Navigating Texas A&M University Undergraduate Document Submission Requirements
Applying to and enrolling at Texas A&M University involves submitting various documents to ensure a smooth transition. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the document submission requirements for undergraduate students, covering required documents, potential holds, and relevant policies.
Required Documents for Admission
Prospective students seeking admission to West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) must complete the application for admission and submit it with a $40 non-refundable application fee. Applications are available at the Office of Admissions in Old Main, Room 124, or students may apply on the Internet at applytexas.org. The $40 non-refundable, one-time-per-degree fee should be in the form of a check or money order payable to West Texas A&M University.
Entrance Exam Scores
Entrance exam scores on the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I).
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)-approved test scores or proof of exemption.
High School Program Completion
Completion (or projected completion) of the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or Recommended High School program or similar college preparatory program from a Texas public high school.
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Transcripts
Official transcript from each school, college or university attended with school seal (copies will not be accepted).
Additional Requirements for International Students
International students must have the equivalent of a high school education from their prospective country when applying to a bachelor’s degree program. International students seeking a transfer to WTAMU must meet admission requirements for the degree program they are applying to, have an overall 2.0 GPA for undergraduate admission or 3.0 GPA for graduate admission. An immigration transfer form (SEVIS record) along with a copy of the current I-20, I-94 card (arrival/departure record), passport information page and current visa stamp also are required to determine a student’s immigration status. International students transferring from a foreign institution must meet admission requirements for the degree program they are applying to and have the equivalent of an overall “C” average to transfer as an undergraduate student or the equivalent of an overall “B” average as a graduate student. Course descriptions are needed to evaluate transfer credit for undergraduate transfer students. Proof of financial support for the period of time necessary to complete degree requirements.
Document Submission After Admission
Permanent Residency Card
Permanent Residency Card RequiredStudents should upload a copy of their Permanent Resident card into the AIS portal under the My Documents tab.
Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit
Students should upload a copy of their SB 1528 Affidavit into the AIS portal under the My Documents tab. Download and complete the Residency Affidavit.
Final College Transcript
Final College Transcript Needs to be SubmittedTo view any current holds, students can log in to Howdy and search for the Registration Readiness card and scroll to the bottom of the page. View Holds under the Reason section to determine what transcript is needed. Visit the Document Submission page for acceptable methods of submitting this official document to Texas A&M.
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Understanding and Resolving Holds
Texas A&M University utilizes a system of "holds" to indicate that a student has outstanding requirements or issues that need to be addressed before they can register for classes or receive certain services. Students may view current holds by logging in to Howdy, searching for the Registration Readiness card, selecting it and scrolling to the bottom of the page. A description of the missing document may also be listed next to a Hold in Howdy, at the bottom of the Registration Readiness screen. Students will not be able to register for classes until the program is complete and the hold is released. Here's a breakdown of common holds and how to resolve them:
AIS Portal and Howdy
Students may log into AIS portal to view any incomplete/missing documents.
Academic Holds
Academic Deficiency (BDAcademic Deficiency)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section.
Blocked from Major (BLBlocked from Major)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section. A closet major is a student who is taking classes that are not on the degree plan of their major. These students are blocked from registering for the next semester until their major has been changed, or they have discussed with an advisor how they will follow the degree plan. Please speak to an Academic Advisor (visit Find My Advisor for contact information) about class choices to avoid/resolve this hold.
Mid-Term (BEMid-Term)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section. Contact an Academic Advisor for additional assistance.
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Scholastic Probation (BPScholastic Probation)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section. Contact an Academic Advisor for additional assistance.
Scholastic Probation - Readmit Student (BRScholastic Probation - Readmit Student)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section. Contact an Academic Advisor for additional assistance.
TSI Requirement not met (BTTSI Requirement not met)
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a statewide program created by the Texas State Legislature that helps ensure that all incoming college students are prepared for college-level reading, writing and math. Contact an Academic Advisor for additional assistance.
Registrar Holds
Final Grades Required (BGFinal Grades Required)
Please contact an Academic Advisor directly for assistance with this hold.
Registrar Documents Required (SDRegistrar Documents Required)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section.
General Registrar Hold (SGGeneral Registrar Hold)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section.
Degree Plan Holds
Missing Undergraduate Degree Plan (UDMissing Undergraduate Degree Plan)
All students at Texas A&M University are required to complete an annual undergraduate degree plan through Howdy. Holds cannot be lifted until an Academic Advisor reviews and approves the submitted degree plan. View the Undergraduate Degree Plan page for instructions and contact an Academic Advisor directly for additional assistance with this process.
Missing Sophomore Degree Plan (USMissing Sophomore Degree Plan)
Students are required to complete an undergraduate degree plan through Howdy.
Other Holds
General Student Conduct Hold (CGGeneral Student Conduct Hold)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section.
International Student & Scholar Services Hold (for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents)
citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents) are required to finish the check-in process with International Student & Scholar Services. Please contact ISSS for assistance with this hold.
Student Athletic Services Hold (LAStudent Athletic Services Hold)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section.
Corps of Cadets Action Required (MPCorps of Cadets Action Required)
Information regarding this hold may be listed with Holds in Howdy under the Reason section. Contact the Corps directly for additional assistance with this hold or process.
Delinquent Parking Citation (PKDelinquent Parking Citation)
Transportation Services is authorized to impose fines and/or other sanctions for violation of the university’s parking regulations. Contact the Library for additional assistance with this hold.
Address Update in Howdy Required by International Student & Scholar Services (SAAddress Update in Howdy Required by International Student & Scholar Services)
F-1 and J-1 students must have a valid Student Local Physical and/or International Permanent address updated in Howdy. Visit the How to Update Your Address & Phone in Howdy webpage for instructions. Contact ISSS for assistance with this hold.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
Effective Sept. 1, 2003, a program known as Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was implemented for all public colleges and universities. TSI is focused on using a statewide standard for assessing college-level readiness skills of all entering undergraduate students at public colleges and universities. New students are assessed on their reading, writing and math skills, then academically advised and placed in an appropriate intervention option. Approved TSI scores may be accepted when taken at another public college or university, if official documentation of scores is provided. Minimum passing standards for TSI are set by the legislature; however, each area assessed may have higher college-level placement standards determined by that WTAMU department.
TSI Exemptions
- TASP Met-A student has met requirements under TASP policies prior to Sept.
- TAKS-Math 2200 and/or 2200 on ELA with at least a 3 on the writing sample sub-score within the past three years.
- Course Work-Students from accredited in-state, out-of-state, private or independent institutions of higher education that have satisfactorily completed designated college-level course work. A student has been honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard or reserve component on or after Aug.
- Students from accredited institutions of higher education who have satisfactorily completed designated college-level course work with a grade of “C” or better, or have course credit based on IB, CLEP, AP, ACT or SAT exams, will be complete for TSI purposes in that subject area.
- Math-MATH 1314, MATH 1324, MATH 1332 or a mathematics course for which one of these is prerequisite.
- Reading-HIST 1301, HIST 1302 or HIST 2372; POSC 2305 or POSC 2306; PSYC 2301; SOCI 1301; or sophomore or higher literature courses.
Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes
The determination of residence classification for tuition purposes is governed by statutes enacted by the Texas Legislature and rules and regulations promulgated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). A student’s residence status is determined through admission records process prior to enrollment. The student is responsible to register under the proper residence classification. The following statutes are neither exhaustive nor complete and should not be interpreted as such. Full regulations are in the THECB publication Rules and Regulations for Determining Residence Statutes. If a student resided in Texas in the three years preceding high school graduation or receipt of a General Educational Development (GED) Certificate, the student is classified as a Texas resident. Students qualifying under this provision must have lived in Texas the year proceeding the universal census date. If a student’s residency cannot be determined by when and where he or she attended high school, domicile is used as a driving factor for determining residency. A student’s classification as a resident will apply to all subsequent semesters at the same or another public institution without the need for the student to provide additional documentation unless (1) the student enrolls after being out of higher education for two or more regular semesters, (2) information relevant to the residency classification was changed or (3) it is discovered that the institution misclassified a student. The residency of transfer students will be based on residency classification at the prior institution attended unless the student has been out of college for more than one year.
Credit by Examination
Students may earn credit by examination for satisfactory scores on the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), College Board Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and subject tests and challenge examinations. Credit is placed on the transcript the first semester the student enrolls at WTAMU. Credit by examination is exactly the same as successfully passing the equivalent WTAMU course.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
West Texas A&M University recognizes credit for international baccalaureate scores. With a minimum exam score of four in each subject area, WTAMU will grant 24 semester hours of college credit to entering freshmen who have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Non-IB diploma holders with appropriate higher-level scores will have their courses evaluated for credit eligibility. Credit determinations are made on an individual basis.
AP (Advanced Placement) Exam Credit
AP (Advanced Placement) Exam credit may be granted with the following subjects and scores.
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams are open to anyone, including high school students. WTAMU grants credit for specific subject exams. Six hours of appropriate science credit by examination may be used to satisfy the laboratory science requirements. All CLEP-required scores and hours granted are subject to revision.
Challenge Exams
Students enrolled at WTAMU may earn credit by taking the examinations written and scored by instructors in the department offering the course. The grade received on the Challenge Exam is the grade that will appear on the transcript for the course.
Transfer Credit
All course work completed at previously attended regionally accredited colleges and universities will be evaluated and total semester credit hours posted to a WTAMU transcript as part of the admission process to the University. Evaluation will be done when the admissions file is completed. Credits may be transferred to West Texas A&M University to be counted toward a degree in accordance with degree program requirements as outlined in the catalog. No grade of “D” in the program’s major requirements or major subject can transfer for credit in any degree program offered at West Texas A&M University.
Core Curriculum Transfer
Section 5.402, d. If a student successfully completes the 42 semester credit hour core curriculum at an institution of higher education, that block of courses may be transferred to any other institution of higher education and must be substituted for the receiving institution’s core curriculum. WTAMU’s core curriculum of 42 hours has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. WTAMU will accept course credits earned by any student transferring from another accredited Texas public community college or university provided such credits are within the approved transfer curriculum of the student’s declared major field at WTAMU.
Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) Degrees
Associate of arts in teaching (A.A.T.) degrees approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (July 15, 2004) do not allow students to count both TECA and EDUC courses on the same A.A.T. degree. Students transferring from a community/junior college to West Texas A&M University will be held to the same standard. Specifically, this means that a student will be allowed to transfer TECA (1311, 1303, 1318 and 1354) or EDUC (1302 and 2301) and count them toward an appropriate degree program at WTAMU.
Military Credit
Transfer credit may be granted from the military on recommendation of the ACE publication for an undergraduate baccalaureate degree program WTAMU offers.
Additional Information
Official transcripts, mark-sheets, grade reports, test scores or other admission/enrollment-related documents submitted to the University via any office or representative become the property of the University upon receipt and will not usually be returned to the applicant/student. Students have the right to inspect and review their education records and to request that the University correct records which are believed to be inaccurate or misleading.
Admission for Adult Students
Admission to the University will be based on adult student criteria. Students who seek admission for a master’s degree at West Texas A&M University must complete the University and Graduate School admission process. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (as recognized by a regional association of colleges and universities) will qualify when all admission requirements are met and required documents are on file. Post-baccalaureate students who wish to take courses but not pursue a master’s degree are required to apply for admission to the University and may enroll in undergraduate- or graduate-level courses.
Admission for Home Schooled Students
Admission requirements for students who have been home schooled are the same as for students who have attended traditional public or private schools.
Early Admission Program
Talented high school students may take college courses through WTAMU’s Early Admission Program. Dual credit courses are taken by high school students in the eleventh and/or twelfth grade and are offered by public two-year associate degree granting institutions (community colleges) or public universities. Credit for dual credit courses may apply to a degree program at a public university but enrollment or completion of dual credit courses does not count toward first-time freshman enrollment in a public university. The Pre-University Program (PUP) provides a university-based, higher-education academic experience for high school students who intend to enroll in a university following high school graduation. High school students may earn credit for both high school and university courses through their participation in the program.
Re-evaluation and Appeals
First-time freshman applicants denied admission have the opportunity to request re-evaluation if academic performance improves. Applicants must supply either an improved ACT or SAT test score or a high school transcript with an improved class rank with a request for re-evaluation. Optional application materials not submitted with the original applications, such as a personal statement or letters of recommendation, may be included with the required documents for re-evaluation. Applicants denied admission also may appeal the decision without a submission of material reflecting changes to test scores, grade point average or class rank. They may submit a personal statement and official appeal by completing the Undergraduate Appeal Form (at www.wtamu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-appeal-form.aspx).
Transient Students
Undergraduate students who have been enrolled at another college or university previously may attend WTAMU as transient students for one long fall or spring semester only, provided their intent is to return to their previous college or university. citizen or permanent resident alien) who enrolls at WTAMU for any summer/intersession term with the intent of returning to the home institution upon completion of the term of study. An official transcript from only the last college or university attended must be submitted with the application for admission and the application fee. The transcript must reflect that the student is in academic good standing from that institution. If a transient or summer visiting student later decides to continue at WTAMU, the transient or summer visiting status ends and all admission requirements for a beginning transfer student (see “Transfer Applicants” above) must be met prior to the second enrollment at WTAMU. All students previously admitted as a transient or summer visitor must first contact the Office of Admissions for clearance to re-enroll.
Senate Bill 1321
Senate Bill 1321 entitles residents of Texas to seek admission to public institutions of higher education without consideration of courses taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. The applicant who elects this option of ignoring course work completed 10 or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll will be considered for admission without regard to this earlier course work. The ignored course work will not be considered in calculation of grade point average.
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