Application FAQs

 Account Creation

• I no longer have access to the e-mail account used to create my BioRaider.com account and admission application. 
  • Log into BioRaider.com, select "My Account," and then select "Update Profile." You will be able to update your e-mail address on this screen.
• Why did I receive an e-mail from Texas Tech Undergraduate Admissions?
  • You may have selected an incorrect program of interest. Log into BioRaider.com, select "My Account," and then ensure that your programs of interest are correct. If they are incorrect, send an e-mail to graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu to update them.
• What is RaiderConnect?
  • RaiderConnect is the account and application system for Texas Tech University undergraduate admissions. The correct account and application system for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences can be found at BioRaider.com.
• Why am I getting the error message, "One or more fields are required; please fix before continuing"?
  • The most common cause for this error is a blank zip code field. Double check to ensure you've entered the zip code correctly.
  • If you are an international applicant, ensure that the box for international address is selected, and enter "NA" in the zip code field.
• Why is the Foreign Address line limited to 75 characters?
  • Our Student Information System imposes this limit, including spaces.

 Applications

• What should I do if I can't find my college(s)?
  • Do not include "city" in your search terms. For example, if your school is in the US, select only the country and state.
  • If after searching you are unable to find your school, select "The organization is not listed." You may then click on the box next to "Unlisted School" and manually enter your school information. 
  • If you attended an international institution, you will likely need to select "Unlisted School" and manually enter your school information.
• Why are there strange characters inserted in my essay?
  • You may have used special symbols, Greek letters, superscripts, or subscripts. These will not be read correctly by the application system. Additionally, pasting directly from Microsoft Word or other word processing programs may insert formatting codes into the text box. The best way to ensure that the text looks just like you intended is to copy and paste from a simple text editor.
• My essay/statement of purpose is longer than 3000 characters, can I submit it manually?
  • The essay is limited to 3000 characters, including spaces. If your essay is longer, you will need to edit it for length and submit it within the application. Essays mailed or e-mailed will not be considered.
• What is the application deadline?
  • Application deadlines can be found here.
• I can't submit my materials by the deadline; can I have an extension?
  • Applications and supplemental items must be received by the deadline to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to extend application deadlines or make exceptions.

 Supplemental Items

• GRE Scores
  • ETS Institution Code: 6851
  • Graduate Medical Sciences M.S. will accept MCAT in lieu of GRE. To request MCAT in lieu of GRE, e-mail the Graduate School and include your AAMC ID and AAMC Verification Code. The Verification Code is on the MCAT display score report, and comprises four sets of numbers and letters. For example: A1B2-C3D4-E5F6-G7H8.
• Financial Documents for International Applicants
  • International M.S. applicants and some Ph.D. applicants with an international government scholarship must provide proof of ability to pay tuition/fees and living expenses for the first year. For the 2023-2024 academic year, this amount is $39,537. Applicants who will receive a competitive scholarship must provide proof of $29,721. Spouse is an additional $6,948 and each child is $3,474. More information is available on the program specific pages. Documents cannot be older than 6 months. If the financial proof/bank statement is in a name other than the applicant, we require a letter from the financial sponsor or Financial Affidavit accepting financial responsibility for tuition/fees and living expenses.
  • Applicants with scholarships awarded by their home countries, such as Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission, must still submit a Sponsored Student Statement of Understanding AND the government Financial Guarantee Letter. Applicants with dependents who will require an I-20 must also submit a sponsor letter and bank statement showing a minimum amount of $7,500 USD for each dependent (see information above).
  • Download the Sponsored Student Statement of Understanding here.

 Misc.

• When will I be notified regarding an admission decision?
  • Each program/concentration has an internal application review committee and forwards applications to be considered for admission to the GSBS Admissions Committee, except for Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. applications.
  • Questions regarding the status of these reviews may be addressed to the Admissions Director, Terri Lloyd
  • Other applicants may e-mail their documents to graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu
• How do I submit my resume/CV?
  • A resume or CV is only required for Ph.D. applicants, and should be uploaded as a supplemental item with the applications.
• Do I submit my immunizations record upon application or offer acceptance?
  • Your immunizations record will be required once you have accepted admission.
• Will I need to find a PhD mentor prior to applying to the PhD program?
  • Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. students must rotate in labs prior to selecting a research mentor and concentration.
  • Pharmaceutical Ph.D. students are notified upon admission offer if they have been assigned to a Ph.D. mentor, or if they will be required to complete lab rotations prior to selecting a mentor.
  • Both programs have their own application review and admission process, and correspondence with faculty does not guarantee admission.
• What should I do if I get a "not secure" error message when trying to visit BioRaider.com?
  • Copy and paste this link directly into your browser: https://applynow.texastech.edu/CE_GraduateBiomed/Home