Tips and Tricks from a College Admissions Expert:

Foundation Tribe
Jul 28, 2017 · 5 min read

HOW DO I GET INTO TEXAS A&M???

Year after year, I help countless students through the overwhelming process of college admissions, and every year I get the same questions from both students and parents. One of those constant questions is how to gain admission into Texas A&M. While the school is hugely popular, it is also academically rigorous and admission is extremely competitive.

I’ve listed some of the most commonly asked questions below:

1. What SAT or ACT score is required for automatic acceptance?

Automatic acceptance is the best option for students who scored well on either the ACT or SAT. With an ACT score of 27 on both the English and Math sections along with a total composite (overall average) score of 30 you’re automatically admitted and can rest easy! With an SAT Math score of 620, an Evidence Based Reading and Writing score of 660, and a total score of 1360 you’re automatically admitted as well. Take both tests to have the best chance!! Now it’s time to focus on scholarships and specific programs your student is interested in.

2. What does the “Top 10% Rule” mean for automatic acceptance?

Freshman applicants qualify for automatic admission (but not necessarily to the major or program of their choice) if they graduate in the top 10% of their high school class on or before the application deadline (December 1st).

3. What is the minimum SAT or ACT score to be considered?

While knowing the minimum required score is a good starting point, IT IS NOT A GUARANTEE by any means. We’ll talk more later about other things that can help your admission chances if you are “on the bubble”. Overall, you should get AT LEAST a 23 on the ACT or an 1130 on the SAT. Retake the tests, take a class, and practice to get that score! The average accepted ACT score is a 27 and the SAT score is 1250.

4. What GPA does my child need to get into A&M?

GPA’s are difficult to compare across high schools, although the MINIMUM is around a 3.0 (or at average straight Bs) to be considered. This is a big difference between A&M and other schools, many of which have specific average accepted GPAs and minimum GPA requirements for consideration. What does this mean for you? If your student’s standardized test scores were higher than their grades, they still have a great chance of acceptance.

5. How important are the essays?

Essays are always important, but if your student is a borderline applicant for acceptance to either A&M or any other school they can greatly improve students’ chances of admission. I recommend you finding someone EXPERIENCED who can help with brainstorming topics, editing, and revising essays before they are submitted. Getting professional help with essays can make all the difference when it comes to applications, admission, and scholarship decisions. The essays don’t change drastically year to year so it is never too early to get started.

6. What essays ARE required?

The required essays depend on which application you choose to apply with.

For the Apply Texas App: I RECOMMEND USING THIS APPLICATION (it is used for other Texas schools)

(2 out of the 3 essays are required, but I recommend you write all of them to be a competitive applicant)

1. Topic A — What was the environment you were raised in? Describe your family, home, neighborhood, or community, and explain how it has shaped you as a person.

2. Topic B — Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.

3. Topic C — You’ve got a ticket in your hand. Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

For the Coalition Application:

1. Topic A: Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

2. Topic B for coalition app: Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution.

3. Topic C for Coalition App: Submit an essay on a topic of your choice. The essay should be personal and utilized as a tool to share your story with the Admissions Committee.

7. How important are extracurricular activities?

Everything on your resume is important, but as I mentioned above, if you are a borderline applicant or unsure of where you stand for a scholarship or specific program, your resume and extracurricular activities can play a vital role. From club participation to athletics to an after school job, showing commitment in any area can boost your chances of admission. Schools are looking for well-rounded individuals so include any and all activities your student participated in during high school (even in freshman year).

8. Who should write letters of recommendation?

I highly recommend having employer(s) or teacher(s) who know you very well write your letters of recommendation. While you will hear people that suggest using your school’s counselor, I do not recommend ANYONE you do not have a long-term (around a year) relationship with in order to have the best recommendation possible. Since you cannot see the completed recommendation letters, use someone you are confident will take the time to write a positive and well-thought out letter. You are technically allowed to have family members write the letters, however, it is far less professional and can come across as biased or meaningless. The letters are optional, but I suggest you take full advantage of any and all aspects of the application for both scholarships and admissions purposes.

9. What dates are important for the application?

The Texas A&M application opens on July 1st, 2017. This is the first day you can open the online application as well as fill it out and submit it. Early Action closes on October 15th so complete the application as possible if you want to be in one of the Engineering programs or if A&M is on your top list of schools! If you do not get in during the Early Action period, you will be automatically entered into the regular decision application. The application closes on December 1st, but DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THEN.

10. What if I apply, but don’t get in during Early Action?

Don’t worry at all! Know you have given yourself the best possible chance and that your application is still active and in the main pool of applicants for the regular decision period. Early Action is very competitive so just because you were not accepted DOES NOT MEAN you won’t be great applicant in the regular decision cycle.

11. What are the chances of being accepting into A&M?

Texas A&M accepts roughly 66% of the applicants who apply. While an almost 2/3 acceptance rate sounds encouraging, getting into the university doesn’t guarantee you’ll get into the program or department you prefer. Higher GPAs and SAT/ ACT scores, being in the top 10%, an incredible resume, or well-written and creative essays can be the boost your application needs to get into the university or the specific program of your choice.

12. When will you know an admission decision?

Depending on whether you applied as an Early Action applicant or a Regular Decision Applicant you will find out at a different date. Early Action students will receive their admission decisions by mid December, while the majority of students find out in mid to late March. If you qualified with either your SAT/ ACT score or by being in the top 10% of your high school class, you’ll be notified immediately after completing the application.

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