Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
- What is TSI?
- What is HB 3826 Exemption form?
- When can I visit campus?
- When can I register for classes?
- How will course transfer?
- Where are the forms online?
- Why do I have to fill out a CORE Residency Questionnaire? Where is that form?
- How do I re-apply for admission? How long does it take?
- If I have my bachelor’s degree and want to come to take more classes, which application do I fill out?
- Where do I send my transcripts?
- How do I get my e-mail and password set-up?
- How do I schedule a campus visit?
- How do I fax my transcript?
- Do I need to know my Buff ID when I call Admissions?
- Do I have to take an ACT or SAT to be admitted to WT?
- Do I have to take the writing portion of the test?
- Does it help my score if I take the writing section?
- What’s the minimum score to be admitted?
- Do I have to live on campus?
- Do I have to have a meal plan?
- What is an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)?
1. What is TSI?
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a program designed to ensure that all students enrolled in public colleges and universities possess the academic skills needed to be successful in college-level course work. Unless exempt, all entering undergraduate students are required to be assessed in the areas of reading, writing and math prior to enrolling in college-level courses. Students who do not meet the minimum standard in one or more areas will be advised regarding TSI compliance and enrolled in the appropriate developmental program. For a more details regarding TSI and a listing of exemptions please visit our
2. What is HB 3826 Exemption form?
The Texas Legislature established new requirements for student eligibility for automatic admission to any Texas public university under the Uniform Admissions Policy (Texas Education Code §§51.803-51.809). House Bill 3826 (80th Legislature) requires that all students complete at least the Distinguished Level of Achievement on the Foundation High School Program in order to be eligible for consideration for automatic admission to a public university. However, students applying to West Texas A&M University may qualify for admission by completing a portion of the Distinguished Level of Achievement on the Foundation High School Program (or the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program), by completing high school course work that is equivalent in content or rigor, or by meeting other qualifications. These changes became effective on September 1, 2009.
3. When can I visit campus?
WTAMU offers three opportunities for you to visit campus and experience BUFF Life. We offer Campus Tours every weekday, Game Days on home football or basketball game days and the Discover WT preview event. Any of these is a perfect way to learn more about the University and the many opportunities it has to offer.
4. When can I register for classes?
Incoming freshmen will register for classes at New Student Orientation. Transfer students may contact Advising Services after they have completed an on campus or online orientation. Returning students may contact Advising Services once they have been fully admitted.
5. How will ____ course transfer?
Refer to our transfer course equivalencies under WTAMU Resources in Buff Advisor.
6. Where are the forms online?
There are a variety of forms available on our forms website which you may find helpful as you navigate the admission process.
7. Why do I have to fill out a CORE residency Questionnaire? Where is that form?
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rule 21.731 requires each student applying to enroll at an institution to respond to a set of core residency questions for the purpose of determining the student’s eligibility for classification as a resident.
Download the CORE Residency Questionnaire (PDF)
8. How do I re-apply for admission? How long does it take?
Former WTAMU students who are returning to complete the undergraduate degree they started may complete the EZ Re-Entry Application. It's a short form that takes only a couple minutes--and there's no new application fee to pay.
9. If I have my bachelor’s degree and want to come to take more classes, which application do I fill out?
Former WTAMU students who are returning to complete the graduate degree (master's or doctoral degrees) and have not been enrolled at the University for more than one long semester will complete the ApplyTexas Application. Former students who have been absent for only one long semester (spring or fall) may use the short returning form for graduate students.
10. Where do I send my transcripts?
Arrange for official transcripts to be sent from any institutions you have attended since enrollment at WTAMU. Simply contact the school(s) and request for official transcripts to be mailed to:
Office of Admissions
West Texas A&M University
Box 60907
Canyon, Texas 79016
11. How do I get my e-mail and password set-up?
In order to gain access to your new e-mail account, go to wtamu.edu/activate and complete the online process to activate your account. Be sure to remember your username and password. If you have trouble with the activation process, please contact our IT Help Desk (806-651-4357) or the Office of Admissions (806-651-2020).
12. How do I schedule a campus visit?
Register online at wtamu.edu/visit.
13. How do I fax my transcript?
Request your high school or college to fax us your transcripts to 806-651-5285. Documents submitted by fax are considered unofficial, and an official will be required to complete your file.
14. Do I need to know my Buff ID when I call Admissions?
Your Buff ID number is not required when you call the admissions office. However, providing us with your Buff ID number will help us help you more quickly.
15. Do I have to take an ACT or SAT to be admitted to WT?
No. WT doesnot require all incoming freshman students to provide the admissions office with entrance exam scores on the ACT or SAT.
WT accepts both the ACT and the SAT. Students should determine which test format is better suited to their strengths.
16. Do I have to take the writing portion of the SAT?
No, we currently do not require the writing section of the SAT for admissions.
17. Does it help my score if I take the writing section?
No. We do not take writing scores into account for admissions.
18. What’s the minimum score to be admitted?
21 ACT or 1060 SAT
*ACT Composite score and SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing + Math Score
19. Do I have to live on campus?
Students are required to live in University housing their first two years at WTAMU. For more details on the University's housing requirement, visit wtamu.edu/housing-requirement.20. Do I have to have a meal plan?
Students residing on campus are required to purchase a minimum meal plan their first two years at WTAMU. For more details on the University's meal plan requirement, visit wtamu.edu/housing-requirement.
21. What is an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)?
The U.S. Department of Education has granted West Texas A&M University official recognition as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. To receive the HSI designation, an institution must have an enrollment of undergraduate full-time-equivalent students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic. WT surpassed the 25 percent Hispanic undergraduate enrollment level in 2014. For more details on the University's HSI status, , visit https://www.wtamu.edu/about/information/hispanic-serving-institution.html.