texas tech supplemental essay

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Texas Tech University | TTU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Overcoming challenges essay.

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Additional Info Essay

Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Apply Texas Essays 2022‒2023

Apply Texas Essays 2023

If you live in Texas or plan on applying to schools there, it’s likely that you’ve heard of the Apply Texas portal . At Texas schools, the Apply Texas essays are an important part of the application process. In fact, the Apply Texas essays are the best way to let your personality, experiences, and interests impress admissions teams. 

In many ways, Apply Texas—including the Apply Texas essays—resembles the Common Application. So, you can likely repurpose plenty of information from the Common Application as you complete the Apply Texas application. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tackle each of the Apply Texas essays. We’ll discuss:

• General information about the Apply Texas portal 
• How to respond to each of the Apply Texas essay prompts
• Different Texas college requirements
• The importance of the Apply Texas essays
• More useful essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

Now, let’s start our deep dive into the Apply Texas essays. But first, let’s talk about the Apply Texas application more broadly. 

What is Apply Texas?

Apply Texas is a college application portal where students can apply to higher education institutes in Texas. The portal was created in order to allow students to fill out one application for all Texas schools. Students will create an Apply Texas login in order to access their applications. 

However, while many of the best colleges in Texas require an Apply Texas login to complete their application, some don’t. So, make sure to check the application requirements for every school. 

Apply Texas essay vs. the Common Application essay

You may be wondering, what’s the difference between the Apply Texas essay and the Common Application essay? Well, logically, Apply Texas can only be used to apply to schools in the state of Texas. However, some Texas schools may also accept applications through the Common Application or Coalition Application. If that’s the case, then you can decide which portal to use. 

Overall, the Apply Texas essay format is similar to the Common Application essay format. This means that many of the tools you’ve used for your Common Application essay will help you complete your Apply Texas essays. You can also look at Common App essay examples to help you write the Apply Texas essays. 

Understanding the Apply Texas essay requirements

Different schools will have different requirements when it comes to the Apply Texas essay prompts. Some schools may not even require an essay at all. 

For example, Texas State University applicants will complete their applications using the Apply Texas login. While Texas State only lists their essay as “highly recommended,” you should still complete it. You can also check out some Apply Texas essays examples to bolster your application. 

The Apply Texas application also has its own unique Apply Texas essay prompts, which differ from the prompts on the Common App. So, while you might be able to repurpose your Common App essay for one of the Apply Texas essay prompts, you should think carefully about your choice of topic. 

What schools use Apply Texas?

Many two- and four-year universities in Texas use Apply Texas. This includes the majority of public universities as well as some private colleges. 

However, you should always double-check each school’s admissions site to see which application portal you should use. Each school’s requirements will vary. 

You can use Apply Texas to apply to some of the best colleges in Texas , including UT Austin and Texas A&M University. However, Rice University—the top college in Texas, according to U.S. News—does not use Apply Texas. 

Understanding the Apply Texas essay format

If you’re planning to apply to multiple Texas schools, you should create an Apply Texas login. However, all schools’ requirements will be different. This means the Apply Texas essay format could slightly vary.

While you’ll find one Apply Texas essay word limit on the application itself, different schools will recommend different word counts. You may also not complete all of the Apply Texas essays for every school.

So, top Texas universities such as the University of Houston , Texas Tech , and TCU will have slightly different requirements, even though you’ll use the same Apply Texas login to access their applications. Use our College Search Feature below to learn more about each school’s unique features!

What are the Apply Texas essays?

Next, let’s check out the Apply Texas essays. 

There are three Apply Texas essay prompts. You’ll complete different Apply Texas essays depending on which schools you apply to. For example, some schools may require that students respond to the Apply Texas essay A, while others may let you choose your prompt.  

Below, we’ve provided a chart with each of the Apply Texas essay prompts. 

Applicants should also note that Apply Texas word limits will vary by school. In this chart, we’ve provided the word limit suggested by the portal itself. However, you should adapt your word count to each university’s requirements. 

Remember to consider school supplements 

Additionally, note that some universities will require other short essays as well as one of the Apply Texas essay prompts. 

For example, the UT Austin application will differ from the Baylor application even though both will use an Apply Texas login. Likewise, the UT Austin application requirements aren’t exactly the same as the UT Dallas application requirements. So, always be sure to double-check the admissions sites for school specifics. 

Before tackling your Apply Texas essays, try to read some Apply Texas essays examples. This will give you an idea of the different ways to approach the essay. The Apply Texas essay format can vary, so looking at Apply Texas essays examples can help you think outside of the box. 

How long should Apply Texas essays be?

As you tackle the Apply Texas essays, you should keep the word count in mind. According to the Apply Texas application portal, you have 800 words for each of your essays. 

However, when it comes to the word limit, you’ll want to see what each university requires or recommends. Every school’s requirements will be different. 

Let’s check out a couple of schools in Texas and compare their approach to their Apply Texas essay word limit. 

The University of Texas Austin requires its applicants to respond to Apply Texas Essay A if using the Apply Texas application. Their word limit is 500-700. Additionally, students will complete three required short answer essays with word limits of 250-300 words. They can also choose to complete a fourth optional essay (also 250-300 words). 

Alternatively, Texas Tech does not require applicants to complete an essay. However, the essay is “highly recommended.” So, as usual, consider this optional essay a requirement. If using the Apply Texas application, Texas Tech gives students the option to respond to Apply Texas Essay A or B. They have placed a 500-word limit on this essay. Check out some tips from Texas Tech admissions to write your Apply Texas essays. 

Texas Christian University

The TCU admissions office requires applicants to complete one essay. However, which of the Apply Texas essays students write is up to them. The word limit is 300-500 words, so you’ll need to impress TCU admissions with a concise, authentic, and passionate essay. 

As you begin your Apply Texas essays, check out Common App essay examples and Apply Texas essays examples to help you prepare.

Apply Texas Essay A

Tell us your story. what unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today.

The Apply Texas Essay A seems to be the overwhelming favorite among universities using the Apply Texas essays. This prompt asks students to “tell us your story.” Simple enough, right? 

Of course, a prompt this broad can feel overwhelming. However, it’s a great opportunity to show admissions who you are. This is your chance to really make your application stand out by sharing something that you haven’t yet revealed (or expanded upon) in other parts of your Apply Texas application. 

This prompt is quite similar to one of the Common Application prompts. So, if you want some inspiration, you can check out Common App essay examples. 

Which Texas colleges require it?

Surprisingly, many universities in Texas do not require applicants to submit an essay. However, if a school includes an “optional” essay requirement, you should still submit one. The Apply Texas essays are a great way to stand out and enrich your application narrative. 

That being said, some universities in Texas do require applicants to submit Apply Texas Essay A. For instance, Texas A&M requires applicants to respond to Apply Texas Essay A. And, as we mentioned, the UT Austin application also requires Apply Texas Essay A.  

Remember, while going through the Apply Texas application, double-check the essay requirements. They will vary depending on each school. 

How to write Apply Texas Essay A

Like many college essays, Apply Texas Essay A asks you to share experiences that have made you who you are. Whether you have a million ideas or are drawing a complete blank, don’t worry. We’re here to help.

Let’s check out the best way to respond to Apply Texas Essay A.

You could probably tell many stories. Apply Texas Essay A asks you to share just one. This leaves a lot of room for interpretation. 

So, think about significant moments in your life. It could be easier to focus on the last few years, as you’ve probably grown a lot throughout high school. 

Make a list of moments that have changed or shaped you as a person. No moment is too small to include. As long as it shows some growth—and you can write authentically and passionately about it—then it’s a good topic. 

Answer the prompt completely

Now, the prompt mentions an opportunity or challenge. Don’t blatantly point out this in your draft by stating “this was a huge challenge/opportunity.” Most likely, if you’ve chosen a story that shows your personal growth, then it’s probably an opportunity or challenge. And, if you tell your story well, this will come through. 

You will need to clearly show how that moment that you’re sharing has shaped who you are today. For example, let’s say that you want to discuss the day you went to your first protest. From that moment forward you’ve been passionate about activism. That clearly shows how pivotal this moment was in your life. Maybe it’s even shaped what you’d like to study or your future career. 

Remember to research your school, too. Well-written Apply Texas essays will be specific to each individual school. For example, if writing an essay for Southern Methodist University , check out their specific programs and offerings. Even though this isn’t a “why school” essay, you can still link your interests and growth to the school.

Write passionately

This isn’t the time to write vague statements that could apply to any high school student. Your story should be unique to you. Make sure to choose your topic wisely to highlight your passion and authenticity. 

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Set the scene. Remember that it’s much more impactful to show rather than tell when writing. If we continue with our protest example, you might open your essay by describing the atmosphere using descriptive language that puts the reader right there with you. Then, you can reflect back on how this moment has affected you to date. 

Apply Texas Essays – Topic B

While a few schools require applicants to answer the Apply Texas essay A, some may ask you to choose which essay to respond to. Let’s review the second of the Apply Texas essay prompts:

Some students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. If you are one of these students, then tell us about yourself.

Again, the goal of this prompt, like all of the Apply Texas essays, is to let you show each school what makes you unique. You should also aim to relate it back to your aspirations. For example, how does who you are shape what you want in your future?

Approaching Apply Texas Essay B

Topic B asks you to explore a part of your identity. Is there something you can point out that shows your values, character, and personality?

For example, maybe you’ve been dancing ballet since you started walking. Maybe it’s become a form of meditation or a way for you to express yourself. Perhaps it’s taught you discipline. It doesn’t matter how it’s shaped you (although it should be in a positive way)—you just need to show how it has impacted you. 

If you decide to focus on an “identity” instead of an “interest,” then you’ve got even more options to choose from. You can choose to highlight your background, experiences, family, values, or other key features. 

Overall, your topic should be unique to you. And, again, don’t be afraid to get creative in writing this essay. Your Apply Texas essays shouldn’t read like a resume; they should be engaging while still answering the prompt. 

Apply Texas Essay Prompts – Topic C

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a university that requires students to respond to the last of the Apply Texas essays. However, you may be given the option of which Apply Texas essay prompts you’d like to respond to. So, let’s check out Essay C.

You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

You may notice that this essay seems quite different from the other Apply Texas essays—it gives you a lot more freedom. So, you can really dive into the creativity of this topic. However, remember to not get too carried away and forget that, in the end, you’re still writing a college essay. The main goal, like the other Apply Texas essay prompts, is to show who you are as a person and an applicant. 

Crafting a response to Essay C

For Essay C, your process doesn’t have to be wildly different than it was for the other Apply Texas essay prompts. First, decide what you’ll write about. Start by brainstorming options if nothing comes to mind right away. 

Maybe you have a topic in mind immediately. That’s great! If you can write passionately about your ticket destination and activity, then that’s the topic for you.

Once again, get creative. You could go to a magical land, back in time, outer space, or to a remote island. The ticket and the destination don’t matter—it’s what they show about who you are. 

Most importantly, make sure to tie in your career goals or future aspirations. How will this trip impact you and your future? What experience will you have that will shape you?

Exploring Texas college’s essay requirements

When it comes to factors such as the Apply Texas essay word limit or Apply Texas essay prompts, requirements will vary by school. While the general Apply Texas application will be the same, the Apply Texas essay format will be different. Namely, each school will request different Apply Texas essay prompts. 

Let’s look at some of the essay requirements for the best colleges in Texas:

As you can see, while the Apply Texas application is uniform, the essay requirements vary greatly by school. For instance, you’ll see the Apply Texas essays for the Baylor application vs the University of Houston application are not the same. So, always double-check with your university’s admissions sites for all requirements. 

And, don’t forget, when it comes to “optional” essays, treat them as though they are required. While Texas A&M admissions requires an essay, Texas Tech does not. However, strong essays will impress both Texas Tech and Texas A&M admissions. After all, Apply Texas essays are the best way for schools to get to know you better. 

How important are the Apply Texas essays?

When it comes to the admissions process, the Apply Texas essays are extremely important. In general, college essays let applicants share a part of their personality that they haven’t highlighted elsewhere in their application. 

Additionally, most schools use a holistic admissions approach when evaluating students. That means that they review all parts of the application: GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and more. In fact, with more schools going test-optional, essays are an even more significant piece of your application puzzle. 

All to say: strong Apply Texas essays can make a huge difference. So, give yourself ample time to write them.

5 Tips to Make Your Apply Texas Essays Stand Out

Since the Apply Texas essays are so important in the admissions process, you’ll want to do everything you can to make yours stand out. 

5 tips to write Apply Texas essays that impress 

1. meet the requirements.

This may seem obvious, but you need to make sure that you understand the requirements for each school. Double-check the word counts and requirements for each to make sure that you hit all targets. 

2. Choose a topic carefully

Your topic is the most important part of the process. If you choose a topic that you aren’t authentically passionate about, it will show. Don’t think about what admissions wants to hear. Instead, choose a topic that you can easily write about. Then go back and fine-tune your essay to answer every aspect of the prompt. 

3. Get creative

Your Apply Texas essays should be engaging and unique. Don’t feel like you need to stick to a certain format. Set the scene and capture your audience. This is your opportunity to show who you are as well as your writing chops. So, as long as you answer each prompt fully, get as creative as you’d like!

4. Show personal growth

Your Apply Texas essays should show how you’ve evolved. Ideally, you should connect your personal growth to future aspirations in college and beyond. No matter the prompt, this is your opportunity to shine. These are college essays, so you want to show what you’ll bring to campus with your responses. 

5. Start early!

The last thing you want to do when it comes to your Apply Texas essays is wait until the last minute. Creating impactful essays will take time. You’ll brainstorm, draft, edit, and redraft. You should also leave enough time to have someone else proofread your essay for mechanical errors. Likewise, if they don’t understand the narrative, you’ll want to rework your story and message so that it makes sense to a reader. 

Apply Texas Essays & More Essay Resources from CollegeAdvisor

Writing the Apply Texas essays can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled many essay resources to help you create your best essays. While admissions requirements and essay prompts will change, the overall goal of your college essays stays the same: show admissions who you are and why you belong at that university. 

Before writing essays, you’ll also want to research specifics about the school. We have college pages that outline acceptance rates, enrollment, majors, and more to give you some quick facts on different schools in Texas. To jumpstart your research, check out the Baylor University , Texas A&M University , and University of Texas Austin pages . However, make sure to also do a deep dive into each university’s website to learn more about specific programs and campus life. 

Essay guides and other resources

Follow up by checking out our essay guides. These guides are specific to individual universities. You may even find it helpful to look at past essay guides such as our Baylor , Texas A&M , or UT Austin essay guides. Again, while prompts may change, the end goal of the essays stays the same. 

Additionally, check out the most recent guides such as this 2022-2023 Texas Christian University guide for the most up-to-date tips on making your essays stand out to TCU admissions. Looking at example essays can also help you get inspired. 

CollegeAdvisor has a wealth of resources to help you on your college journey. No matter if you’re trying to create the best Baylor application or impress Texas A&M admissions, our team can help. For expert guidance on the Apply Texas essays and more, schedule a meeting with our team here .

This essay guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Texas Tech University Admission Essays

Shaping the future: a passion for architecture and design.

Introduction As I stand on the threshold of my collegiate journey, I am filled with an unwavering enthusiasm for the limitless possibilities that Architecture and Design School holds. Inspired by the transformative power of architectural marvels around the world, I am eager to embark on…

Bridging the Gap: My Journey to Texas College

Introduction As I reflect upon my educational journey thus far, I am humbled by the challenges I have overcome and the growth I have experienced. The opportunity to pursue higher education has been a driving force in my life, and I am eager to continue…

A Texan Tapestry: Exploring the Common Application

In the vast expanse of educational possibilities, the Texas Common Application Essay serves as a unique portal—a canvas upon which the colors of individuality, aspirations, and experiences are painted. As I embark on this introspective endeavor, I am compelled to share the narrative that defines…

Watch: College Admission Essay Sample

There’s no way that it’s morning already. I hear footsteps running down the hall; eight hours ago this would have been considered typical, but now, it’s completely ludicrous. The door to my dorm room swings open with a nauseating kind of reality, shattering any possibilities…

My Journey to Becoming a Social Worker

Texas Tech University, with its impressive academic offerings and vibrant campus life, has always been my top choice for higher education. I am excited about the opportunity to pursue my academic and personal goals at this renowned institution. My passion for helping others and advocating…

Pursuing a Career in Sports Management

Texas Tech University’s strong reputation as a research institution with an excellent sports management program makes it an ideal place for me to pursue my passion for the business side of sports. The university’s strong academic programs in sports management, coupled with its location in…

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How to Write Your College Essay: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Getting ready to start your college essay? Your essay is very important to your application — especially if you’re applying to selective colleges.

Become a stronger writer by reviewing your peers’ essays and get your essay reviewed as well for free.

We have regular livestreams during which we walk you through how to write your college essay and review essays live.

College Essay Basics

Just getting started on college essays? This section will guide you through how you should think about your college essays before you start.

• Why do essays matter in the college application process?
• What is a college application theme and how do you come up with one?
• How to format and structure your college essay

Before you move to the next section, make sure you understand:

How a college essay fits into your application

What a strong essay does for your chances

How to create an application theme

Learn the Types of College Essays

Next, let’s make sure you understand the different types of college essays. You’ll most likely be writing a Common App or Coalition App essay, and you can also be asked to write supplemental essays for each school. Each essay has a prompt asking a specific question. Each of these prompts falls into one of a few different types. Understanding the types will help you better answer the prompt and structure your essay.

• How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges
• Personal Statement Essay Examples
• How to Write a Stellar Extracurricular Activity Essay
• Extracurricular Essay Examples
• Tips for Writing a Diversity College Essay
• Diversity Essay Examples
• Tips for Writing a Standout Community Service Essay
• How to Write the “Why This Major” Essay
• How to Write a “Why This Major” Essay if You’re Undecided
• How to write the “Why This College” Essay
• How to Research a College to Write the “Why This College” Essay
• Why This College Essay Examples
• How to Write The Overcoming Challenges Essay
• Overcoming Challenges Essay Examples

Identify how each prompt fits into an essay type

What each type of essay is really asking of you

How to write each essay effectively

The Common App essay

Almost every student will write a Common App essay, which is why it’s important you get this right.

• How to Write the Common App Essay
• Successful Common App Essay Examples
• 5 Awesome College Essay Topics + Sample Essays
• 11 Cliché College Essay Topics + How to Fix Them

How to choose which Common App prompts to answer

How to write a successful Common App essay

What to avoid to stand out to admissions officers

Supplemental Essay Guides

Many schools, especially competitive ones, will ask you to write one or more supplemental essays. This allows a school to learn more about you and how you might fit into their culture.

These essays are extremely important in standing out. We’ve written guides for all the top schools. Follow the link below to find your school and read last year’s essay guides to give you a sense of the essay prompts. We’ll update these in August when schools release their prompts.

See last year’s supplemental essay guides to get a sense of the prompts for your schools.

Essay brainstorming and composition

Now that you’re starting to write your essay, let’s dive into the writing process. Below you’ll find our top articles on the craft of writing an amazing college essay.

• Where to Begin? 3 Personal Essay Brainstorming Exercises
• Creating the First Draft of Your College Application Essay
• How to Get the Perfect Hook for Your College Essay
• What If I Don’t Have Anything Interesting To Write About In My College Essay?
• 8 Do’s and Don’t for Crafting Your College Essay
• Stuck on Your College Essay? 8 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Understand how to write a great hook for your essay

Complete the first drafts of your essay

Editing and polishing your essay

Have a first draft ready? See our top editing tips below. Also, you may want to submit your essay to our free Essay Peer Review to get quick feedback and join a community of other students working on their essays.

• 11 Tips for Proofreading and Editing Your College Essay
• Getting Help with Your College Essay
• 5 DIY Tips for Editing Your College Essay
• How Long Should Your College Essay Be?
• Essential Grammar Rules for Your College Apps
• College Essay Checklist: Are You Ready to Submit?

Proofread and edited your essay.

Had someone else look through your essay — we recommend submitting it for a peer review.

Make sure your essay meets all requirements — consider signing up for a free account to view our per-prompt checklists to help you understand when you’re really ready to submit.

Advanced College Essay Techniques

Let’s take it one step further and see how we can make your college essay really stand out! We recommend reading through these posts when you have a draft to work with.

• 10 Guidelines for Highly Readable College Essays
• How to Use Literary Devices to Enhance Your Essay
• How to Develop a Personalized Metaphor for Your College Applications

School of Pharmacy Apply Now

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Apply to Pharmacy School

Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Pharmacy has an abundance of exciting, cutting-edge programs that allow students many different paths for those who are seeking a career within the field of pharmacy. The accomplished professionals who lead these programs guide our students through the outstanding educational lessons required to spearhead this ever-changing community.

Application Process:

• Complete the PharmCAS application
• Once your PharmCAS Application is submitted and verified, you can access your supplemental application. You must pay the non-refundable $100 supplemental application fee and complete the remaining application requirements by the appropriate application deadline.
• It can take up to 14 days for your PharmCAS application to be verified. Once your application has been verified, you will then receive a link in your email to access your supplemental application.
• Prerequisites do not have to be completed prior to applying, but we prefer that your prerequisites are completed by the end of May.

Questions about the application process? Email [email protected] .

Requirements for Pharmacy School

• Admissions Requirements

To apply to the program leading to a Pharm.D. degree, the applicant should:

• Access the PharmCAS on-line application   - Application opens in mid July. - Priority Application Deadline is December 1. - Final Application Deadline is June 1

Our office of student affairs and admissions processes applications submitted applications. It also provides advisement to students interested in pharmaceutical careers and offers student services to prospective and current students. If you have questions regarding admissions requirements, visit our page here . 

Upon the successful completion of our program in the School of Pharmacy, TTUHSC School of Pharmacy will award individuals the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm. D.), leading to sought-after opportunities and a promising career in pharmaceutical sciences. Successful candidates to the school must complete the certain prerequisites in addition to meeting our minimum GPA and PCAT requirements.  MORE  

We can assist you in determining which pharmacy courses you have taken fulfill our prerequisite course requirements. Pharmacy courses vary by the institution through which you received credit.

Honors College

Incoming First Year Applicants

The application for the 2023 Academic Year is now open. APPLY NOW --> The application for the 2024 Academic Year is now closed. Please note the application for the 2025 Academic Year will open in early July 2024.

Application to the Honors College is made separately from application to Texas Tech University. Students may apply to the university and Honors College simultaneously, but a decision will not be made on a student's Honors College application until the student has been admitted to Texas Tech University. The Honors College utilizes a holistic review process in which all application materials are considered before a decision is awarded. For more information about eligibility and requirements, please see below.

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Eligibility & requirements, how to apply, recommendations & recommenders, acceptance information, waitlist information.

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We begin rolling reviews of completed Honors application files on August 1st, with priority consideration* given to applications submitted by December 1st. The earlier you are invited to join the Honors College, the better your chances to take full advantage of the university's opportunities, such as assignments to earlier Red Raider Orientation sessions and a room assignment in the Honors residence hall. Because invitations to join the Honors College are limited,  some students will be placed on a waitlist and may be invited to join at a later date. All waitlist applicants will be notified of final decisions by June 1st.

July 1 | Application opens for all students: high school seniors, current TTU students, and transfer students.

October 1 | Application for Spring Term closes (for current & transfer applications only).

December 1 | Applications for priority consideration for scholarships are due.* Applications for Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative (UMSI) are due.**

March 1 | Application for Fall Term closes for all students.

May 1 | Invited Fall Term applicants must accept or decline a space in the Honors College.

June 1 | Final notifications sent to waitlisted students.

*See Scholarships for Honors Incoming First Year Students ** UMSI  applicants must submit the Honors application by 11:59 PM CT on December 1st, or the UMSI application will not be reviewed by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. Additionally, UMSI applicants are asked to take and submit a  CASPer test . UMSI candidates are strongly encouraged to make note of deadlines and requirements for the CASPer test.

Honors College applications are evaluated as a portfolio, meaning the reviewer will consider the following components before issuing a decision:

Test scores (SAT/ACT) and class rank*

High school GPA and school records

Student short and long essay responses

Recommendation responses

*While there are no minimum SAT or ACT scores required to apply, we recommend that applicants score a minimum of 1360 on the SAT or 29 on the ACT, and graduate in the top 10% of their high school class. However, these serve only as benchmarks and prospective students should not consider scores or class rank to be a barrier in their decision to apply.

You may apply to the Honors College before you are accepted to the university; however, a decision on your Honors application will not be finalized until you have been accepted to TTU.

Apply to Texas Tech University

Note: When choosing a major, prospective students may select any major at Texas Tech University. Interested students may also select the in-house Honors College major, Honors Science & the Humanities (HSH) , on ApplyTexas or CommonApp, but they need not major in HSH in order to apply to the Honors College. Selecting the HSH major does not guarantee admission to the Honors College. For more information about Honors Sciences & the Humanities, contact [email protected] .

Apply to the Honors College

When applying, you will select your student type. Please use the following as a guide:

Students currently enrolled in high school should select First Semester College Student, Entering TTU .

Students currently enrolled in college coursework at Texas Tech University should select Currently Enrolled at Texas Tech University .

Students currently attending another university, but who have graduated from high school, should select Transferring from another college or university .

An application to the Honors College cannot be reviewed until it has been marked “complete”. Students are notified by email when their application is completed and ready to be reviewed. Completed applications are those that meet the following criteria:

Shorter and longer essay responses are completed.

$35 non-refundable application fee is paid.*

Online application has been submitted.**

Student is admitted to Texas Tech University.

Two electronic recommendation responses are received.

*Application fees are updated manually. Your application fee will be processed and updated within 48 hours of submission.

**Once you save and submit your application, you will be redirected to the payment screen. After entering your payment information, you will then be asked to confirm your application submission. This final screen is confirmation that your application has been submitted.

Frequently-Asked-Questions:

How can I see what is missing on my application? If your application has been submitted, you can access a checklist which will show you what items are missing from your application. To view the checklist, log in to the application website and select your Honors College application.

When can I expect to hear back? You should receive a decision letter by email within 3-4 weeks from the date of completion. Students are notified by email when their application is complete.

I have not heard back and it has been 3-4 weeks. What should I do? Please send your name, R# (if possible), and inquiry to [email protected] , and the Admissions Coordinator will check on your application status.

Where do I send my recommendation letters? Applicants will list the names and e-mail addresses of two academic or teacher recommenders in the online application. We do not accept hard copies or traditional letters of recommendation. Instead, recommenders will receive an email with a link to complete the Honors College's online recommendation form.

Whom should I choose for my recommenders? We highly recommend that you select individuals who can attest to your aptitude in the classroom, such as a teacher, professor, and/or a high school counselor. The electronic recommendation form is structured to identify your academic strengths, so please keep this in mind when selecting your two recommenders.

May I have more than two recommenders? No. We only allow two recommendations per application.

May I change my recommender if I have already submitted my application? To change your recommender, please email [email protected] with the following information: your name, the name of the recommender who will be removed, and the name and e-mail address of your new recommender.

My recommender did not receive the link to the recommendation form. How do I resend the link? Please email [email protected] with your name and the name of the recommender who did not receive the link to the recommendation form.

I have been invited to join the Honors College. What should I do next?

• Sign and return your Honors contract (see Honors Contract below.
• Register for the earliest Red Raider Orientation possible to ensure better access to TTU and Honors College courses (see Red Raider Orientation below).
• Select your dormitory (see Housing below).
• Check your University Admitted Student Tasklist (see Admitted Student Tasklist below).

Honors Contract

Your Honors College contract is a form that indicates your understanding of the College's requirements and conveys your invitation decision to us. Students may accept, decline, or defer a space in the Honors College via the online form. The link to a student's online form is included in the FIRST paragraph of the emailed invitation letter.

Contract decisions are due by 5:00 PM on May 1st. After that date, the student's space may be offered to a waitlisted student.

Red Raider Orientation

All newly admitted students must register for and complete Red Raider Orientation . The Honors College hosts an Honors Welcome at each orientation session, so you may select your preferred date but please note that the earlier your orientation session, the better your access to both university and Honors College courses. Honors students are not given priority registration during orientation, but will have priority registration during their first semester at Texas Tech.

Priority Room Selection is the system University Housing uses to guide students through the process of choosing their bed space and dining plan. It allows you to select a space in a particular dormitory and hall, but it does not allow you to select a particular roommate. While there is no deadline for signing-up, on-campus housing is in high demand and all rooms are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Honors College students have the opportunity to sign-up for an Honors Learning Community space in either the Honors Hall or Murray Hall (reserved for returning students only), pending availability. Honors College students are not required to stay in the Honors Hall and may select the dormitory of their choice. Questions related to Honors Hall or housing should be directed to University Housing at (806) 742.2661 or [email protected] .

Honors Hall

The Honors Hall opened in Fall 2017 and is a co-ed residence space. The Honors Hall features pod-style rooms with movable furniture and a study lounge/common area on each floor which are dedicated to a Texas Tech faculty member and administrator who was essential in the founding and advancement of the Honors College. The 1st floor - former Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Jane Winer; 2nd floor - former Dean of the Honors College, Dr. Gary Bell; 3rd floor - former President and Interim Chancellor of Texas Tech University, Dr. Donald Haragan; and 4th floor - former President of Texas Tech University, Dr. Bob Lawless. Each floor corresponds to one of our Honors Houses .

For more information about the Honors Hall, or to tour the facility, please contact Housing at (806)742.2661 or [email protected] .

A student must be accepted to TTU before they are able to select a dormitory room and dining plan.

Students are not able to select the Honors Hall until they have been invited to join the Honors College.

Waitlisted students are encouraged to select an alternate dorm option. If invited to join the Honors College at a later date, waitlisted students can then select the Honors Hall, depending availability.

Admitted Student Tasklist

Please see Texas Tech University Admitted Student Tasklist for more information.

I have been waitlisted. What does this mean and what can I expect? With over 2,000 applications and an average of 450 available seats in our first year class, space is limited. For this reason, a number of applicants with excellent applications may be waitlisted and, pending space availability, invited to join the Honors College at a later time. All waitlisted students are notified of final decisions by June 1st.

Why was I waitlisted? All the students we invite to join the Honors College have very impressive dossiers, both academically and in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Being waitlisted is not a reflection on your personal accomplishments but rather a reflection that this admissions cycle has been extremely competitive.

When can I expect to hear back about a final decision? May 1st is the deadline for invited students to either accept or decline their invitation to join the Honors College. If spaces become available after that date, waitlisted students will receive an email with an invitation to join.

Where am I on the waitlist? Students on the waitlist are not assigned a number. Applications are re-reviewed before a second decision is made.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 806-742-1828

Contact TTU

Texas Christian University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

You Have: 

Texas Christian University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 200 words or fewer

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why ,   Community , Short Answer

At TCU, it is our vision to be a world-class, values-centered university.  We value academics, intellectual inquiry, creative expression, leadership, service, diversity, and the appreciation of the human experience. With which one of TCU’s core values do you most align and why? (Maximum length: 200 words)

Admissions wants to learn more about the person behind the application and your values. You have your pick of the litter as far as TCU’s core values are concerned, so choose the one that most resonates with you and then paint a picture of why that is. Maybe you have always been a curious cat, so intellectual inquiry has your name all over it. What excites you about learning new things? How do you like to explore new information? Perhaps you stayed inside for over a year during the pandemic to protect an immunocompromised family member. How has your experience engaging with others changed since reemerging? What do you value about the human experience that you may not have reflected on before becoming housebound in 2020? Use this opportunity to give admissions more insight into who you are.

TCU is committed to creating an inclusive campus culture for all people. We have a shared responsibility to enhance our community by encouraging inclusive environments through learning opportunities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Describe how you have already contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your community or how you plan to contribute to an inclusive college environment in the future. (Maximum length: 200 words)

First of all, let us remind you that your “community” can be just about anything, from your neighborhood to your family to your dojo. Pick a community that means something to you and the diversity narrative will fall into place. Maybe your progressive church welcomes people of all sexualities and gender identities, and you developed a brand new youth group for queer and questioning teens. Perhaps your school is incredibly homogenous and isolated, and you helped your Spanish class organize Skype chats with a school in Guatemala to learn more about different parts of the world while developing your Spanish skills. No matter your starting point, be sure you tell a clear story with a beginning, middle, and end that demonstrates your commitment to creating inclusive environments. It would be tempting to pen a vivid description of your community and leave it at that, but the point of an essay like this is to tell a story about you and your contributions.

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