FAQs Regarding Freshman Admission

Texas A&M University

 

 

What are the “best tips” to give to a prospective student/family?

            During High School

            Take the SAT I and/or ACT early and repeat if necessary - send scores to TAMU

            Take college prep, AP, Honors classes and extra electives

            Get involved in high school and community - record your participation/leadership

            For TAMU Admission

            Apply early - Texas Common Application  http://www.applytexas.org  available Sept. 1

Complete the entire application and answer all essay questions - we recommend that students submit a detailed resume and letters of recommendation as well

            Get help from a Texas A&M Admissions Counselor in preparing your application

            Submit an official high school transcript with class rank

 

How are students admitted to TAMU?

            Three ways:

·  Top 10% graduates from recognized Texas high schools admitted by law (all

    required credentials must be submitted before the deadline)

·  Academic Admits - 1300 SAT or 30 ACT in the top half of their

   class with college prep courses from Texas HS

·  All other applications are reviewed

 

What is the admission process from application through review to decision?

All completed applications are processed.  To check the status of application completion, go to the website http://applicant.tamu.edu

There is a nonrefundable $50 processing fee or fee waiver required.

Top 10% and Academic Admits receive a notice of admission with in 3-4 weeks.

Individual students are considered by rolling reviews beginning in late fall - students are notified of admission or remain in review status

Final review decisions are announced in late March - some applicants are offered Wait List status or participation in Blinn TEAM

 

How do most students apply?

Over 90% of applications are electronic through http://www.applytexas.org; however, there is no preference given to electronic over paper applications

 

What are the critical deadlines for admission for Fall term?

            Dec. 1: Choice of major preference given to Top 10% and Academic Admits

            Feb. 1: All credentials must be received (Freshman Admissions Processing office)

 

What is considered in the individual review of an applicant?

There is a holistic review that produces a Decision Matrix including an “Academic Index” and “Subjective Analysis”

In the subjective analysis, categories are Personal Achievement (extracurricular involvement, talents, awards, employment, volunteerism, leadership, etc.) and Distinguishing Characteristics (scholastic achievement in the student’s educational environment, cultural contributions, etc.)

Data on legacy is not collected nor considered although some students write in the essays about family member’s connection to TAMU

 

How is “association to TAMU” utilized?

Students with an association to Texas A&M - meeting with Admissions Counselors on campus or at a regional Prospective Student Center, campus visit, Aggieland Saturday or Corps programs, interviews with faculty or staff in colleges or departments - are noted in the review as one factor in “personal achievement”

 

Are students from small schools at a disadvantage?

No, students who have attended small/private/home schools are encouraged to apply - because the school rank may be skewed or not exist, other academic criteria are carefully evaluated 

Personal achievement criteria are considered in context of high school opportunities

 

Are letters of recommendation helpful?

Yes, although letters are optional, all materials in the application file are considered  Submit no more than two

 

What is different for Transfer students?  International students?

            Find specific information at http://www.tamu.edu/admissions

            You have a very good chance of being admitted as a transfer student if you have a 3.0 GPA overall for all transferable graded work, and you have a 3.0 GPA or better in a minimum of 12 hours (3 courses) in Engineering Calculus, Engineering Physics, and Chemistry. You also need a minimum of 24 hours, including the above, with an overall GPA or 2.5.

 

Helpful Statistics about Freshman Class in Fall 2004:

            Number of first year students: 7,068

            Percent of class that is Top 10%: 47%

            Percent of class that is first generation: 28%

            Gender: 51.5% women and 48.5% men

            Ethnicity:

                        African American        3.0%

                        Asian                           3.8%

                        Hispanic                      12.2%

                        Native American          0.5%

                        White                           79.8%

                        International                 0.5%

                        Unknown/ Other          <0.1%

            Percent of class that is top quarter of HS: 84%

            Average SAT for class: 1189*

            Average ACT for class: 26*

            *Data from Fall 2003

           

Contact information:

            Prospective Student Center at Texas A&M University**

            109 John J. Koldus Building, 1265 TAMU

            College Station, TX  77843-1265

            TEL (979) 458-0427 and FAX (979) 458-0434

            Email us at admissions@tamu.edu

Prospective Student Centers at Corpus Christi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio**

**Get additional information on the web at http://www.tamu.edu/admissions

 

OAR/Reinarz/12-16-04

Data from OISP (Official 12th Class Day Noncertified)