Texas A&M University
Written by Lisa Bleich
Texas A & M University began as a military academy. While it is now the second largest public university in Texas, the sense of tradition and decorum associated with its military roots permeates the campus.
Our Initial Observations at the Texas A&M University’s Campus
As we strolled the campus, we couldn’t help but notice the abundance of male students clad in Corps Cadet uniforms, with senior members proudly sporting tall boots. Roughly 2,500 of the 36,000 undergraduate students actively participate in the Cadet Corps leadership program, earning themselves a leadership certificate.
Employers find the Aggie Ring, adorned with the leadership symbol, highly appealing. While Corps members aren’t obligated to pursue military service post-graduation, many also participate in ROTC programs.
Transitioning to the campus itself, it sprawls expansively, featuring a mix of standard-issue beige brick buildings typical of public universities, along with picturesque traditional structures surrounding a central quad. Notably, an impressive football stadium stands as a testament to the university’s fervor for the sport, a characteristic common among Texas institutions.
Meanwhile, non-Corps students at Texas A&M University wear a variety of attire, ranging from sweatpants and Uggs to jeans and logoed sweatshirts. Our tour guide, hailing from El Paso—a ten-hour drive away—was a Hispanic, first-generation college student pursuing studies in allied health with aspirations of becoming a physician assistant. Drawn to Texas A&M by its rich traditions, school spirit, and substantial financial aid offer, he regaled us with the spirited cheers synonymous with each class.
Transitioning to the student life, Greek life, football, and service are central to the Aggie experience, with “Selfless Service” serving as their motto. An impressive 20,000 students partake in a day of service annually. While the student body comprises primarily Texans, 10% hail from out of state, including international students.
Expanding our scope beyond campus, several strip malls around the university offer convenient shopping options. And no visit is complete without indulging in the mouthwatering Texas BBQ served at Rudy’s BBQ—a local favorite.
Academics
Engineering, Business, and Architecture stand out as the most popular majors at Texas A&M University. Introductory classes typically accommodate between 300 to 400 students, then it’s followed by smaller breakout sessions for more focused learning.
When transitioning to the School of Engineering, initiatives are underway to bolster the representation of female and minority engineers. They aim to raise their numbers from 20% to 36% by 2025 accordingly. To achieve this, the school has implemented various strategies. These strategies include engineering living learning communities and student cohorts that are designed to foster collaboration. Additionally, faculty members have introduced competitions tailored for women and projects with societal impacts. In fact, research indicates that such endeavors are more engaging for women engineers and contribute to higher retention rates.
Texas A&M University’s Admission Process
Admission is done on a rolling basis and the early bird gets the worm. Admissions admits 75% of the class by the numbers and uses the three essays for scholarship purposes. (Yes, do the optional essay C!)
For example, in-state resident students in the to 10% of their class will be admitted. Meanwhile, out of state students must be in the top 25% of their class. Students need an average Math and Critical Reading SAT of 1300. Furthermore, it needs to be within a minimum of 600 in each category or a 30 ACT with writing with a minimum of 27 in Math and English.
After 75% of the class is filled, they will look at candidates holistically. The application opens on August 1 and the earlier students get their application in the better.
Business, Engineering and Architecture are the most sought after majors and students are admitted by major! Therefore, if you want engineering as your major, put down two types of engineering. Otherwise, you risk getting into your second choice major. Engineering students are admitted to general engineering and apply to various majors after sophomore year, so there is no downside to putting a different engineering major.
Our Final Thoughts on Texas A&M University
Texas A & M is a great school for students looking for a big rah, rah school filled with tradition, strong pre-professional programs and a commitment to service.
Texas A&M
401 Joe Routt Boulevard
College Station, TX 77843
(979) 845-3211
