ttu.edu or call 806.742.1490.

By Mary Willeford, September 2010

New School Year

It’s hard to believe a new school year is underway and seniors are beginning the college application process. As your students begin the admission application process for Texas Tech University, it’s important to understand the two ways we admit students. Texas Tech offers Assured Admission and admission through the Application Review Process.

Assured Admission

Assured admission is based on a student’s high school class rank and official SAT and/or ACT score. Please note, we combine the highest SAT critical reading and math scores from multiple test dates. We also consider the highest ACT composite score. For example, if a student is in the first quarter and scored an 1150 on the SAT, they qualify for assured admission. If your school is a non-ranking school, Texas Tech will assign the student a class rank based on their GPA provided on their official high school transcript.

Assured admission is required all business; engineering; community, family & addiction services; human development & family studies; and interior design majors. Students that do not meet assured admission but wish to study one the above mentioned majors, will initially be placed in their second choice major. Students may transfer into their first choice major once they attend Texas Tech for a semester and achieve the requirements necessary to study the respective majors (varies by academic college).

Application Review Process

Students who do not meet assured admission are evaluated holistically based on:

Academic course selection (Honors, AP, Dual Credit, IB)

Extracurricular activities

Leadership experiences

Civic or other service activities

Socioeconomic background

Family educational background

Special talents or awards

Diversity of experience and background

Students are able to review the assured admission chart (shown above) online; therefore, students know whether they meet assured admission prior to submitting their application. It is important for students going through the application review process to submit any additional documents they feel will be beneficial to the admission committee in making a decision. It is strongly encouraged for students entering the application review process to submit one essay and up to three letters of recommendation. Please encourage students to submit their essay with the ApplyTexas application. Also advise them to send their letters of recommendation no later than a week after submitting their application. Please note, high school class rank and SAT and/or ACT scores are still considered in the application review process; however, additional factors are taken in to consideration.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Texas Tech University looks forward to helping you, and your students, in any way possible. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any one of our four offices.

West Texas – Texas Tech University Main Campus

806-742-1480

Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Center
217-630-8324

Houston Regional Center
713-467-5100

San Antonio/Austin Regional Center

210-614-7576

By Diane Bollom, September 2010