Getting Ready for College

Make each year of high school count. You and your student can start preparing for college as early as the freshman year of high school. The following timeline gives important guidelines and helpful links.

WORK. Academics matter. A commitment to academic integrity now will pay off in the future. College admission and many scholarships depend on a strong academic record from all 4 years of high school.
PLAY. Extracurricular activities, leadership experience and community service develop students who are well-rounded and ready to tackle the challenged of college. Encourage your student to participate in activities that interest them.
PLAN. Start financial planning for college. Consider the costs of college (tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses) and develop a plan that will help you meet those costs. Managing your dollars makes good sense.

EXPLORE. Learn about different types of colleges and universities. Small private colleges and major research universities both have unique features. Consider a university that offers the best of both, such as the Honors College at Texas Tech.
STUDY. Maintaining a strong GPA throughout high school is a key for successful college admissions.

VISIT. A visit to our campus is key to deciding if Texas Tech is the right fit for your student. The Visitors Center is open year-round to introduce you to Texas Tech. Contact the Visitors Center at www.visit.ttu.edu or 806-742-1299 to arrange a campus tour.
PSAT. The PSAT, administered by the College Board, prepares students for the SAT and provides an opportunity for students to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Find out more from your school’s guidance counselor or visit www.collegeboard.com.
SAT or ACT. In addition to the PSAT, we recommend taking the SAT or ACT during your junior year. It’s excellent practice, and at Texas Tech, we accept the highest score from multiple test dates for admissions and scholarships. www.collegeboard.com www.act.org
SCHOLARSHIPS. Last year, our students brought in over $4 million of scholarships from outside sources, in addition to the estimated 7,000 scholarships we award annually. Start looking for potential scholarship sources. www.financialaid.ttu.edu

APPLY. Students should apply early in order to receive admissions decisions in a timely manner and begin planning for financial aid, housing, New Student Orientation, and other programs. For more details about the application process, see First-Time Freshman or Transfer Application and Admission Requirements. www.applytexas.org
SAT or ACT. Test again in the fall of your senior year.
AID. Texas Tech awards more than $140 million in financial aid annually. You began this process last year, so you’re a step ahead. Now it’s time to apply. Learn about opportunities and deadlines at www.financialaid.ttu.edu
JOIN. Join the Red Raider family. The Admitted Student website has all the information your student needs to prepare for their freshman year at Texas Tech.