Aggiebound Magazine // V1I1

AGGIEBOUND VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

FOR FUTURE AGGIES

yell FOR THE

OF IT

Yell Leader Chris Powell ’14 carries on a time honored tradition—Aggies don’t cheer, we YELL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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For the yell of it An inside look at a Texas A&M tradition that makes us stand out from the crowd

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The

truth about living on campus

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The Aggie Network More valuable than gold

Aggie Advice Meet the next class Major Spotlight The stuff you need

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Aggiebound Creative Team Lindsay Gasek ’99 Michael Green ’11 Kara Humphreys Shannon Voss-Clinard Marianne Wieghaus

Student Writers Joseph A. Puente ’14 Ashley Adams ’14 A. Micah Mills ’16 Lauren Howes ’16 Callie Rainosek ’17

HOWDY!

On behalf of the current student body, administration, and hundreds of thousands of former students, I would like to personally invite you to learn more about what I believe to be the greatest university in the world.

Photography Michael Green ’11 Division of Marketing & Communications Cushing Memorial Library and Archives James LaCombe Department of Residence Life College of Geosciences Texas Aggie Storm Chasers The Association of Former Students Eric Lars Bakke, Denver Broncos Aggiebound magazine is produced by the Texas A&M Office of Admissions. Subscribe online at Aggiebound.com.

At Texas A&M, you will have some of the best times and most memorable relationships of your life. During my time as a student I have developed not only life-lasting relationships, but also leadership and character. This has been accomplished through many avenues, including the Corps of Cadets and the Student Government Association, which included committee work in organizations like Fish Aides, Traditions Council and Aggie Muster Committee. I have been able to serve and interact with former students and donors by serving as a Ross Volunteer and as a Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coat. My most memorable experience as an Aggie came when I had the opportunity to campaign for Student Body President and interact with thousands upon thousands of my fellow Aggies. I truly believe that choosing to attend Texas A&M is one of the greatest decisions of my life and it can be the same for you.

Inside Aggiebound magazine both parents and students will read about academics, traditions, student life and everything else that makes us so unique.

All content is written by current students for prospective students and their families, and you can continue to receive the latest issue by joining the Admissions mailing list at Aggiebound.com. I also highly encourage you and your family to come to College Station to take a campus tour and see for yourself what being a part of the Aggie Family truly means. There has never been a better time to be a Fightin’ Texas Aggie.

Reid Joseph ’14 Texas A&M University Student Body President, 2013-2014

Joseph A. Puente ’14

Callie Rainosek ’17

Ashley Adams ’14

A. Micah Mills ’16

Lauren Howes ’16

CAMPUS EVENTS Campus Tours & Prospective Student Sessions

Spend the Night with the Corps

The Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center leads tours year-round, helps you schedule time with staff in your college of interest and will set you up to attend an admissions session. campustours.tamu.edu

High school juniors and seniors interested in the Corps of Cadets stay on campus overnight and see what it’s really like to be a member of this historic group. For those who can’t stay overnight, a Spend the Day with the Corps program is also offered. corps.tamu.edu

College-Specific Programs Many of Texas A&M’s colleges host programs for high schoolers with specific academic interests, including Camp ARCH, Veterinary Enrichment Camp and the Geosciences Exploration Summer program.

There are also a ton of programs focused on leadership growth. admissions.tamu.edu/events

Whoopin’ Weekend Tenth through twelfth graders can get the true Aggie experience in one weekend during the spring. You’ll be hosted by current students who will lead a campus tour, take you to Yell Practice and you’ll watch the Aggies BTHO their opponent at a sporting event. arc.tamu.edu/whoopinweekend

Regional Events Prospective Student Centers (PSCs), located statewide, host events year-round to help you become Aggiebound. Trips to College Station, application workshops and meet-and-greets with future classmates are just a few of the offerings that the PSCs have for prospective students. admissions.tamu.edu/psc

Aggieland Information Day Experience Texas A&M during this fall-semester event. Get admissions info, tour campus, see the residence halls and learn more about the history and traditions that make our university so unique. admissions.tamu.edu/infoday

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Aggieland Saturday 2015 This campus-wide open house is your chance to see everything Aggieland has to offer. Customize your schedule with college/departmental presentations, admissions/ financial aid discussions, campus tours and so much more. admissions.tamu.edu/agsat

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Connect @Aggie_bound MENTION @AGGIE_BOUND WITH ANY ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS FYI, licking application is not required.

RT @georginamcs14: So close to turning in my A&M application I can taste it! #TAMU18 @Aggie_bound

CONNECT WITH YOUR CLASS BY USING #TAMU_ _ @LarvinClaire It’s late but my family made me a celebratory dinner and got me presents.

Can’t wait to be a part of #TAMU18!

tamu_aggiebound facebook.com/tamu pinterest.com/tamu TAMUofficial

@Aggie_bound Umm @LarvinClaire, now that you are part of the Aggie Family, can we have some cake, too?

yell FOR THE

OF IT

STORY BY JOSEPH A. PUENTE ‘14

Elected by the student body, Yell Leaders carry on a time honored tradition—Aggies don’t cheer, we YELL

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very fall during football season over 83,000 Aggies flood Kyle Field with maroon and white. On the field facing the

student section in white uniforms with sleeves rolled to their biceps are five Yell Leaders who, each game, run from end zone to end zone leading the student body in “yells.”

The Yell Leaders are the official spirit organization of the university and are the only one of its kind in college sports. Unlike cheerleaders who perform gymnastic stunts and cheers, Yell Leaders perform a series of hand signals known as “pass backs” which are followed by loud, synchronized yells from the student body—also known as the 12th Man. “There are certainly some fans that think it is comical that we don’t have female cheerleaders, but an overwhelming amount think that it is an awesome tradition that makes our school special and unique,” said Chris Powell, senior Yell Leader and Company D-2 Cadet Major in the Corps of Cadets.

Before the admittance of women and a record enrollment of 53,000 students, Texas A&M was once an all-male military institution. During the

football season, women from Texas Women’s University were regularly invited to games by upperclassmen. According to legend, one game the Aggies weren’t doing too well and were getting out-scored. The dates of the Cadets were getting bored, so the upperclassmen ordered the “fish” (freshmen) to find a way to entertain the crowd.

The freshmen’s decision to raid a janitor’s closet and change into the white coveralls they found became revolutionary. After leading the crowd in yells that day, the freshmen received so much attention that it was decided only upperclassmen would have the privilege to lead the crowd in yells.

Made up of three seniors and two juniors, the Yell Leaders are chosen by the students each spring during the student body elections. Although the five selected have been traditionally males in the Corps of Cadets; any student, male or female, Corps member or otherwise, can campaign and run for Yell Leader.

However, one should expect an extensive time commitment during their tenure.

“During the summer months we travel all over the state to Aggie Mom’s Clubs, while visiting New Student Conferences and Fish Camps right before the semester starts,” said Powell. “Our fall semester is packed with home and away football games, volleyball, soccer and the beginning of the men’s and women’s basketball season. It can certainly be stressful at times, but it is a great way to give back to the university we all love so much.”

Among the many responsibilities of a Yell Leader, the one that best captures who the Yell Leaders are and what they do is Midnight Yell. On Fridays at midnight before every home football game, thousands of Aggies meet in the stands of Kyle Field and are energized as the Yell Leaders lead the crowd in yells, tell fables of the next day’s opponent and conduct the Aggie War Hymn.

Midnight Yell has recently been noted as one of the best traditions in college football, and if there’s an environment where passion and loyalty for a university is shared, regardless of class year, it’s Midnight Yell.

MIDNIGHT YELL...ONE OF THE BEST TRADITIONS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL 8

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Powell said being able to connect with other Aggies across the state and country has been one of the greatest things he’s been able to experience as a Yell Leader, and he believes his interactions with others reflect how special and intimate the Aggie Family is.

“Being a Yell Leader has certainly expanded my scope on how special the Aggie family is. As a Yell Leader I have met countless numbers of Aggies across the state, and their love for this university can be seen through the way they treat others that are a part of this Aggie family.”

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5 FOR YELL by Ashley Adams ‘14 Being selected to serve as a Yell Leader is one of the highest honors anyone can achieve as a student at Texas A&M. These five individuals represent what it means to be an Aggie, and choose to volunteer their time serving the university. As student-selected positions, Yell Leader candidates campaign during the month-long student body elections.

All juniors and seniors are eligible to run for Yell Leader; however, many students believe members of the Corps of Cadets are the best candidates for the job. 5 for Yell is a group of students who campaign for the five Corps members that have been selected by their peers in the Corps of Cadets to run for these coveted spots.

The staff of the 5 for Yell campaign is typically made up of five to ten students. The campaign has a very large support base from the university as well as the community, and although it is not an official student organization it is a great way for students to get involved.

Yell Leaders, 1962 The staff works incredibly hard during campaign season planning and organizing events to get students acquainted with the candidates. A few of the events you can expect to see each year are a kick-off retreat, a ‘paint party’ where you can get your hands dirty creating campaign signs, and nightly meetings that are used to strategize and promote the candidates. The staff also holds “media challenges” to encourage students to share information about 5 for Yell through Facebook, Twitter, etc. Social media plays a huge part in campaign season, partly because Texas A&M is a large university with an even larger network, and partly because Texas A&M’s social media presence is one of the best in the country.

5 for Yell is one example of how students get involved at Texas A&M. Whether it’s through an official organization or just a group of students with a common cause, it’s important to participate in the campus community and have your voice heard.

© Cushing Memorial Library and Archives

AGGIE ADVICE Written and compiled by A. Micah Mills ’16

College can be considered a scary place, especially to high school students. It’s a place of new beginnings that voids the comfortable routine that high school provides. It’s a place of independence and self-discovery, where you can transform goals and dreams into careers and opportunities. College is always on the tips of teachers’ tongues, the back of parents’ minds and sought by the majority of high schoolers, but getting there can seem daunting. Whether it be applications, scholarships or admissions—college, from the outside looking in, can create a web of questions waiting to be answered.

Luckily, outlets to answer those questions and guide you to success are out there. One of the most helpful of these outlets can often be advice from people who have been in the frenzy of how, what, when, where and why in the search for the right college. These five people are your day-to-day college students sharing their wisdom of what they found most important in their pre- and post-college application process. If you have any questions regarding the application process, scholarships or Texas A&M, you can always ask an Aggie to help you get started, or ask @Aggie_bound on Twitter.

Gabriel ’16

Annie ’16

Logan ’16

Scott ’15

Kendall ’15

It is important to dive into different organizations to try to figure out your niche and be able to show those talents. Getting involved in different areas of your school and your community can really speak wonders for you on paper and in person.

Keep updating your resume regularly. It is easy to forget things you did two summers ago. Your resume is often your one way to get Admissions’ attention, so always keep it in the back of your mind.

Many students don’t realize how easy it is to fill out one application that can apply them to a wide array of scholarships. Don’t be one of them. Take time to fill out all portions of the application.

You never know what completing it could lead to.

Campus life should play a huge role in your college search, but it shouldn’t be the only factor.

The environment surrounding the school is equally as important.

Get to know the ins and outs of the city.

For instance, the Bryan/College Station area has so much to offer outside of the university.

Last, but certainly not least, follow your dreams. Find something you are passionate about and go for it. Don’t let your teachers, parents or friends tell you what your dreams are. Set a goal and find a way to achieve it. Whether it be through a major or organization, there is always a way to achieve your dreams.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT LIVING ON CAMPUS

Story by Callie Rae Rainosek ’17

Applying to colleges and deciding which university is best for you can be stressful, so choosing your future lifestyle shouldn’t be!

Here at Texas A&M University, freshmen are given a choice of an on-campus or off-campus lifestyle.

In fact, when I moved to College Station I chose to live off campus because living in an apartment seemed to better fit my lifestyle. However, I have learned from friends that living on campus is truly unique.

Location Imagine having all the resources you need to succeed right outside your door. You can easily meet up with study groups or friends, talk with professors and even wake up ten minutes before class starts and still make it to class on time! (Who doesn’t like some extra sleep?) There are many attractions and advantages to living on campus, such as easy access to an all-you-can-eat buffet at Sbisa, one of the largest dining halls in the country and the largest on campus; the Memorial Student Center, known as the university’s living room; Rudder Auditorium, where you can attend Broadway musicals and student group performances; and of course, being only a short

FEATURE // THE TRUTH ABOUT LIVING ON CAMPUS

distance away from the many Texas A&M sporting events and the incredible Student Recreation Center.

When asked what the biggest advantage to living on campus was, freshman Business Administration major Zachary Gorhum replied, “Not having to drive anywhere. I just leave my room and I’m basically there!”

Support The on-campus living experience at Texas A&M University promotes student leadership and individuality. With residence halls that build a friendly and family-like environment, students can feel at home while excelling academically. The residence halls assign Residence Advisors (RA’s) to every floor to support and give students help with any issues adjusting to college.

From Left to right: Tyler ’17, Construction Science; Cecily ’16, Biological & Agricultural engineering; The Underground Food Court in the Sbisa Dining Hall Complex

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Freshman International Studies major Kaitlyn Kellermeyer, a friend I met at Fish Camp, recently told me about a health scare she experienced her first semester of college. Luckily, her residence advisors were there to help.

“About two weeks into my first semester in college I was having some weird chest pains...When my roommate found out what was going on, she immediately called the RA on duty...Lo and behold, three RAs show up at my door, and they stayed with me. They had so many helpful resources...and they were really helpful in just calming me down and being there for me. One of them gave me her phone number and kept checking in on me afterward.”

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Advantages to living on campus • Convenient location for campus events, classes and local shops and restaurants • Connect with roommates and hall mates • Quick and easy access to many food options, as well as public kitchens • Free Wi-Fi • Laundry facilities (Some dryers even text you when your clothes are done!)

• Routine maintenance and cleaning checkups of the rooms

The Network As a result of living on campus, my friends have also developed close connections with students in their hall, which is what I admire most about life on campus. They have such a unique, close-knit family– one that Aggieland is famous for. As a student who lives off campus, hearing my friend Zachary talk about residence life makes me want to experience it myself. Zachary has made many new friends within his residence hall and feels like they have bonded into a family. “...residence halls create a family environment. I see the same people often, study with them and eat many of my meals with them. They do become your family away from home.”

With a diverse student body at Texas A&M University, living on campus also creates opportunities to meet people from all around the world. “I feel like what makes on-campus life unique is its variety,” my friend Kaitlyn explained to me. “There are so many types of people you could end up living with, or near, or down the hall from.

You really never know.”

Texas A&M University offers so much tradition, education and experience for its students. Why not step right into it all and live in a residence hall? Live the on-campus life!

Student, Faculty and staff volunteers (even the University president) assist new residents and their families on residence hall move-in day

• More opportunities to witness and be a part of the happenings on campus—like Zombie walks, slack lining on the plaza, impromptu student performances (last semester I applauded many random rappers on my way to class), Corps of Cadets training, Reveille (our mascot) getting her morning walk in… just to name a few

Advantages to living off campus • An independent lifestyle • Many apartments offer extra entertainment such as computer labs, gyms, swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts • Some apartments allow pets • There are many styles of housing to choose from (apartment, townhome, duplex, etc.), so you can find the best fit for you • Many off-campus housing options are located on or near a campus bus route

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Are you Aggiebound?

MAJOR SPOTLIGHT

Meteorology Story by Joseph A. Puente ‘14 Regardless of the season, weather in Texas is unpredictable.

For the average Texan, experiencing nearly freezing weather one day and a high of 75 degrees the next is common; but in the College of Geosciences, students and faculty from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences are dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of the atmosphere and sharing that information to benefit those who are interested in learning.

Texas A&M University is the only public university in the state of Texas that offers a B.S. in Meteorology, but more importantly the department is one of the largest and most respected in the nation with a student-to-teacher ratio of about 7 to 1.

With an emphasis in weather and weather forecasting, the Department of Atmospheric Sciences helps meteorology students acquire and develop scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills including opportunities for hands-on experience through individual study and participation in faculty research.

In addition to research, students are expected to take courses including Climatology, Atmospheric Chemistry, Cloud Physics and Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere with Radar and Satellites.

“Students will graduate with the ability to analyze, forecast and assess the impact of weather in public and private operational meteorology,” associate professor Dr. Don Conlee says. “They are well prepared for jobs in air quality, aviation support, wind and solar energy and in Metocean support to the offshore energy industry.”

Meteorology graduates may find themselves working for companies such as the National Weather Service, NASA, TV stations, the Environmental Protection Agency, airlines, the Department of Defense or private meteorological consulting and forecasting firms.

Conlee says many students know from an early age that meteorology is what they are meant to do. “Sometimes we say that ‘Meteorology chooses you!’ Others like science in general and are attracted to the way that meteorology applies science in such a tangible way.

Either way, a degree in meteorology is both challenging and rewarding. Although large by national meteorology program standards, our program offers students a small college feel even in the midst of all the awesome experiences that A&M offers to its 50,000+ students.

Here students know each other, faculty know the students and we look out for one another. It’s a great way to experience A&M!”

For a complete listing of majors, see page 25. admissions.tamu.edu/majors

Texas Aggie Storm Chasers With the help and supervision of faculty advisors, the Texas Aggie Storm Chasers get the opportunity to observe severe thunderstorms and tornadoes out in the field. Chasing storms not only serves as a learning tool for these weather-loving Ags, their efforts are also used to aid the National Weather Service.

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Texas A&M gives its students ample opportunities to get involved with a student organization that develops their career interests.

Texas Aggie Storm Chasers are not only sure to get a thrill out of driving into the heart of the storm, they’re also certain to gain an invaluable education outside of the classroom.

E IV RE N CO EATSHIP E M R N P C C R BU ETIT PH ILD IVE CLIMBING CORPSFITENEUR CIEN OT E R S O PR RS ENTOMOLOGY ENTREP ATIVE IG OJECT FORENSIC INVEST KITEBOARDING APPA GAMMA L PPA K OSCIENCE PAINTBALL PARSO ACROSSE A K N NS O A G N D Y& JU EO ROSS VOLUNTEER CO MOUNT EOGR MPAN ED C AP EY NOLOG BOTICS ROD K Y S AV HIC OC ECH S RO CUB ALR A E H NOT NNER AP Y A U ER N DR A

T AGGIE WR EPLARNNOLD AIR SOCANGLER R E IE I A GGRABIC AKTI YOGA BIRDINTY ARS AG A H GB T CE UE A P I B OD A ET

Y GERMAN IET ATIVE REL GUIDE C O SL AT L S LEGI ION STUDI ION D S OP S CU

RD GA G G EA Y UNIT GIN Y CIVIL AIR PATROL COMM EMER FIRST M EMERGENCY CARE TEFAENCING E L B M E S DANCE EN

ER IES ADV TISING UAR D CROSS ANIM AERO AL S ACT AN RE DA N C Y E B ETA RES PA ERIC BELL AM EBALL TH C BAS

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS! At Texas A&M, you can find other students with shared passions. If we don’t have what you are looking for, we make it easy to start your own!

There is no excuse.

Get involved.

getinvolved.tamu.edu

HORTICULT U ERS ND NTAIN SPORT RE IC LA OU M S R T SE EPLAN IFLE R O R

I OMEGA ALTERNA T HA CH ALP SHAPING TOMORR IVE S IDO G IN L (CARING AGGI OW AU PRIN E G T S R AIKERVINARPOO PROISM S BREA TE PE K S C A C ES T ING KS B AMAT E O A V ER DMIN UR R OU TO ADI R O N L IVE BAL AMC S) LE G C EN T BA UARD TU SK A R Y S ETB NGL AL ERS I N G ER L S

/DUKES OF ESTRA RCH SIST-AGGIES SEL AGGIE O S F L D AN G A BOWLING BUNKELESS AND EL LIVINLDERS R L I BA Y G F UI B O YB

EW E ENV RIT IF SH IRONERS CREW L CRICKET CULTURA CA MENT A L NCE M P FISH D ISSUES EXCELLEHT RILL TEAM FLIG

TEXAS A&M HAS OVER

OAST FISHERME S GULF C AFFAIRS MIXED N GYMNASTI C -DOG T VICE STUDEN NG QUIDDITC MARTIAL ART S HAND H QUIZ B S& SER ORITY RLIFTI O S BA W ND I MIN S POWE L R EED ELF D LL HI S A IACH IARD R E O F GH OG AR T BILL W M DIE EN S CKE S O

AWARENESS AND DIVERSITY DISC UNITING CULTURE, EDUCATION TEST ENGINEERS FLY

GOLF CYCLING DANCE ARTS DIVING & LEADERSHIP FADE TO BLACK HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

THE AGGIE NETWORK MORE VALUABLE THAN GOLD

Story by Lauren Howes ’16 The stress of passing courses throughout the

I only filled out one college application and

semesters, the memories you make during

that was to Texas A&M University. To me, there

the journey and counting the days down until

was no other college to attend other than

you get your Aggie Ring: this is what makes

Texas A&M. The suspense was killing me my

Aggie Ring Day the proudest day of any Aggie’s

senior year. It seemed to have taken forever,

college career. Texas A&M has the highest rate,

but when I finally got my acceptance letter I

at 95 percent, of undergraduate students to

was running down the stage to get my diploma

earn and order their school’s university ring.

so I could get to College Station. When I see

Some of my friends dream about the day they

the pride my sister and cousins have wearing

will receive their wedding ring, but if you ask

their Ring, I cannot wait to have mine. I love

me what day I dream of, I would say it is the

the stories my friends and family tell me

day I get my Aggie Ring.

about receiving theirs on Aggie Ring Day—a day dedicated to awarding and celebrating the latest recipients.

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TY WARREN ’03

“Aggie Ring Day is hands-down

the story of a student whose flight

one of the most exciting days on

had been canceled due to weather

campus,” said Alexandra González,

conditions, preventing him from

Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’15.

getting home in time for the

“Aggieland is filled with such a

holidays. The Aggie began talking

positive and happy energy that is

to an older gentleman, a former

contagious to everyone, regardless

student, who was on the next flight

if they are receiving their Aggie

out. He noticed the older man was

Ring that day or not. Whether rain

wearing an Aggie Ring, so the two

or shine, there is nothing that can

began talking. When it came time

put a damper on the excitement

for the older Aggie to board his

Those who follow Aggie Athletics may know Ty

of the thousands of students who

plane, he looked over to the young

Warren, Class of ‘03. Warren was a football

receive the coveted piece of gold

man and told him to take his ticket.

player at Texas A&M before he was drafted

every semester. It truly is a unique

© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos

in the NFL by the New England Patriots. On

experience that every Aggie, or

Stories like these are heard often

occasion, it is known for athletes to stop their

friends of Aggies, should experience

when you’re an Aggie, and that

education once they reach the professional

for themselves.”

is because the Aggie Ring is more

leagues, but that did not hold true for Warren.

than just a university ring. The

Juggling school during football season was

Although the Aggie Ring does not

Aggie Ring is a badge of honor that

too difficult since the Patriots, at the time,

come with a job, it may open the

creates an instant connection with

were playing in the Super Bowl and winning

door to career opportunities. A few

others who wear it.

Super Bowl rings. Warren wanted to set a

years ago, a student working at a

good example for his children and the Aggie

local restaurant began talking to

Kathryn Greenwade, Vice President

community, so he turned down a $250,000

an ol’ Ag who was dining there.

of

bonus and continued to work towards his

After talking for several minutes,

Students

said,

“It

symbolizes

degree during his off-seasons. When he had

the ol’ Ag gave the Aggie waiter his

becoming

one

with

the Aggie

finally reached the requirements, Warren took

business card. When the student

community.”

Ring

off his Super Bowl ring and replaced it with

called him the next day, he was told

means that you’re part of a family,

his Aggie Ring. This act is an example of the

to come visit with him about a job

the

meaning and the “spirit that can ne’er be

opportunity when he graduated.

support you and help you succeed

The Association of Former

Aggie

Wearing Network,

the who

will

told” of being an Aggie.

throughout your life.

While to

job

the

experience, is

far

Ring

interviews the

beyond

often

leads

and

career

Ring’s

reach

occupational

12,000 RINGS ORDERED IN 2013

opportunities. I recently heard

90 cumulative undergraduate hours (45 of those hours must have been completed at Texas A&M) 2.0 minimum GPA

the stuff you need

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Applying to Texas A&M In order for the Office of Admissions to make an admission decision, a completed application and all required documents must be received (not postmarked) by the freshman application deadline of December 1. The following are required:

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A completed ApplyTexas Application The application opens August 1. Apply online at applytexas.org.

Essays A and B (required for all applicants) We strongly encourage students to complete Essay C for holistic review and scholarship consideration. Those applying for the Terry Scholarship are required to complete Essay C. A nonrefundable $75 processing fee or fee waiver The application fee for international applicants is $90. (Fees are subject to change.)

An official high school transcript (with numerical class rank and diploma type if available)

SAT or ACT scores (including Writing score) sent directly from the testing agency

A copy of the Permanent Resident Card, I-551 or Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit must be provided if applicable.

Required Coursework

Applicants who graduate from an accredited Texas public or private high school must have completed either the recommended or distinguished high school curriculum. Students graduating under the new ‘foundation high school program’ are encouraged to complete the Distinguished Level of Achievement with one or more endorsements. The high school curriculum should be noted on the official high school transcript.

Please visit admissions.tamu.edu/freshman/coursework for a complete description of coursework including information for home-schooled and out-of-state applicants.

For the latest admissions information, please visit admissions.tamu.edu.

Scholarships & Financial Aid A Texas A&M education is an investment in your future. Unfortunately, many students and their families choose not to apply for financial aid for a variety of reasons: too much of a hassle, do not think they will qualify, do not know how to apply or think they make too much money. Don’t let any of these reasons hold you back. All students can apply to receive financial assistance.

Pursuing your education today makes you more valuable tomorrow. Follow these steps to help you pay for college:

1

Begin searching and applying for scholarships now. There are many scholarships out there that could help you pay for college. Visit scholarships.tamu.edu for a list of available scholarships and scholarship search engines.

You can also apply for Texas A&M scholarships online at applytexas.org when you apply for admission to Texas A&M. Submit your ApplyTexas Admissions Application (including scholarship questions) by December 1, to be eligible for consideration. Essays A and B on the ApplyTexas Application are required for all applicants. Essay C is recommended for applicants for holistic review and scholarship consideration. Those applying for the Terry Scholarship are required to complete Essay C.

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Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is available January 1. We recommend applying as early as possible. You do not have to be admitted to apply. By completing the FAFSA, you are applying in one step for all federal, state and institutional aid. This includes grants, loans and work-study. The school code for TAMU is 003632.

When you have received notice that you have been awarded financial aid, log on to the Howdy Portal (howdy.tamu.edu) using your NetID and password. Once logged in, click on the My Finances tab to enter the Financial Aid Portal to accept, reduce or decline your aid.

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cost of attendance is [an average of]

$22,500 per year

Books & Travel Supplies 3% 5% Miscellaneous 9%

Average expenses breakdown Room & Board 42%

Cost varies per academic college. Visit sbs.tamu.edu for the most up-to-date information regarding tuition and fees.

for in-state residents not living at home

$

Tuition & Fees 41%

be a competitive

applicant •

Take the Texas A&M required high school coursework.

•

Challenge yourself by taking rigorous coursework.

•

Get involved.

•

Visit campus.

•

Take the PSAT in October of your junior year to be considered for National Merit, Achievement and Hispanic competitions.

•

Pick your top 3 majors and research the academic and career opportunities.

Texas A&M does not admit based on the majors you’ve selected, so pick the major you really want!

•

Register for and take the SAT/ACT by the end of your junior year. Be sure to take the writing portion of the test. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to re-take the test(s) if necessary.

•

Write your essays at the end of your junior year and have someone, like a counselor, review them.

getting

admitted Academic Admits To qualify applicants must: • successfully complete the minimum required coursework; and • rank in the top quarter of their graduating class on or before the application deadline; and • achieve SAT or ACT score minimums (test scores must include Writing score): -- combined SAT Math and SAT Critical Reading score of at least 1300 with a test score of at least 600 in each of these components; or -- composite ACT score of at least 30 with a test score of at least 27 in ACT Math and ACT English; and • meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (admissions.tamu.edu/uap).

Top 10% Admits To qualify applicants must: • attend a recognized public or private high school in Texas; and • rank in the top 10% of their graduating class on or before the application deadline; and • meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (admissions.tamu.edu/uap).

Students graduating under the new “foundation high school program” must complete the Distinguished Level of Achievement to qualify.

Review Admits If applicants do not qualify for automatic admission but satisfy the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy, their complete application file will be reviewed in a holistic manner.

For more information visit admissions.tamu.edu.

Contact Admissions Visit or call to talk with an admissions advisor. We can answer any questions you may have regarding the admission process. We may even have a Prospective Student Center near you! admissions.tamu.edu/psc | admissions@tamu.edu | @Aggie_bound Dallas

Customer Service

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Pick Your Major COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Agribusiness Agricultural Communications & Journalism Agricultural Economics Agricultural Leadership & Development Agricultural Science Agricultural Systems Management Animal Science Biochemistry Bioenvironmental Sciences Biological & Agricultural Engineering** Community Development Ecological Restoration Entomology Environmental Studies Food Science & Technology Forensic & Investigative Sciences Forestry Genetics Horticulture Nutritional Sciences Plant & Environmental Soil Science Poultry Science Rangeland Ecology & Management Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences Renewable Natural Resources Spatial Sciences Turfgrass Science Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences University Studies*

Community Health Health Allied Health School Health Human Resource Development Interdisciplinary Studies (EDIS) Early Childhood-6 Teacher Certification 4-8th Grade Teacher Certification Interdisciplinary Studies (INST) Bilingual Education Special Education Kinesiology Applied Exercise Physiology Basic Exercise Physiology Dance Science Motor Behavior PE Certification Sport Management Technology Management University Studies*

aglifesciences.tamu.edu

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE arch.tamu.edu

Construction Science Environmental Design Architectural Studies Landscape Architecture Urban & Regional Planning Visualization University Studies*

education.tamu.edu

DWIGHT LOOK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING engineering.tamu.edu

Aerospace Engineering Biological & Agricultural Engineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Electronic Systems Engineering Technology Industrial Distribution Industrial Engineering Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Nuclear Engineering Ocean Engineering Petroleum Engineering Radiological Health Engineering

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COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS liberalarts.tamu.edu

Anthropology Classics Communication Economics English History International Studies Modern Languages Music Philosophy Political Science Psychology Sociology Spanish Telecommunication Media Studies Theatre Arts Women’s & Gender Studies University Studies*

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH sph.tamhsc.edu

Public Health

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE science.tamu.edu

Applied Mathematical Sciences Biology Chemistry Mathematics Microbiology Molecular & Cell Biology Physics Zoology

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES vetmed.tamu.edu/bims

Biomedical Sciences

MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL mays.tamu.edu

Business Accounting Finance Management Management Information Systems Marketing Supply Chain Management

COLLEGE OF GEOSCIENCES geosciences.tamu.edu

Environmental Geosciences Environmental Studies Geographic Information Science & Technology Geography Geology Geophysics Meteorology University Studies*

* Visit unst.tamu.edu for more information. ** Freshman entry is through the College of Engineering.

List current as of July 2014 Visit admissions.tamu.edu/majors for the most current information. © TAMU | 9-14 | 25K

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS

Medicine Vet Law

Dental Pharmacy

Office of Professional School Advising OPSA.tamu.edu

1265 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-1265

26 AGGIEBOUND

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID COLLEGE STATION TEXAS 77843 PERMIT NO. 215