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Texas A&M Requirements for Admission

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What are Texas A&M's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

  • GPA requirements
  • Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
  • Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Texas A&M and build a strong application.

School location: College Station, TX

This school is also known as: A&M, TAMU, Texas A&M University

Admissions Rate: 62.4%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Texas A&M is 62.4% . For every 100 applicants, 62 are admitted.

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This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

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Texas A&M GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.68

The average GPA at Texas A&M is 3.68 .

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(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 3.68, Texas A&M requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.68, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Texas A&M hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Texas A&M will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Texas A&M SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1275

The average SAT score composite at Texas A&M is a 1275 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Texas A&M Competitive for SAT test scores.

Texas A&M SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1160, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1380. In other words, a 1160 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1380 will move you up to above average .

Our experts' guidance in getting tutoring in Houston and beyond can help the Texas A&M fans out there raise their chances of becoming Aggies themselves.

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Texas A&M has the Score Choice policy of "All Scores."

This means that Texas A&M requires you to send all SAT scores you've ever taken to their office.

This sounds daunting, but most schools don't actually consider all your scores equally. For example, if you scored an 1300 on one test and a 1500 on another, they won't actually average the two tests.

More commonly, the school will take your highest score on a single test date. Even better, some schools form a Superscore - that is, they take your highest section score across all your test dates and combine them.

Some students are still worried about submitting too many test scores. They're afraid that Texas A&M will look down on too many attempts to raise your score. But how many is too many?

From our research and talking to admissions officers, we've learned that 4-6 tests is a safe number to submit . The college understands that you want to have the best chance of admission, and retaking the test is a good way to do this. Within a reasonable number of tests, they honestly don't care how many times you've taken it. They'll just focus on your score.

If you take it more than 6 times, colleges start wondering why you're not improving with each test. They'll question your study skills and ability to improve.

But below 6 tests, we strongly encourage retaking the test to maximize your chances. If your SAT score is currently below a 1275, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in.

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Texas A&M ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Texas A&M likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 29

The average ACT score at Texas A&M is 29. This score makes Texas A&M Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

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The 25th percentile ACT score is 25, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 31.

Even though Texas A&M likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 25 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 29 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Texas A&M, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 29.

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Free eBook: 5 Tips to 4+ Points on the ACT

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Texas A&M considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1380 SAT or a 31 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 62.4% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 3.68. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 1160 SAT or a 25 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

  • 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
  • 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
  • 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
  • 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
  • 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Texas A&M here.

Application Requirements Overview

  • Common Application Not accepted
  • Electronic Application Available
  • Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Interview Not required
  • Application Fee $75
  • Fee Waiver Available? Available
  • Other Notes Apply Texas application, minimum SAT math score of 550 or ACT math score of 24 for the Dwight Look College of Engineering recommended for some freshmen

Testing Requirements

  • SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
  • SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
  • SAT Subject Tests
  • Scores Due in Office December 15

Coursework Requirements

  • Subject Required Years
  • Foreign Language 2
  • Social Studies 3
  • Electives 5

Deadlines and Early Admissions

  • Offered? Deadline Notification
  • Yes December 1 March 31
  • Yes October 15

Admissions Office Information

  • Address: 400 College Station, TX 77843
  • Phone: (979) 845-3211 x3211
  • Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

Texas A&M has two required essays and an optional third -- it's recommended you do the third if you won't be automatically admitted.

You will choose a major when you apply, but that will not affect the admissions decision. Note the application deadline is December 1 to start in the fall, about a month earlier than is standard.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Texas A&M, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Texas A&M.

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Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Texas A&M. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

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Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Texas A&M, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

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Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Texas A&M, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Texas A&M is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Texas A&M University Catalogs

Application information.

Students can apply for undergraduate admission to Texas A&M University by using any one of several application services.

You may access the appropriate undergraduate application from the Texas A&M University admissions website http://admissions.tamu.edu .

Texas A&M University has several conveniently located Prospective Student Centers throughout the state, staffed with advisors ready to serve you. Please contact the center nearest you to learn more about admissions, financial aid, academic programs and student services. Texas A&M also has advisors who serve the Brazos Valley, Central Texas and El Paso areas as well as advisors throughout the U.S. to assist out-of-state applicants.  Visit the website admissions.tamu.edu/connect for more details.

Aggieland Admission Center 1 Texas A&M University 109 John J. Koldus Building 1265 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-1265 (979) 458-0950

Corpus Christi Regional Prospective Student Center 1 5350 South Staples, Suite 442 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 289-7905

Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Prospective Student Center 1 3900 Arlington Highlands Blvd., Suite 273 Arlington, TX 76018 (817) 375-0960

Houston Regional Prospective Student Center 1 1225 North Loop West, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77008 (713) 454-1990

Laredo Regional Prospective Student Center 1 6401 Arena Road, Suite 5A Laredo, TX 78041 (956) 795-0412

Rio Grande Valley Regional Prospective Student Center 1 500 N Jackson Rd, Suite A-7 Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 683-8647

40 NE Loop 410, Suite 605 San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 212-7016

Se habla español. 

The admission guidelines presented here are for admission to the Spring, Summer or Fall 2023 semester. While they are the best guide available, admission criteria are subject to change. The Office of Admissions website ( http://admissions.tamu.edu ) contains the admission policies and procedures in effect for 2023 admission.

Types of Admission and Application Calendars

An applicant who has enrolled in a post-secondary institution since high school graduation, with or without credit earned, must apply as a transfer applicant.

Items Necessary to Complete an Application File

Please see the Readmission, Post-baccalaureate or Non-degree sections for other items required to complete the transfer application for those types of admission. U.S. citizens completing a non-U.S. high school program should refer to International Admissions for questions concerning transcripts, examination results, and foreign credentials.

An application is reviewed to make a decision about admission after all items listed below have been received. The items must be received by the appropriate closing date to qualify for consideration for admission.

In addition, freshman applicants must show proof of meeting the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy to qualify for review. If you attend an out-of-state high school or are a home schooled student, you are exempt from the Uniform Admission Policy.

Application submitted electronically via ApplyTexas or the Common Application 

Application fee (check, money order, visa, mastercard, discover or american express)—all fees are nonrefundable.

  • Domestic Undergraduate - $75
  • International - $90

Guidelines for requesting application fee waivers:

  • Fee waivers are not available for international students.

Freshman Waivers

Applicants who qualify for federally funded free/reduced lunch programs may qualify for a fee waiver. Students must certify their eligibility on the application by answering Texas A&M's fee waiver question.  Please see our admissions website,  http://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/freshman , for additional  instructions for requesting a waiver.  Checking the fee waiver box on the application will not satisfy the fee waiver requirement.

Transfer or Readmit Waivers

To request a fee waiver, please provide your Student Aid Report (SAR), found within your current FAFSA, or a copy of an award letter from your current institution. The Office of Admissions does not have access to your FAFSA or SAR, you must provide a copy as part of your application file.  Checking the fee waiver box on the application will not satisfy the fee waiver requirement.

Please see our admissions website,  http://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/transfer , for additional information.

  • Freshman applicants are required to complete Essay Topic A.
  • Transfer applicants are required to complete Essay Topic A.

SAT or ACT Scores

  • Required of all freshman applicants, including all international freshman applicants. **
  • Scores should be sent directly from the testing agency and must be received by the posted deadline to be considered.
  • The SAT code is 6003; the ACT code is 4198.
  • Test scores must be from a test date within five years of the date of planned enrollment.
  • The highest test score from one test date will be used in our review for admission. Texas A&M does not combine test scores from different test dates.  ** Due to the continued lack of availability of in-person testing opportunities, Texas A&M University will not require ACT or SAT scores for freshman applicants in the fall or spring of 2023. The submission of test scores will not create any unfair advantage or disadvantage for those students who provide them but may help satisfy TSI requirements if admitted.

Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)

  • Domestic freshman applicants must fill out and submit the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) indicating coursework, credits earned, grades, graduation plan/diploma type, grade point average and a numerical class rank (if available) at least through their junior year. Students should have a copy of their high school transcript available to use as a reference when filling out the SRAR. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit a final transcript with graduation date by August 15 . Discrepancies between a student's SRAR and official final transcript will be thoroughly reviewed; depending on findings, this could result in a student's admission being rescinded. Freshman applicants who have already graduated from high school must also provide an official high school transcript with a graduation date as part of the application file.
  • Access to the SRAR will be available on our admissions website when the application opens.
  • Domestic applicants attending an international school which follows an academic curriculum patterned after the U.S. education system may fill out the SRAR.
  • International students studying in the U.S. may fill out the SRAR.
  • International students studying outside the U.S. must provide official academic records, see International Admission Criteria for details.
  • The Office of Admissions reserves the right to require official transcripts from any student; students should check the Applicant Information System to ensure completion of their file.
  • Freshman and transfer applicants who have graduated from high school at the time of application should submit an official high school transcript that includes grades and credits for all completed coursework, a numerical class rank (if available), date of graduation and graduation plan completed, or a certificate verifying completion of a GED program. 
  • Post-baccalaureate applicants are not required to submit a high school transcript as part of the application file. Readmit applicants may be required to submit a final high school transcript if one is not currently on file with the university.
  • To be considered official, a transcript must bear an original signature of a school official or an original school seal.
  • Applicants who have attended high school both in the U.S. and out of the U.S. may complete the SRAR provided the courses and grades are present on the U.S. transcript; otherwise, official transcripts are required. Details for providing international transcripts can be found under International Admission Criteria.
  • For students enrolled in the U.S., copies of official transcripts from other countries will be accepted provided the copies are on file and verified by the U.S. institution. 
  • Faxed or emailed copies are not official and will not be accepted.
  • Students graduating from a Texas high school who rank in the top ten percent must provide both the Self-Reported Academic Record and a high school transcript noting the student’s rank and class size or a transcript with a letter from the school on school letterhead signed by a school official noting the student's rank and class size to qualify for automatic admission. Documents may be uploaded in the Applicant Information System for processing. 
  • Texas A&M's Office of Admission will assign a ranking to students from non-ranking high schools.

Official College Transcripts

  • An official transcript is required from every post-secondary institution attended even if the applicant did not earn credit, receive a course grade or the course is not transferable. Coursework from one college posted on the transcript of another college will not satisfy this requirement. Failure to acknowledge attendance and provide transcripts from all schools attended may be considered a fraudulent admissions application resulting in a denial of the application. A college transcript for dual credit coursework earned in high school must also be provided.
  • Official paper transcripts are to be sent by the sending institution in a sealed envelope. The transcript will not be considered official if the student has had access to the transcript.
  • Requirements for submitting international transcripts can be found under International Admission Criteria.
  • Faxed copies are not official and will not be accepted.
  • For students enrolled in the U.S., copies of official transcripts from other countries will be accepted provided the copies are on file and verified by the U.S. institution.

Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States

An applicant who has applied for or been granted Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is eligible to submit an application as a Domestic Applicant. To qualify, you must include one of the following with the application:

  • a copy of both sides of the DHS-issued Permanent Resident Card, or
  • the I-551 Entry Stamp and Immigrant Visa in the passport, or
  • an approved I-797 Notice of Action or I-797C Notice of Receipt.

If your parent is also a permanent resident, a copy of the parent’s proof of LPR status will be necessary to determine in-state residency for tuition purposes.

Note: If you have applied for adjustment of status to Lawful Permanent Residency and have not received your LPR card or Notice of Action that says Notice Type: Approval Notice, you will be considered an international student once you are admitted to the University. There are certain requirements that international students must fulfill in order to enroll. Please contact International Student Services at [email protected] for more information about these requirements.

Required Immunizations

Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.9192 requires all entering students (under the age of 22) to provide evidence of vaccination against bacterial meningitis received within the last 5 years or a signed affidavit declining the vaccine at least 10 days prior to the start of classes for any given semester. Learn more about bacterial meningitis at http://admissions.tamu.edu/meningitis .

Notification of Application Status

Check the Applicant Information System (AIS) at applicant.tamu.edu to verify your application has been received and to determine if any credentials are missing or are incomplete. Please allow at least two weeks to process credentials.

The Office of Admissions will make every effort to inform applicants of incomplete files through AIS. If incomplete credentials are received within one month of the closing date, there may not be sufficient time for the Office of Admissions to notify applicants. All items necessary to complete an admission file must be received by the Office of Admissions by the closing date (not postmarked) to assure consideration for admission.

Required Coursework

Applicants who graduate from an accredited Texas public or private high school applying to Texas A&M University must have completed the Foundation High School Program preferably with the Distinguished Level of Achievement and at least one endorsement.  The high school curriculum should be noted on the official high school transcript. Please visit https://admissions.tamu.edu/resources/future-students/college-readiness for a complete description of coursework including information for home-schooled and out-of-state applicants.

State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy

Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 ( State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy ) requires that all freshman applicants meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible to be considered for admission at a Texas four-year public institution.

  • SAT – 480 EBRW and 530 Math for tests taken after February 2016
  • ACT – 18 English, 22 Reading, 22 Mathematics and 23 Science
  • Successfully complete the State of Texas foundation, recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program or complete the portion of the program that was available to them; or
  • Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the foundation, recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs.

Students attending an out-of-state/out-of-country high school or home school are exempt from the Uniform Admission Policy.

Additional Information for Freshman Applicants

  • Extracurricular activities including time commitment and duration of involvement
  • Leadership and/or exceptional talent as shown in extracurricular activities and/or work
  • Community/volunteer work including time commitment and duration of involvement
  • Awards and achievements earned while in high school
  • Employment and/or internships including dates of work and hours per week
  • Family educational background and household income
  • Number of people in household
  • Essay Topic A

Topic A on the application is required. 

Freshman Admissions

When all credentials necessary to complete a freshman applicant’s file are received during the admission application period, one of the following criteria will be used to determine who will be offered admission:

  • Top 10% Applicants from Texas High Schools Applicants who are Texas residents or who are enrolled in recognized public or private high schools in Texas with a rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, on or before the admissions deadline, will be automatically admitted to Texas A&M University if they have successfully met the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy and have successfully completed the recommended or distinguished graduation plan or the foundation distinguished plan. Choice of major is not guaranteed. Applicants must submit all required credentials and a high school transcript verifying top ten percent ranking by the closing date in order to qualify for automatic admission.
  • Review Applicants Applicants not meeting the above requirements for automatic admission but who have met the state of Texas Uniform Admission Policy will be considered for admission by holistic review of their application file, provided they submitted all required credentials by the closing date.

Information for all Freshman Applicants

  • All applicants should use the application questions and the essay to present their academic background and personal strengths as well as personal circumstances.
  • Letters of recommendation are optional. If an applicant chooses to submit letters of recommendation, only the first two received will be considered. The most helpful letters are from individuals who know the applicant well and who can write about what distinguishes the individual from other applicants in the areas of leadership, exceptional talent or special circumstances. Photocopies are acceptable.
  • A competitive applicant who cannot be admitted to a major due to restricted enrollment will be offered admission to their second major choice. If the second major choice is full, then an alternate major must be chosen by the applicant after admission to the university.

Notice of Admission Decision

Texas A&M University receives many more academically prepared applicants for admission than we can accommodate. Admission decisions are made beginning September 1 and continue throughout the application period. A final decision may not be announced until early December for spring admission or late March for summer or fall admission. A limited number of applicants may be offered provisional admission that requires the successful completion of a summer school program at Texas A&M. In addition, some applicants may be considered for the Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen , Texas A&M Blinn TEAM Program ,  Texas A&M Engineering at Blinn ,  Texas A&M Engineering at Galveston , Texas A&M Engineering at McAllen , or the Program for System Admission .

Opportunity Admission Program 

The Opportunity Major initiative will allow for additional offers of admission to under-enrolled majors. A list of majors below the average student-to-faculty ratios or whose scheduled credit hours are below the student-to-faculty ratios will be known as “opportunity majors” to facilitate this process.   Students admitted into an opportunity major will follow the catalog of the year they are enrolled in the opportunity major. Opportunity majors will be updated each year to reflect changes to the list and offer maximum opportunity for students to enroll. The Opportunity Majors for the 2023-2024 academic year and general terms and conditions of participation are listed the  appendices  of this catalog. Students admitted to an opportunity major will only be allowed to change majors to another opportunity major with one exception. Students who complete 40 hours with a 3.75 GPA after one year with at least 30 hours in Texas A&M enrolled courses, will be provided the opportunity to apply to change major to a non-opportunity major based on the availability and selective process of the college/department.

Suspected Fraudulent Admission Applications

Applicants for admission to Texas A&M University should be aware that the information submitted as part of the application process will be relied upon by University officials to determine their status for admission and residency for tuition purposes. By signing and submitting an admission application, the applicant certifies that the information in, and submitted with, the application is complete and correct and may be verified by Texas A&M University.

All students applying to Texas A&M University are expected to follow the Aggie Code of Honor which states “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those who do.” Applicants found to have misrepresented themselves or submitted false information on the application will receive appropriate disciplinary action which may include rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment or any other appropriate disciplinary action. In all instances of disciplinary action, the application fee is non-refundable.

Pursuant to Texas A&M Student Rule 24.4.1 , acts of dishonesty include but are not limited to:

  • Withholding material information from the  University , misrepresenting the truth during a  University  investigation  or student conduct conference, and/or making false statements to any  University officials  or law enforcement officers in the course of their duties.
  •  Furnishing false information to and/or withholding information from any  University official ,  faculty member , office, or law enforcement officers in the course of their duties.
  •  Forgery, alteration, possession, or misuse of any  University  document, record, or instrument of identification.
  •  The submission of false information at the time of admission or readmission is grounds for rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, dismissal or other appropriate disciplinary action.

For prospective undergraduate students (admitted but not enrolled), the initial determination of whether an individual has submitted a fraudulent application will be made by the Director of Admissions Operations, with a right of appeal to the Executive Director of Admissions. All appeals will be considered by the Admissions Decisions Appeals Committee and a recommendation made to the Executive Director of Admissions.  For prospective graduate students, initial appeals will be made to the Dean of the Graduate and Professional School.

Enrolled students suspected of violating Student Rules will be reported to the Student Conduct Office.

Any University official who suspects that a prospective student or enrolled student has submitted a fraudulent admission application must notify the Executive Director of Admissions. 

Residence Requirement for Baccalaureate Degree

A student must complete at least 25% of semester credit hours applied to a baccalaureate degree in residence at Texas A&M University. 

Upper-level Residence Requirement: A minimum of 36 semester credit hours of 300-level and/or 400-level coursework must be successfully completed in residence at Texas A&M University to obtain a baccalaureate degree.  For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN Track, a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of 300-level and/or 400-level coursework must be successfully completed in residence at Texas A&M University.  In all cases, a minimum of 12 of these 300-level and/or 400-level semester hours must be in the major.

Abbreviations for Texas A&M Colleges and Majors

See this catalog pertaining to your major for the specific science.

Choice available for transfer applicants only. Nursing and Dental Hygiene applicants must have completed or be enrolled in pre-requisite courses at the time of application. Courses may be completed at any accredited college or university.

All new students to the Schools of Architecture, Business, and Public Health enter the lower level.

Requires CHEM 120 ; MATH 168 , MATH 151 .

The curriculum leading to a professional degree in Architecture begins in the four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree program. This degree provides entry to the Master of Architecture program.

No spring transfer admission.

Choice not available for transfer applicants.

All students seeking elementary teacher certification will complete a baccalaureate degree in Education. There is no major in Secondary Teacher Education. All students seeking secondary certification (except those preparing to teach physical education or health) will major in an academic discipline other than Education (i.e., mathematics, English, computer science, biology, etc.) and take appropriate coursework for teacher certification in the School of Education and Human Development.

Apply through College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Pre-veterinary medicine is not offered at Texas A&M. If you plan to apply to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, you should select a major that would be a good vocational choice if you do not later enter the DVM program. Any major may be selected; however, some curricula more closely parallel courses that must be completed before applying to the DVM program than others.

Change of Curriculum to Another Campus

In addition to main campus, Texas A&M offers certain undergraduate degrees at its branch campuses, Galveston and Qatar, and the Higher Education Center at McAllen.  While enrolled as a student in residence at any one of the Texas A&M locations, students may apply for a change of curriculum to another location for a future semester. Students must comply with the established change of curriculum procedures and requirements of their desired major, department, and college, and space must be available. Final approval is granted by the academic dean or departmental advisor for that major.

Transfer Admissions

Transfer applicants will be reviewed and receive a decision from the Office of Admissions provided they submit all required credentials by the closing date. 

Recommended/required coursework for all majors is available on the Transfer Course Sheets at http://admissions.tamu.edu/transfer/majors . Students are strongly encouraged to follow the guidelines and complete both the required and recommended courses as outlined on the Transfer Course Sheets and in the catalog. Applicants who begin a set of courses which have a two-semester sequence are encouraged to complete both courses in the sequence before planning to transfer to Texas A&M.

Admission Criteria

  • Transfer applicants should have at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on at least 24 graded semester hours of transferable coursework at the time of application to be competitive for admission.
  • Transfer admission decisions are made based on the college or major requested and are competitive; thus, admission standards may change from one semester to another. Preference is given to the applicant with the highest grade point average (GPA) and the most courses completed for the major designated on the application. 
  • Applicants who drop or withdraw from courses frequently and who do not routinely achieve satisfactory grades will be at a disadvantage in the review for admission.
  • Spring grades may be used in the fall admission decision if requested by the Review Committee or in instances where the student did not meet the university requirements for review. Spring transcripts must be received by June 1 for review with spring grades. A complete application must be on file by March 1 to be considered for fall admission and to qualify for spring grade review. Spring grade review is not available for all applicants and is not an option for students studying outside the U.S.
  • The entire application, including essay topic A, is considered in the review process.
  • Some colleges consider second choice majors and some do   not  consider second choice majors. This is noted on the Transfer Course Sheets. The admission decisions follow the guidelines presented in the Transfer Course Sheets and the College Specific Information provided in the catalog. Space may be limited for those being reviewed for their second choice.   

Automatic Transfer Admission through SB 175

A transfer applicant who graduated from a Texas high school and ranked in the top 10% of their high school qualifies for automatic transfer admission to a 4-year university under the provisions of SB 175 if they meet the following guidelines:

  • The applicant must have graduated in the top 10% of his or her high school graduating class from a Texas high school not more than 4 years prior to the semester for which the student is applying. The top 10% ranking must be stated on the final high school transcript, or the applicant must have been previously offered admission under the Top 10% rule to the institution to which the applicant seeks admission as a transfer student.
  • The applicant must complete the core curriculum at a public junior college or other public or private lower-division institution with a 2.5 GPA on a four-point scale or equivalent.
  • Transcript should note core completion.
  • The applicant must expressly and clearly claim in the application that he or she is seeking admission under the transfer Top 10% rule (SB 175).
  • The applicant must provide all of the documents required for transfer admission to Texas A&M by the posted deadline. Transfer requirements can be found at http://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/transfer .

Applicants qualifying for transfer Top 10% admission under SB 175 will be admitted to Texas A&M but the choice of major is not guaranteed. Students desiring admission to Business or Engineering are encouraged to select a second choice major of interest due to the limited enrollment capacity in these colleges.

For information concerning the Transfer Top 10% Admission, please see www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/doc/SB00175F.doc .

College Specific Information

College of agriculture and life sciences.

Transfer admission requirements vary for the different academic programs offered by the College. Transfer admission decisions are made by major and are competitive. Most majors have required and recommended coursework to be completed by the student prior to application. It is highly recommended that prospective students contact the academic advisor for the major of interest to inquire about specific transfer admission requirements. Students should also refer to the Texas A&M University Admissions website  to review the Transfer Course Sheets for each major. Also, note that transfer admission GPA requirements vary by major and several exceed the minimum 2.5 GPA. Completion of the essay indicating why the major was selected and how a degree in this major will help meet career goals is required. For more information on transfer guidelines, coursework and contact information for all academic advisors, refer to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences website .

School of Architecture

Applicants must have completed 24 hours of transferable coursework at the time of application, and it is recommended that these courses be selected from the degree program electives described elsewhere in this catalog. The essay is an important component in the review process and should explain why the applicant is interested in either the Architecture, Construction Science, Landscape Architecture or Urban and Regional Planning degree. Depending on the program of interest, applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA are rarely admitted. For more information, visit the School of Architecture  website .

Enrollment in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning is driven by available studio space. Additionally, there are eight sequential studios in those degree programs which makes it difficult for students that transfer with more than 36 hours to graduate in a timely manner.

MATH 1324 from some colleges will not be a direct equivalent to MATH 140 at Texas A&M University but will satisfy the core math requirement for this major.

College of Arts and Sciences

Competitive applicants will apply with at least 24 hours of graded transferable coursework and a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application. Transfer admission GPA requirements vary by major, with the majority requiring at least a 3.0 to be competitive for transfer admission consideration. Applicants should complete the essay indicating why they are interested in admission into their selected major. Applicants who have special or extenuating circumstances they wish to share are encouraged to address these within the essay(s) as well.  Academic performance in courses relevant to the student’s prospective major are considered in admissions decisions. STEM majors pay close attention to performance in required math and science courses. Majors may have prerequisites that must be met prior to admission. The College of Arts and Sciences will consider second-choice majors. Students with 90 hours of college credit may not be considered for transfer admission to some majors. Refer to this catalog for all electives in each curriculum. For more information about majors, programs and curricular requirements, please refer to this catalog, the Transfer Course Sheets , and the College of Arts and Sciences  website .

See below for courses required for STEM related majors:

Mathematics

 statistics.

A grade of B or better is required on all courses. Requirements also include a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better.

 Must be completed with a C or better.

Meets major requirement. May be taken as time permits.

Mays Business School

Mays Business School offers transfer admission to the most competitive applicants. The transfer admission process identifies applications that evidence outstanding accomplishments, including academic credentials using the following guidelines.

Transfer admission to Mays generally requires excellence in the following set of ten specific courses. Applicants desiring to major in business are encouraged to plan early, and incorporate this entire body of coursework into their curriculum prior to applying. It is especially important to have credit for both required math courses before applying.

Mays admits transfer applicants for summer or fall admission. No spring transfer admission is available. Applicants are expected to have completed and excelled in substantially all of the 30 credit hours of Required Coursework. Applicants need a grade of A in most courses and a high overall GPA to be competitive. 

The entire record is reviewed for consistency in coursework and grades. Successful applicants include carefully written essays that demonstrate clarity of purpose, creativity, and an advanced writing style. Applicants are encouraged to use the required essay as an opportunity identify their past accomplishments, discuss what they hope to study at Texas A&M University, and describe how their undergraduate business education will help them meet goals after graduation. Applicants who have special circumstances they wish to have considered are urged to share all pertinent information, with appropriate documentation, in their essay(s).

REQUIRED COURSEWORK FOR ADMISSION:  Priority courses to be completed before transfer application to Mays Business School are:

Take Public Speaking in a classroom setting.

In lieu of MATH 1324 and MATH 1325, Mays accepts MATH 2414 and MATH 2413, respectively.

School of Education and Human Development

Transfer admission requirements vary for the different academic programs offered by the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD). Transfer admission decisions are made by major and are competitive. All majors have required coursework to be completed by the student prior to application. It is highly recommended that prospective students contact the SEHD Undergraduate Prospective Student Office to inquire about specific transfer admission requirements. Students should also refer to the Texas A&M University Admissions website at  http://admissions.tamu.edu/transfer/majors to review the Transfer Course Sheets for each major. Also, note that transfer admission GPA requirements vary by major and several exceed the minimum 2.5 GPA. Completion of the essay indicating why the major was selected and how a degree in this major will help meet career goals is required. For more information on transfer guidelines, coursework and contact information for the SEHD Undergraduate Prospective Student Office refer to the following website  https://education.tamu.edu/contact-us/  or email [email protected] .

College of Engineering

Applicants should complete at least 24 hours of graded, transferable coursework at the time of submitting their application, all with a grade of C or better. Transfer admission GPA requirements vary by major, with the majority exceeding the minimum requirements for transfer admission consideration to Texas A&M. Transfer admission course requirements also vary by major. 

Prospective transfer students should review the College of Engineering website for more information about each major. Transfer Course Sheets are available for each major in the College of Engineering to provide guidance on specific transfer admission requirements.

Field of Study Curricula

A Field of Study Curriculum is a set of courses that will satisfy lower-division requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a specific academic area at a general academic teaching institution. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board publishes information about Board-approved Field of Study Curricula ( www.highered.texas.gov/ ). Texas A&M University complies with requirements outlined in 19 Texas Administrative Code §4.32 regarding transfer of course credit for completed or partially-completed Field of Study Curricula. Per 19 Texas Administrative Code §4.32, following the receipt of credit, “the student may be required to satisfy the remaining course requirements in the field of study curriculum of the receiving institution, or to complete additional requirements in the receiving institution's program, as long as those requirements do not duplicate course content already completed through the field of study curriculum.”

Notification of Admission Decisions

Transfer admission decisions are made through a competitive review process. Applicants are notified of the admission decision on a rolling basis throughout the application season. For those applicants requested to submit spring grades for fall consideration, decisions should be announced by early July.

Additional Information for Transfer Applicants

  • All applicants are encouraged to view the  Transfer Course Sheets  posted on the admissions website for information concerning required courses and GPA requirements for admission to a specific major. 
  • A 2.0 GPA or better on coursework in progress during the semester (excluding summer terms) immediately prior to enrollment at Texas A&M is a condition of admission.
  • Failing grades, repeated courses, WF, Incomplete, etc.
  • Grades reported as Incomplete are computed as Fs.
  • Plus and minus grade designations are not used; C+ is computed as a C, B- as a B, etc.
  • Credit by examination courses which are transcripted from other colleges or universities may be transferred if sequential coursework with credit is also indicated. If there is evidence that the credit by examination courses are part of the student’s program of study at that institution, credit will be awarded for those courses that meet the transfer guidelines. Note: Credit by examination will not count toward the 24 hours required for consideration for admission.
  • Coursework taken as credit-by-exam must be listed as a specific course and course number on an official college transcript to be considered for transfer of credit.

Transfer Course Credit Policies

Transfer credit on coursework complete at the time of application to Texas A&M University is determined when an official transcript from the originating institution is presented as part of the application for admission or readmission process. An official transcript is required from every post-secondary institution attended (including dual credit earned in high school) even if the applicant did not earn credit, receive a course grade or the course is not transferable.

The transfer of course credit is determined by the Office of Admissions on a course-by-course basis by application of policies set under the guidance of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and under the guidance of faculty within the academic colleges. Credit submitted for transfer must be on an official transcript received by the Office of Admissions from the Registrar of the institution where the credit was earned. Course content will be determined from the catalog description or the syllabus. The transferability of courses will be based on the criteria below. All criteria are intended to be considered together; for example, criteria 10 may be qualified by criteria 7.

Undergraduate course credit will only be evaluated and posted for undergraduate applicants and undergraduate students, not for graduate level applicants.

Credit from Institutions Accredited by One of the Institutional Accrediting Agencies

  • The course is applicable to a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M.
  • The course is similar to a course or courses offered for degree credit by Texas A&M.
  • The course content is at or above the level of the beginning course in the subject matter offered by Texas A&M.
  • A course that is intended for use in a vocational, technical or occupational program will not typically transfer. In certain cases, credit for occupational skill courses will be considered. Transfer of this credit requires that the student’s Texas A&M major is engineering technology or industrial distribution or that the student’s major department and dean approve the course for use in the student’s degree program after enrollment.
  • Credit for support courses such as Math, Science and English intended specifically for use in an occupational program will not be transferred.
  • Credit for courses must be shown on the official transcript in semester hours or in units that are readily converted to semester hours.
  • A graduate-level course will not be transferred for undergraduate credit unless approved for use in the student’s undergraduate degree program by the student’s major department and Dean. This also applies for a course offered in a professional degree program such as Nursing, Law, or Medicine.
  • Credit by examination courses which are transcripted from other colleges or universities may be transferred if sequential coursework with credit is also indicated. If there is evidence that the credit by examination courses are part of the student’s program of study at that institution, credit will be awarded for those courses that meet our transfer guidelines.
  • Courses similar to ones offered by Texas A&M at the junior or senior level transfer by title only. Such courses may be used in the student’s degree program only if approved by the Department Head and Dean of the student’s major field. Validation of such credit, either by examination or the completion of a higher level course, may be required.
  • A field experience, internship or student teaching course may be transferred by title only.
  • Credit for cooperative education will not be transferred.
  • A course that is substantially equivalent to a Texas A&M lower level course transfers as an equivalent course. Two or more courses may be combined to form one or more equivalent courses. If there is doubt about the equivalency of a course, the Texas A&M department offering the course subject matter may be asked to determine if the course is equivalent. STEM courses are often referred to the departments for evaluation.
  • As a general policy, credit for admission will be given for transfer work satisfactorily completed with a passing grade at another properly accredited institution.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) for any period shall be computed by dividing the total number of semester hours of transferable courses for which the student received grades into the total number of grade points earned in that period. Credit hours to which grades equivalent to Texas A&M grades of W, WF, F, I or U are assigned shall be included; those having grades equivalent to Texas A&M grades of WP, Q, S, X and NG shall be excluded.
  • In any case where a decision cannot be made using the above criteria, the Office of Admissions will determine the transfer of credit based on University policy, previous actions of the University and prior experience.

Resolution of Transfer Disputes for Lower Division Courses Between Public Institutions in Texas

The following procedures shall be followed by public institutions of higher education in the resolution of transfer credit disputes involving lower-division courses:

  • If an institution of higher education does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, the receiving institution shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer of the course credit is denied. A receiving institution shall also provide written notice of the reasons for denying credit for a particular course or set of courses at the request of the sending institution.
  • A student who receives notice as specified in subsection 1 may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or the receiving institution.
  • The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
  • If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the institution that denies the course credit for transfer shall notify the Commissioner of its denial and the reasons for the denial.

The Commissioner of Higher Education or the Commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about the dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.

Credit from Non-accredited Schools

Students who transfer to Texas A&M from an institution of higher education that is not accredited by one of the institutional accrediting agencies may validate the work taken at the institution by one of the following methods upon admission:

  • Successful completion of a comprehensive departmental examination or nationally standardized examination that is approved by the department.
  • Successful completion of a higher level course in the same subject area when approved by the Department Head and the Dean of the college or school.

Credit will be given to students transferring from non-accredited public colleges in Texas for work completed with grades of C or better if they earn a grade point of 2.0 (C average) on the first 30 hours of residence work at Texas A&M.

Credit from Foreign Institutions

Transfer work from institutions that do not follow the United States educational system with instruction in English will be evaluated on an individual basis. A-level examinations with a grade of C or better will result in the award of transfer credit. We do not award credit for Baccalaureate II examinations. Credit will be given for work satisfactorily completed at international institutions offering programs recognized by Texas A&M. Official credentials submitted directly from the Office of the Registrar and a listing of courses completed and grades awarded must accompany any request for transfer credit. Transfer work will be awarded by course title unless previous arrangements have been made using the Texas A&M University Transfer Credit Study Abroad Pre-Approval Form. Courses must be equivalent in character and content to courses offered at Texas A&M. Credit will not be awarded from international institutions which are not academically accredited by the Ministry of Education or other appropriate authority in the home country.

No English composition courses will be transferred from institutions located in non-English speaking countries. American history and American political science (government) courses will not transfer from foreign institutions.

Courses taken at language training centers or language institutes are generally not awarded transfer credit. A transcript from such an institution must be issued through the Office of the Registrar at a Texas A&M recognized university, institute or language training center. Credentials of all language training centers and institutes are carefully reviewed.

Credit for Military Experience

State law (Texas Education Code Section 51.3042) and Texas A&M University policy awards credit for military service to eligible veterans. To receive credit, student veterans must submit proof of eligibility to the Office of Admissions.  Up to 12 hours of general elective credits may be awarded, as needed for the student’s degree plan.

Proof of eligibility includes:

  • DD Form 214 showing 1 year active duty and an honorable discharge OR
  • Military orders OR
  • Disability discharge documentation AND
  • Documentation of high school completion (final high school transcript or General Educational Development certificate)

Military transcripts are evaluated at the time of application and credit for military experience/training is awarded based on recommendations contained within the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services published by the American Council on Education (ACE).  Texas A&M University will award KINE 198 and KINE 199 credit for completion of Basic Training if applicable to a student's degree plan.  Credit under this policy does not prohibit Texas A&M University from awarding additional credit.  The Military Transcript Credit Appeal form shall be provided to the Office of Admissions with approval of the academic advisor and veteran. 

  • Official military transcript (JST or CCAF)

Military Service Credits are irrevocable once awarded. Potential consequences should be identified and understood before a request is submitted. Students must consult their academic advisor for advice on the number of credits from military service that can be used in their degree program to avoid excess credit accumulation and possible negative effects.

Extension and Correspondence Courses

Students may apply a maximum of 30 semester hours of approved extension class work and correspondence study toward a degree. Students may apply up to 12 hours of correspondence credit earned through an accredited institution toward the requirements for an undergraduate degree, even though Texas A&M does not offer courses by correspondence.

Correspondence courses taken through the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) may be accepted and included in the 12 hours allowed.

In order for a student in residence at Texas A&M to receive credit for correspondence work toward a bachelor’s degree, he or she should:

  • obtain advance written permission from the Dean of their college or school;
  • present appropriate evidence of having completed the course.

Testing Services is authorized to act as an agent to receive correspondence courses.

International Admission Criteria

Transcripts/examination results.

Official academic records (transcripts, marksheets, diplomas, etc.) are required for all secondary and any university coursework completed. Records should include all courses taken in high school and every college or university the applicant has attended.

Official records require the original school seal or an original signature of a school official (Registrar, Principal, Headmaster or Director of Student Records, Controller of Examinations, or the Ministry of Education). Official records should be mailed from the school directly to Texas A&M University, Office of Admissions. Examination results should be sent directly from the examination agency. In addition to the original records in a language other than English, Texas A&M requires official translations in English. Translations sent directly from the institution attended or from a recognized translator will be accepted. Transcript evaluations that include a certified copy of the original transcript and a word-for-word translation from an evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services are strongly recommended and will allow faster processing of files. We recommend a document-by-document evaluation (with a GPA) for high school credentials and a course-by-course evaluation for college/university transcripts from non-U.S. institutions. Credential evaluations that include a word-for-word translation will be considered as an official translation but will NOT  be accepted as a substitute for required transcripts. For students enrolled in the United States, we will accept copies of official transcripts from other countries that are on file and verified by the U.S. institution. Unofficial photocopies, fax copies, and notarized copies of records, examination results, or translations will not be accepted. Uploaded transcripts and diplomas indicating graduation from secondary school (final high school transcripts) will not be accepted. These transcripts must be mailed. 

Admission Criteria for International Applicants with U.S. Based Credentials

International applicants who are completing their education at an institution that is accredited by the U.S. will be reviewed in accordance with the guidelines determined for domestic admission. However, these applicants must still meet international deadlines and testing requirements. (See item 2 below.)

Admission Criteria for International Applicants with Foreign Credentials

International applicants who are completing their education at an institution that is not accredited by the U.S. will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • International applicants are expected to complete an educational program that will allow them to be considered for admission to a university in their home country. Examples include the completion of Grade 13, Form 6 or 3 A-level exams following the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Predicted A-level exam results must be received by the application closing date.
  • Applicants must submit proof of high school graduation, typically a diploma, leaving certificate, or official examination results. Students that complete the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exam must provide the necessary information for Texas A&M to verify the WAEC results, typically a WAEC scratch card or results checker, by the application closing date.
  • Successful applicants will rank near the top of their country’s educational system (B average or better) and score well above average on national exams.
  • Secondary school courses: Appropriate college preparatory coursework is required.
  • TOEFL internet-based test score of 80 or higher (taken within two years of date of intended enrollment)
  • IELTS with a 6.0 overall band score (taken within two years of date of intended enrollment)
  • SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 560 or higher 
  • ACT English score of 21 or higher
  • Completed all four years of high school within the U.S.
  • Transfer from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education with at least 30 semester credit hours including the equivalent to Texas A&M’s ENGL 103 or ENGL 104 with a grade of C or better. 
  • Please view the admissions website for information concerning acceptable English language testing for 2023.
  • Leadership positions held
  • Honors/awards received
  • Major national, state or Texas A&M scholarships received

Additional Requirements for International Applicants After Admission

If admitted, international students should review the International Student Services Channel, howdy.tamu.edu - Applicant tab, for next steps concerning enrollment at Texas A&M University. Additional information is available on the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website.

Scholarship Information for International Students

There are a limited number of scholarships, fellowships, grants and loans available to international students, both in the admission process and throughout their enrollment. Some of these come from academic departments, particularly for graduate applicants, but there are also forms of financial aid available through International Student Services and Scholarships & Financial Aid. International applicants with financial need are encouraged to complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) . This form must be resubmitted annually for continued consideration for aid.

One special opportunity that a student may be eligible for upon admission to Texas A&M University is the Texas/Mexico Education Scholarship. Texas law allows a limited number of admitted applicants who are citizens of Mexico, and who can document financial need, to pay the same tuition as the residents of the State of Texas. For more information regarding how to apply for this scholarship, please refer to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website.

For additional information regarding financial assistance and other scholarships available to International Students, please contact:

Scholarships & Financial Aid Texas A&M University P. O. Box 30016 College Station, TX 77842-3016 (979) 845-3236 [email protected] http://financialaid.tamu.edu

For additional information, please contact:

International Student and Scholar Services Office Pavilion Room 110 Texas A&M University 1226 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-1226 USA (979) 845-1824 Fax (979) 862-4633 [email protected] http://iss.tamu.edu

Admission Criteria for Other Application Types

Readmission criteria.

Admission decisions for readmission are based on the following:

  • GPA on Texas A&M coursework;
  • GPA on coursework since leaving Texas A&M;
  • desired major; and
  • information presented in the application and essay/statement of purpose.

If you were previously admitted but did not enroll and attend class through the official census date, you do not qualify as a readmit, and you must apply as either a freshman or transfer student.

If you were previously enrolled at Texas A&M but did not attend class through the official census date of the previous long semester, then you must apply for readmission.

Transcripts from institutions attended since the last enrollment at Texas A&M are required as follows:

Post-baccalaureate Undergraduate Criteria

Admission is limited and intended for applicants with a degree who wish to apply for further study at the undergraduate level to pursue a second bachelor’s degree.

Additional requirements to complete a post-baccalaureate application:

  • an official transcript indicating the receipt of a recognized baccalaureate degree
  • a statement of purpose explaining why enrollment at Texas A&M is necessary
  • official transcripts from all colleges attended (official high school transcript not required)

Admission decisions for post-baccalaureate undergraduates consider:

  • GPA on transferable college coursework
  • completion of prerequisite coursework
  • information presented in the application

Priority is given to qualified applicants for their initial degree; therefore, post-baccalaureate undergraduate admission may be limited or may not be available . Mays Business School and the School of Public Health  do not  consider applicants for post-baccalaureate study. Students are encouraged to contact the major to determine if post-baccalaureate study is allowed. See the Classification section of this catalog for the enrollment rights and privileges of this classification.

Undergraduate Non-degree Criteria

Admission is limited and intended for applicants with a high school diploma (with the exception of High School Enrichment Program participants) or for degree applicants who do not intend to pursue a baccalaureate degree at Texas A&M. This includes:

  • local residents or University employees taking courses on a part-time basis
  • applicants completing established Texas A&M University requirements for teacher or other certification
  • applicants completing a prescribed set of courses as preparation for application to graduate study or professional programs (i.e., medical school, veterinary school, law school or CPA exam)
  • others as deemed appropriate by the Office of Admissions and the college or program of admission

Additional requirements to complete an undergraduate non-degree application:

  • a statement of purpose explaining why enrollment at Texas A&M is desired
  • an official college transcript showing the latest collegiate coursework attempted or a complete, official high school transcript if no college work has been attempted after high school graduation
  • additional information presented in the application may be considered

Priority is given to qualified applicants for their initial bachelor’s degree; therefore, non-degree admission may be limited or not available. Students are encouraged to contact the major to determine if non-degree seeking study is allowed for any given semester. See the Classification section of this catalog for the enrollment rights and privileges of this classification.

Transient Session Only Criteria

Admission is considered for applicants who wish to attend summer only, present appropriate credentials for the level of specified coursework, and apply within the processing period for the specific session. The School of Public Health does not allow transient admission. Students are encouraged to contact the major to determine if transient study is allowed.

Additional requirements to complete transient session only application:

High School Enrichment Program

Texas A&M University is pleased to offer the High School Enrichment Program (HSEP) for qualified high school students in the Bryan/College Station area that will provide college credit and may also provide credit toward high school graduation. Admission for this program is on a space-available basis. The applicant pool is competitive, and admission into this program is not guaranteed.

This program provides a chance to further your knowledge in a subject you have completed in high school and earn valuable credit for graduation at both levels. For example, if you are interested in Physics and you have completed all of the classes your high school offers, you may qualify to continue to study Physics at the college level.

To be considered for this program, students must have completed all levels of related coursework offered at their high school. Each student is eligible to take one course per fall or spring semester, and course registration will be completed by the Texas A&M departmental advisor. No summer classes are offered at this time. Classes will be held on the Texas A&M campus, and students and their parents/guardians will be responsible for any transportation considerations.

Eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a junior or senior in high school in the Bryan/College Station area.
  • You must have a minimum SAT score of 1270 or an ACT score of 27.
  • You must provide a recommendation form from your high school counselor to participate.

Academic Fresh Start Policy

Applicants for admission or readmission to Texas A&M may choose to have academic coursework that was completed at least 10 years prior to their term of application removed from consideration in the admission decision (Texas residents only). All other admission requirements apply. Should a Fresh Start applicant be admitted, he or she will forfeit all credit earned prior to 10 years from the term of admission. Academic Fresh Start must be requested as part of the application process. It cannot be requested after an applicant is admitted or enrolled. 

Academic work done subsequent to ten years will be used in the evaluation of the applicant for admission.  Applicants with subsequent coursework are required to submit the transfer application along with transcripts for all college level coursework as well as all additional required documents by the posted deadline. If a student does not have coursework subsequent to ten years, he or she will be considered for admission based on the guidelines for new entering freshmen.  See https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/academic-fresh-start for additional requirements. 

Admitted Fresh Start applicants have “Academic Fresh Start” indicated on their official Texas A&M transcript, are required to satisfy TSI requirements, and will follow the academic requirements of the Undergraduate Catalog of record for the term of admission.

Forfeited coursework cannot be considered as prerequisites but placement examinations are allowed for courses which were not considered for admission because of the Fresh Start Policy. Once admitted on Academic Fresh Start, the applicant or student cannot subsequently request that the Fresh Start policy restrictions be removed.

If an applicant has used the Academic Fresh Start Policy at a previous school, the Academic Fresh Start will remain in effect at Texas A&M upon transfer.

Note: For financial aid purposes all previously taken coursework will be included when evaluating aid eligibility.  In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not recognize the Academic Fresh Start program.  Students cannot be certified for courses they have successfully completed.  Students using VA educational benefits should coordinate with the Veterans Services Office.  

Entry to a Major – College of Engineering

Students in General Engineering , Texas A&M Engineering at Blinn ,  Engineering at Galveston , Engineering at McAllen , or the Texas A&M Engineering Academy Programs  pursue a common first year engineering curriculum to provide them opportunities to explore the various engineering  majors . Students are introduced to the different engineering majors in the first year engineering courses, ENGR 102 , ENGR 216/PHYS 216 and ENGR 217/PHYS 217 . Additionally, students are encouraged to leverage additional resources, including the Career Center, faculty, and academic advisors, to gain more information about engineering majors. Students must complete the following first year engineering curriculum requirements over the course of at least two semesters before applying to an engineering major: two engineering courses, two math courses, and two science courses. 

The entry-to-a-major (ETAM) process  enables students to take ownership of their future by identifying at least three majors that are a good match for their academic and career goals. The ETAM process is designed to place students in the highest rank major possible based upon academic performance, ETAM application content, and program capacities.  Students are encouraged to be in a major as early as possible. Students in  General Engineering ,  Texas A&M Engineering at Blinn ,  Engineering at Galveston ,  Engineering at McAllen , or the  Texas A&M Engineering Academy Programs must be in a major by the end of the fourth semester.

Transfer students are admitted directly to a degree granting major through the admissions process.

Upper-Level Entry to the Schools of Architecture and Business

Transfer students.

Transfer students, who meet the University entrance requirements and who desire to enter a major field of study in the School of Architecture, will be admitted based on available space and current School of Architecture entrance criteria. Following admission, some departments place transfer students on a 2.5 GPA probation for a minimum of 12 credit hours to substantiate competency in required lower-level courses. Departments with lower-level classification will admit transfer students into the school with a lower-level classification. Students may apply for upper-level status after at least one semester at Texas A&M University.

Change of Major

Students currently enrolled in another major at Texas A&M University with fewer than 60 hours who desire to change their major field of study into the School of Architecture must fill out a Change of Curriculum application found on the Howdy portal under the "My Record" tab. See Student Rule 5. 

The best-qualified applicants will be admitted based on the number of spaces available in their program of choice . Enrollment in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning is driven by available studio space. Additionally, there are eight sequential studios in those degree programs which makes it difficult for students that transfer with more than 36 hours to graduate in a timely manner.

Lower-level business (BUAD) students are encouraged to complete the freshman and sophomore sequence of courses as listed under Program Requirements.

The BBA Upper-Level (UL) entry requirements and application procedures are as follows:

  • Submitted application for UL admission no later than preregistration for the expected UL entry term. NOTE:  For summer UL entry, all requirements must be completed BEFORE the first class day of the FIRST SUMMER SESSION.
  • BUAD students may preregister for UL business courses in the semester for which they have applied for UL. However, students who fail to complete UL requirements shall not be permitted to remain registered in UL business classes.
  • Transfer Students:  Transfer students admitted to Mays Business School enter as lower-level business (BUAD) students until they complete all requirements listed previously in item 1, at which time they may apply for admission to an UL BBA major. Transfer students may immediately apply for UL when admitted to Mays Business School if, and only if, they meet all UL requirements at that time.
  • On-Campus Change of Major Students:  Texas A&M students who change major into Mays Business School from another college or department at the University will enter as lower-level business (BUAD) students until they complete all requirements listed previously in item 1. Change of major students who, when admitted to the business school, qualify to apply for admission to an UL BBA major may do so.
  • Junior- and Senior-Level Business Courses: Preference for available seats in junior- and senior-level business courses will be given to students who have been admitted to a BBA granting major in Mays Business School. All ineligible students who preregister for UL business classes are subject to cancellation of their registration in these courses.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was instituted to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges and universities possess the necessary academic skills to perform effectively in college and to provide diagnostic information about reading, writing and mathematics skills of each student. All undergraduate students who did not meet one of the allowed exemptions must take the approved TSI Assessment.

Students who do not meet established cutoff scores or other approved exemptions for the TSI Assessment are required by Texas law to be enrolled in, and actively attend, an academic skills course and/or program each semester prior to completing all TSI requirements. Academic skills courses in each of the three TSI areas are offered by Texas A&M. Failure to meet the attendance requirements of the academic skills course will result in withdrawal from Texas A&M. The hours for these courses will not count toward any degree program but may count toward determining full-time status.  See  https://asc.tamu.edu/TX-Success-Initiative for specific information.

Students required to take the TSI Assessment should provide their score reports to the Academic Success Center at Texas A&M University at the address below.

Academic Success Center 1133 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-1133

Email score reports to:  [email protected]  

More information can be obtained from testing centers at most Texas public colleges and universities or by contacting:

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board P.O. Box 12788 Austin, TX 78711-2788

Undergraduate Studies’ units have modified services available to students enrolled via distance education, at branch campuses, or at other instructional locations.

School of Dentistry – Caruth School of Dental Hygiene

Basis for acceptance.

All applicants will be considered using the following criteria. In addition, the applicant must be able to perform the essential functions required in the curriculum. The quality of the applicant’s academic achievement is a prime consideration. A grade point average (GPA) is computed based on all courses taken in college.

Preference for admission is given to students with:

  • A cumulative GPA and Science GPA indicating ability to succeed in the program.
  • Attention given to detail when completing the application.
  • A comprehensive biographical sketch that includes information that will help the Admissions Committee know the applicant better. Details about the dental hygiene procedures that have been observed, a description of the community service projects in which you have participated and information concerning your interests, abilities and attitudes that have motivated you to make the commitment required for a career in dental hygiene are examples of information that might be included.

The application deadline is January 5. The Office of Recruitment and Admissions encourages applicants to submit the online application forms by December 1. All materials related to the application must be received in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions by February 1.

  • Application for Admission
  • Secondary Application
  • List of courses in progress and those planned prior to enrollment in the dental hygiene program
  • Biographical sketch
  • Application Fee ($35.00)
  • Photograph sized 2 X 2 (does not have to be a passport picture - can be regular photograph cut down)
  • Transcripts from high school and all colleges attended (if you attended a foreign high school, you do not have to submit a copy)
  • Scores from Texas Success Initiative (TSI). (Or if exempt, SAT/ACT or TAAS– usually scores are listed on high school transcript; you do not have to submit scores separately.)
  • Observation Verification Form (minimum 16 hours required)
  • Recommendations: these evaluation forms should be completed by 1) a college instructor, 2) a dental hygienist and 3) an individual who has known applicant for some time; for example, an employer or supervisor.
  • An application is valid for one academic year only.
  • Official transcripts are required and will be accepted only when sent directly from each school the applicant has attended.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep the application file current. Failure to supply grades, transcripts or recommendations may be perceived as an indication that the applicant is no longer interested in admission.

Processing of applications begins the year prior to entrance into the professional program and continues until the class is filled. The applications are evaluated, and an invitation for an interview may be extended. The purpose of the interview is to determine the applicant’s knowledge of the dental hygiene profession. It also provides an opportunity for the applicant to see the facility, meet with the Admissions Committee and to ask questions about the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene program.

All prospective students are encouraged to contact the college with questions regarding prerequisite courses or the program.

To Access the Dental Hygiene Application Forms:

The applicant will need to create an account on the Banner Admissions Management Framework (BAMF) website . The applicant will be required to complete and submit the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Application, the Secondary Application and the Ethnicity Form.

The application for the Dental Hygiene Program will be available on the BAMF website from July 15 to January 5.

Download Forms (Adobe PDF files):

The Evaluation Form and Observation Verification Form are available for download. You will need to print these forms and submit them with signatures through regular mail.

  • Evaluation Form – top section to be filled in by applicant
  • Observation Verification Form

Mail forms and transcripts to:

Office of Recruitment and Admissions Texas A&M University School of Dentistry 3302 Gaston Avenue, Room 525 Dallas, TX 75246-2013 USA

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit will be determined by each component in conjunction with the staff of the college on a course-by-course basis from official transcripts submitted in the competitive admissions process. Course content will be determined by the catalog course description or course syllabus.

Course acceptability is guided by these criteria:

  • They are acceptable as credit for a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited institution.
  • Course content is at or above the level of courses specified in the requirements for admission.
  • Courses intended for use in a vocational, technical or occupational program normally do not transfer; general courses within this type of program may transfer.
  • Credit on the transcript must appear in semester hours or credits that may be converted to semester hours.
  • Credit by examination courses may be transferred if accepted by another college and followed by sequenced coursework.
  • Equivalency of coursework is determined by content found in catalog course descriptions or syllabi of courses. In case of doubt, departmental faculty will determine equivalency. The final determination is left to the Program Director.
  • As a general policy, coursework with a passing grade may be transferred, but the applicant must keep in mind that admission to the hygiene program is on a competitive basis and grades of F are calculated into the grade point average.
  • Course hours will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis but will be transferred as a block of hours, and the grades do not calculate into the GPA for the hygiene program.
  • Online courses are accepted.
  • Typically, credit will not be given for courses completed at institutions not accredited by a regional accrediting agency.
  • The school does not accept non-credit coursework to be used in lieu of coursework taken for academic credit.

Dental Hygiene Program (BS)

School of nursing.

Three different tracks lead to a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The traditional BSN track is for students seeking their first degree in college. The second-degree BSN track (post-baccalaureate) is for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field of study. The RN to BSN track is for registered nurses who hold an associate degree in nursing. Prerequisite courses, which are the essential foundation for nursing, must be completed before entry into upper-division nursing courses through a competitive admission process. In addition, all students must meet the core curriculum requirements for Texas A&M University if not already completed at another institution. 

The following documents are required for an application to be considered complete and eligible for review:  

Application  

Application fee  

Official college transcript(s)  

Timed verbal and written assessment  

Completion of prerequisite courses by the time of enrollment with a grade of C or better  

Admissions Assessment (HESI A2) entrance exam required for traditional and second-degree BSN applicants only 

Reference and professional resume required for RN to BSN applicants only  

RN to BSN applicants must provide proof of RN licensure in good standing  

Copy of permanent resident card, if applicable  

Official TOEFL Scores are required for international applicants and must be taken within the past two years. Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to be considered official.  

The most current information regarding application to nursing can be found on the  School of Nursing   (SON) website. Applications must be received by the posted deadline. No late documents will be accepted. Admission to the school is competitive. At the time of application, students must be enrolled in or have completed all prerequisite course requirements which includes University Core Curriculum and nursing prerequisites. Admission offers may be made to students finalizing courses and will be contingent upon successful completion of all prerequisite requirements and students presenting a clear criminal background check and a negative drug screen.  

If the student completed a core curriculum from another Texas public institution in a previous degree program, they are not required to complete the school’s Core Curriculum. Students transferring from out of state, from a private institution, those with an international degree or anyone with concerns about this requirement, please contact an academic advisor at the School of Nursing for further clarification. Students will not be considered for admission unless the required coursework will be completed by the time of enrollment.  

Additional Requirements for International Applicants and Applicants with Foreign Credentials

In addition to each program's stated application requirements, applicants with foreign transcripts must also include a transcript evaluation from an evaluation service which is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. A course-by-course listing that reflects U.S. grade point equivalencies and semester credits is required. These reports must be sent directly from the evaluation agency in the original sealed envelope to NursingCAS. Send to: NursingCAS, P.O. Box 9201, Watertown, MA 02471. If sent via UPS or FEDEX, send to NursingCAS Transcript Department, 311 Arsenal Street, Suite #15, Watertown, MA 02472. Students may wish to speak with an advisor to determine transfer credits based on results of the evaluation.  

If admitted to the School of Nursing, applicants with foreign transcripts must submit the native language transcript along with an official English translation. These documents must include all original seals and/or signatures and be approved by the Texas A&M Office of Admissions prior to enrollment in the program.  

English Proficiency and other Requirements for International Applicants

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit proof of English proficiency to be eligible for review. English proficiency can be demonstrated through various criteria. See more on this requirement on the  international admissions website . International applicants will be expected to present declaration of finances, F-1 travel documents and additional documentation upon acceptance to the School of Nursing. All deadlines required by the Office of International Student Services must be met.  

School of Nursing (Health Science Center)

Traditional, second degree and rn to bsn, course credit, testing services.

Testing Services serves as the center for credit by examination, placement testing and correspondence testing, as well as national standardized testing. Other services include posting of test scores and evaluation of tests for college credit.

Credit by Examination

Undergraduate students at Texas A&M may earn course credits by demonstrating superior achievement on tests offered through several examination programs. Credit by examination is available to freshmen who plan to enter the University and to students who are currently enrolled. Credit earned by examination does not contribute to a student’s grade point ratio. The University awards credit for scores on certain tests published by the Advanced Placement Program (AP), the College Level Examination Program Computer-Based Testing (CLEP CBT), the SAT Subject Tests, DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Texas A&M also offers qualified students opportunities to earn credits by taking departmental examinations prepared by the faculty. Information concerning credit by examination may be obtained from Testing Services , (979) 845-0532.

Please note these regulations concerning credit by examination:

  • Test scores and/or credit eligibility must be reported formally to Testing Services for credit by examination to be awarded. Credit is posted to the academic record once appropriate scores are received by Testing Services, the student has officially enrolled in the University and the student has accepted the credit. For information regarding current procedures for accepting credit, please visit the Testing Services website.
  • Students may not receive credit by examination for courses that are prerequisites to courses for which they already have credit except with the approval of the department authorizing the examination.
  • A student may not have credit posted for credit by examination for a course in which he or she is currently registered. If a student has acquired a grade or exercised First-Year Grade Exclusion on a course, then the student will not be eligible to take the equivalent departmental exam. Eligibility will not be affected if a student has a Q, W or NG in a course.
  • Please note that once any credit has been accepted it cannot be removed.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

Examinations offered by the AP Program are administered during late spring by high schools. Students usually take the examinations after completing Advanced Placement courses, although experience in an AP course is not required. Interested students should contact their high school counselors for information concerning registration and test sites. High school students and currently enrolled students should have the College Board forward their scores to Testing Services, institution code: 6003. Advanced Placement scores of entering freshmen are generally received in July. Students will need to log onto their Howdy portal under My Records and then Credit by Exam to accept the credit earned via AP tests. Testing Services suggests visiting with your advisor before you accept credit.

The following list includes all AP examinations currently accepted for credit.

Students must consult their academic advisor for advice on the number of credits that can be used in their degree program to avoid excessive credit accumulation and possible negative effects.

Variable credits up to a maximum of 3 credit hours.  Students must consult their academic advisor for advice on the number of credits that can be used in their degree program to avoid excessive credit accumulation and possible negative effects.

Engineering majors should accept credit for PHYS 206 and PHYS 207 only, (not 226 and 227) a 2 hour lab is required for their degree plan

For instructions on accepting AP credit, please visit T esting Services .

College Level Examination Program Computer-Based Testing (CLEP CBT)

CLEP CBT tests are designed to evaluate nontraditional college-level education such as independent study, correspondence work, etc. Both enrolled undergraduate students and entering freshmen may receive CLEP CBT credit for the courses which are listed below. Only examination titles below are currently accepted. The minimum scores listed below are based on the current version of CLEP CBT Examinations. Students will need to log onto their Howdy portal under My Records and then Credit by Exam to accept the credit earned via CLEP tests. Testing Services suggests visiting with your advisor before you accept credit.

For instructions on accepting CLEP credit, please visit Testing Services .

Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) Program

The DSST Program is available to all interested persons. Enrolled undergraduate students and entering freshmen may receive DSST credit for the courses listed below. For more information about the test, please contact Testing Services.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Texas A&M University, in compliance with SB111, will grant at least 24 semester credit hours of course-specific college credit in subject-appropriate areas on all International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores of 4 or above as long as the incoming freshman has earned an IB diploma. While some course credit will be awarded regardless of a student’s IB diploma status, some course credit at Texas A&M University may be subject to the successful completion of the IB diploma.

Entering freshman students should submit their International Baccalaureate transcript to Texas A&M University, institution code: 01355, for review. Students should contact Testing Services regarding their eligibility for course credit. Students should work with an academic advisor to determine the use of the IB credits in their individual degree plan and the impact accepting the credit may have upon tuition rebate eligibility, tuition charges for excessive total hours, and preparedness for sequential coursework based on IB test scores. Students will need to log onto their Howdy portal under My Records and then Credit by Exam to accept the credit earned via IB tests. Testing Services suggests visiting with your advisor before you accept credit.

Texas A&M University will notify IB applicants of their eligibility to receive credit by posting information on the website,  Testing Services , and by establishing links to other web pages.

The evaluation of IB courses in order to identify the appropriate course credit is continuing and will be posted as it becomes available. The following list includes all IB examinations currently accepted for credit.

Credit for MATH 151 may be substituted for  MATH 142  or MATH 171 . 

For instructions on accepting IB credit, please visit Testing Services .

SAT Subject Tests

Credits are offered to entering freshmen who score high on the SAT Subject Tests. High school students who are interested in taking these tests should contact their school counselors or write College Board ATP, Box 592, Princeton, NJ 08541.

The minimum score required is based on the re-centered scale. Students who took tests before April 1, 1995, should contact Testing Services to determine the minimum score required. For instructions on accepting SAT Subject credit, please visit Testing Services .

Departmental Examinations for Entering Freshmen and Currently Enrolled Students

Qualified entering freshmen may take departmental tests after being officially admitted into Texas A&M University. Currently enrolled students can also take the exams throughout the year. Contact  Testing Services for registration information. The tests are prepared by participating Texas A&M departments. Current offerings include:

Graduate Admission

For information related to  graduate admission, please contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions Texas A&M University P.O. Box 40001 College Station, TX 77842-4001 (979) 845-1060 [email protected] http://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/graduate

Please reference the  Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional Catalog on this  website .

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Texas A&M Supplemental Essays 2023-24

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Texas A&M Supplemental Essays 2023-24

If you’re thinking about how to get into Texas A&M, you’ve probably come across the Texas A&M supplemental essays. Texas A&M is one of the top public universities in the country (currently ranked #20 by U.S. News). As such, the Texas A&M application is comprehensive, requiring students to respond to multiple Texas A&M essay prompts. The Texas A&M admissions essays are a critical part of your application narrative. The prompts allow you to provide valuable information to Admissions about why you would be a good candidate for admission.

Writing strong responses to the Texas A&M admissions essays can be tough. Throughout this article, you’ll find tips for how to respond to each of the Texas A&M supplemental essays. This includes specific details about each of the Texas A&M essay questions and things to keep in mind when writing. We’ll also discuss what the Texas A&M admissions committee is looking for when it comes to reviewing these essays. And finally, we talk more generally about how to get into Texas A&M beyond just the Texas A&M supplemental essays. We’ll give you key information about application deadlines and other Texas A&M admission requirements.

Ready to learn more about the Texas A&M admissions essays? Let’s dive in! 

Texas A&M Admission Requirements Quick Facts:

Texas a&m admission requirements: quick facts.

  • Texas A&M Acceptance Rate: 63% – U.S. News rates Texas A&M as a more selective school.
  • One long essay (max. 750 words)
  • Two short answer questions (max. 250 words each)
  • One Optional Essay (max. 250 words)
  • Common Application
  • Engineering Early Action Deadline: October 15th
  • Regular Decision Deadline: December 1st
  • Texas A&M Essay Tip: Start Early! There are many Texas A&M supplemental essays to complete for the Texas A&M admission requirements. The more time you give yourself to work on them, the better your essays will be.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

How many essays does Texas A&M require?

texas a&m supplemental essays

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, there are three required Texas A&M admissions essays. In addition to the required essays, the Texas A&M essay prompts include one optional question. Students may answer if they feel the prompt is relevant to their life experience.

We will go into more detail with each of the Texas A&M essay prompts later on in this article. And, we’ll offer specific tips for how to answer each of the different Texas A&M essay prompts. 

How long do the essays for Texas A&M have to be?

Each of the Texas A&M essay prompts has a certain maximum word count that you must stay within. The first of the Texas A&M essay prompts has a maximum word count of 750 words. This means that your response to this Texas A&M essay should be absolutely no longer than 750 words. You don’t need to get as close to 750 words as possible in your long Texas A&M essay. However, you should also not submit a Texas A&M essay that is too short either. About 600-750 words is a good length to shoot for in this Texas A&M essay.

The shorter Texas A&M admissions essays have more strict word counts. Responses to these Texas A&M supplemental essays should not be more than 250 words. For these shorter Texas A&M essays, using as much of the word count as possible is beneficial. At the same time, make sure the words you use have purpose in providing new and relevant information. When writing a personal essay for college, be sure to pay close attention to maximum word counts.

Texas A&M Essay Prompt – Tell your story

does texas a&m require essay

Texas A&M University Essay Prompt #1

Tell us your story. what unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today.

The first of the Texas A&M supplemental essays asks students to share some opportunities or obstacles that they’ve faced. The purpose of this Texas A&M essay is to help the admissions committee learn more about the writer’s resilience. They want to see how they behave in the face of adversity, specifically during their high school years. While exciting, college represents a significant challenge in a student’s life. The Texas A&M supplemental essays provide students the opportunity to demonstrate how they have overcome challenges in their lives.

Brainstorming Ideas

The most important step in writing the Texas A&M supplemental essays is the brainstorming phase. Start by coming up with a list of challenges you have faced in your life. Then determine which one or two topics you want to focus on for your Texas A&M supplemental essays.

It can be very tempting to write your Texas A&M essays about all of the challenges you have faced. But in fact, it is better to focus on one or two specific examples. That way you can provide more engaging details and evidence about the moments you choose. And, you can avoid simply recycling information from the rest of your application. 

Connecting to Character Traits

Here’s another helpful way to brainstorm for your Texas A&M essays. Think of three character traits you would like for your Texas A&M admissions essays to say about you. Then, use the challenges you thought of earlier to illustrate those characteristics.

For example, maybe you would like to demonstrate strong leadership qualities in your Texas A&M essays. So, you may describe how, despite setbacks, you put on a successful school dance as head of the prom committee. Or maybe you want your Texas A&M supplemental essays to showcase your interest in community service. In that case, you may write about how you organized a fundraiser after a natural disaster struck your neighborhood. 

Telling a Story

So, you’ve determined what you want to write about in your Texas A&M essay. Now you need to think about how you want to tell the story of these challenges to your reader. Remember that your reader does not know you or your background outside of what you write in your Texas A&M essays. Be sure to pick the details that are most relevant to write about.

Make sure the focus of your Texas A&M essays is on you and what you felt and accomplished.

Avoid simply listing facts that your reader can find elsewhere in your application. Instead, think about showing the reader your character through the actions you describe.

Texas A&M Essay Prompt #2 – Life Event

texas a&m supplemental essays

Texas A&M University Essay Prompt #2

Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college..

The second of the Texas A&M supplemental essays asks students to reflect on a single life event. Specifically, one that has helped them to prepare for and be successful in college. This event can be anything you want it to be. However, make sure it’s a different experience than the one you wrote about in the other Texas A&M essays. This event should also demonstrate your college readiness by showcasing your maturity, academic skills, leadership, or resilience. 

As with the other Texas A&M admissions essays, your writing should focus on one defining event. Remember, this is one of the Texas A&M essays with a more limited word count. So, be sure to focus on telling a specific story of the specific moment in your life. You want your reader to feel like they’re experiencing the life event with you, so illustrate your points with vivid information.

Concurrently, use the details to illustrate the larger point that you would be a good fit for Texas A&M. No matter what the prompt for a personal essay for college actually says, they’re all asking “are you a good fit?” Each of your Texas A&M admissions essays should provide the reasons why you deserve admission to Texas A&M.

Choosing a topic for your Texas A&M essay

Deciding your topic for your Texas A&M supplemental essays is your first hurdle. For your Texas A&M essays, it is important to choose a moment that is personal and meaningful to you. With open-ended Texas A&M essay prompts, it’s tempting to write about what you think the admissions committee will find impressive. However, it’s always better to write about your authentic interests and let your true character shine through in your writing.

There is no specific formula for choosing your topic for the Texas A&M supplemental essays. Just make sure your topic is new and has not been discussed already in other parts of your application. And make sure you are writing about your passions in your Texas A&M supplemental essays.

Any experience can be compelling, so long as you make it clear why you’ve chosen to discuss it. For example, you may describe how an improv comedy show going badly wrong taught you how to handle adversity, think on your feet, and use creativity in a difficult situation.

Still need help coming up with a topic for your Texas A&M supplemental essays? Check out this webinar or this article for additional resources.

Texas A&M Essay Prompt #3 – Impactful Person

texas a&m supplemental essays

Texas A&M University Essay Prompt # 3

Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why..

This is arguably the hardest of the required Texas A&M essay prompts. That’s because it asks students to write about a topic other than themselves. The Texas A&M supplemental essays are all about getting to know the applicants on a more personal level. However, this is not easy to do when you’re writing about someone else. Therefore, it is important to both answer the prompt while keeping the focus on you.

The first step to writing this essay is choosing the person that it is going to be about. This is not about finding the most famous or well-recognized person you know. It’s about examining your life and identifying those who have genuinely pushed you to be the best version of yourself. You also want this person to have impacted your life recently so you can show details from your high school years. Or, if they are from your childhood, show how their influence has stayed with you during your high school years.

Let’s say you’ve found the person you will write about. Think about what you need your reader to know about this person in order to understand who they are. Remember that you have limited space in your Texas A&M supplemental essays. Avoid using too much of it simply describing who your person is. The central focus of your Texas A&M essays should be on you, the applicant. So, your job is twofold. Describe the person who has most impacted your life in your Texas A&M essays. Then, focus on what you learned from them and how you’ve used their influence in your academics, extracurriculars, or school community. 

How do I write the Texas A&M essay?

The Texas A&M supplemental essays will take time to complete. So, the best advice we have is to start your Texas A&M essays early. The Common App opens on August 1st, which is also when the Texas A&M essay prompts become visible. It’s never too early to start planning your responses to the Texas A&M essays! Often picking the topics for your Texas A&M essays can be the most difficult part of the process. Give yourself plenty of time to choose what your Texas A&M supplemental essays will be about.

We also recommend writing multiple drafts of your Texas A&M supplemental essays. And, it’s beneficial to seek help from others throughout the writing process from a teacher, parent, or college advisor. Sharing your Texas A&M essays can help you clarify your ideas and improve the grammar of your writing. And, a trusted editor may catch errors you did not see or offer insights you had not previously thought of. For additional tips and help on writing college essays, check out tips for writing better essays!

Optional Texas A&M Essay

texas a&m supplemental essays

Texas A&M University Optional Essay Prompt

If there are additional personal challenges, hardships, or opportunities (including covid related experiences) that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, which you have not already written about , please note them in the space below..

In addition to the required Texas A&M supplemental essays, there is also an optional Texas A&M essay. This is the most open-ended of the Texas A&M essay prompts. It asks students to describe any challenges they have faced, particularly those which may have negatively impacted their academic performance. This is the only one of the Texas A&M supplemental essays that is optional. However, it could still be well worth writing for many students.

The optional prompt for the Texas A&M essays is a great place to explain worrisome aspects of your application. Here, you can address any potential red flags directly with the admissions committee. Perhaps your extracurricular resume is not as strong as those of other applicants. But, that’s because you need to spend time after school taking care of younger siblings while your parents work late. Or, perhaps your grades dipped towards the C-range for a semester while you were dealing with a close personal loss.

This optional choice in the Texas A&M essay prompts gives you the opportunity to provide context. Providing details regarding these unflattering parts of your application can only benefit you. Don’t hesitate to show Texas A&M Admissions why they should still consider you for admission despite these facts.

Is this optional essay really optional?

Many students wonder whether the optional Texas A&M essay is truly optional. We recommend that you complete all the required Texas A&M supplemental essays and also the optional essay if you have a personal challenge that applies to the prompt. Do the optional essay only after you have finished all of the other required Texas A&M supplemental essays. Starting with these essays ensures you are prioritizing the Texas A&M admissions essays that are required for your application. The optional Texas A&M essay can be a helpful addition to your other Texas A&M essays. Especially if you have some extenuating circumstances that affect other areas of your application. 

So yes, the last of the Texas A&M essay prompts is truly optional. But, responding to this prompt is a good way to communicate additional details about your personal situation to the admissions committee. Completing all the Texas A&M essay prompts not only shows the school that you are a hard worker. It can also help them get to know you better and explain any anomalies in your otherwise stellar application.

Are the Texas A&M supplemental essays important?

The Texas A&M supplemental essays are an important part of your Texas A&M admissions application . Your Texas A&M essays are your only opportunity to give Admissions information beyond your grades and extracurricular activities. The Texas A&M essays also provide important information to the admissions committee about your readiness for college. And whether you would be a good fit for the culture of Texas A&M.

Strong responses to the Texas A&M supplemental essays can help increase your chances of admission to Texas A&M. These Texas A&M admissions essays are your golden opportunity to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Plan to spend ample time on your Texas A&M supplemental essays. They’ll likely be the most time-consuming portion of crafting your application.

When are essays for Texas A&M applications due?

texas a&m supplemental essays

Students need to submit their Texas A&M supplemental essays by December 1st. So, be sure to satisfy all of the Texas A&M admissions requirements ahead of the deadline. The deadline is different for students applying for the Early Admission Deadline for the College of Engineering. If that’s you, your Texas A&M admissions essays must be in by October 15th. For more information about the timeline and deadlines for your application, check out their admissions website !

Five Tips for Writing the Texas A&M Essays

Texas a&m university essay writing tips.

texas a&m supplemental essays

1. Start early

Because there are so many Texas A&M supplemental essays, get started on them as early as possible. This is especially true if you want to complete all of the Texas A&M essay prompts, including the optional one. You’re probably not going to put all of your best ideas into your first draft of the Texas A&M supplemental essays. Setting aside time for multiple drafts will help strengthen the writing of your Texas A&M admissions essays. 

2. Brainstorm ideas before writing

The Texas A&M admissions essays require personal reflection and thought to answer effectively. Because of this, take time to write down some of the most important events and people in your life. That way, you have a bank of topics from which to pull for your Texas A&M supplemental essays. (And you can choose the very best ones to answer the Texas A&M essay prompts). The Texas A&M essays are not long enough to capture every one of your unique life experiences and qualities. Choosing a few to focus on will help streamline your essays!

3. Show, don’t tell

Following this guideline can strengthen not only your Texas A&M admissions essays but also your writing in general. The idea is to use relevant examples to demonstrate the qualities showcased in your Texas A&M essays. These stories are powerful tools because they do two things. One, they help your reader see the kind of person you’ve become. Two, they provide perspective into the kind of student you would be at Texas A&M.

4. It’s all in the details 

This tip is related to the last, because no personal essay for college would be complete without vivid, specific details. These details help separate your essay from the crowd and allow the reader to transport themselves into your memories. The more descriptive and specific your language, the better your message will come across to your readers. Avoid stringing together several different stories with only surface-level descriptions for each one. When responding to the Texas A&M essay prompts, use as much descriptive language as possible!  

5. Ask for help

The Texas A&M supplemental essays are not easy. Writing college essays is a skill and is very different from writing a paper for class. So, it can be helpful to have some other people that you trust edit and review your essay. They might even catch mistakes in your Texas A&M supplemental essays or see improvements that you would not have considered. Just make sure that anyone you ask for help is not writing the Texas A&M supplemental essays for you! Admissions officers are trained to look for essays written by parents or siblings. Nothing someone else writes will come close to the power of your original, authentic voice.

Texas A&M Supplemental Essays – Final Takeaways

The Texas A&M essays are one of the most difficult parts of the Texas A&M admission requirements. However, with the proper preparation and guidance, anyone can write strong responses to the Texas A&M essay prompts. Any personal essay for college is important. So be sure to put your best foot forward in your Texas A&M supplemental essays. 

We at CollegeAdvisor are here to help you with your Texas A&M admissions essays. Our advisor network includes Texas A&M graduates who have personal experience with writing Texas A&M essays. By signing up for a CollegeAdvisor.com account, you get access to individual coaching for your personal essay for college. (And help from admissions experts and our Essay Editing team!) To register for an account and get help with your Texas A&M supplemental essays, click here .

does texas a&m require essay

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Alex Baggott-Rowe . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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  • Required Documents
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  • Acts of Dishonesty

FRESHMAN ADMISSIONS

How to apply,  applicant type.

You are a domestic freshman if you:

  • are a current high school student (with or without college credit) OR a high school graduate with no college credit earned after high school AND
  • are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or have applied for permanent residency OR are graduating from a Texas high school after three years in residence in Texas.

Additional information for international freshmen   is available here .

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 ADMISSION APPLICATION

Texas A&M University at Galveston only utilizes ApplyTexas for its application for admission.

 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Your documents must be received by the deadline   (see   When to Apply   below).

  • ESSAY Complete Essay A ApplyTexas Essay: Tell us your story.  What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? Average length is a page to a page and a half.  - BEST>>:  S ubmit as part of the application. - OTHER>>:  Upload at  Applicant Information System (AIS)  via the Upload Documents tab.  
  • PREFERRED>>:  Pay through  ApplyTexas
  • Check or money order by mail
  • Checking the Fee Waiver box on the application is not sufficient.
  • SAT Fee Waiver   or   ACT Fee Waiver   OR
  • PREFERRED>>:  Upload in  AIS
  • OTHER METHOD>>:   Mail
  • Emailed copies will NOT be accepted.
  • If still in high school must submit a complete, official transcript through their junior year/6 semesters
  • If graduated from high school must submit an official transcript that also includes senior courses, a graduation plan and date of graduation
  • Home-schooled students must submit a complete, official transcript through their junior year/6 semesters which includes grades earned for all completed coursework.
  • If your school does not rank, a school profile from the high school must be provided along with your transcript and Texas A&M will assign a class rank based on reported GPA.
  • PREFERRED>>:  Electronic transcripts sent by TREx (available only to Texas high schools)
  • PREFERRED>>:  Upload a copy of current high school transcript in  AIS  (after you graduate, your final high school transcript  cannot be uploaded  through AIS; it must be mailed.)
  • Faxed or e-mailed copies will not be accepted.
  • You must send your scores through the testing agency.
  • Your highest total score from a single test date will be considered for admission.
  • SAT and ACT scores expire after 5 years.
  • Optional essay/writing portion is not required.
  • Allow 2-4 weeks for scores to be received.

* For admissions purposes only, Texas A&M University is test optional and will not require ACT or SAT scores for freshman applicants. We encourage students who have test scores to send them. The submission of test scores will not create any unfair advantage or disadvantage for those students who provide them. Applicants may submit SAT/ACT test scores to demonstrate compliance with the   Texas Success Initiative Program   with regards to college-level readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics. 

IF APPLICABLE

  • High School Curriculum Requirement   (Texas private high schools only) Students who do not meet the   State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP)   must provide   Exemption Form 3 . - BEST>>:    Upload at  Applicant Information System (AIS)  via the Upload Documents tab.  - OTHER>>:    Mail  
  • Permanent Resident Card or I-551 Students who are not U.S. citizens but are permanent residents (or have applied for permanent residency) need to provide a copy of the card. - BEST>>:    Upload at  Applicant Information System (AIS)  via the Upload Documents tab.  - OTHER>>:    Mail
  • Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit - BEST>>:   Upload at  Applicant Information System (AIS)  via the Upload Documents tab.  - OTHER>>:   Mail
  • Letters of Recommendation Once submitted, you will not be able to see your letters of recommendation.  We will only review the first two letters we receive. Letters of recommendation typically do not play a pivotal role in the decision process.  - BEST>>:    Upload at  Applicant Information System (AIS)  via the Upload Documents tab.  - OTHER>>:    Mail  
  • Resumes Resumes should only be used if you run out of space on the application. - BEST>>:    Upload at  Applicant Information System (AIS)  via the Upload Documents tab.

 WHEN TO APPLY

SPRING August 1 - December 1 DEADLINE:   December 1

FALL August 1 - May 1 DEADLINE:    May 1

  • All other required documents will be accepted through May 15. 
  • Spring application dates differ for incoming   International Freshman .
  • If the deadline falls on a weekend, the application will remain open until 11:59 PM (CST) on the following Monday. Additional required documents will be accepted until 5:00pm (CST) on that Monday.

NOTE:   On average, it takes 3-5 business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor your email address which you provided on the application for the Application Acknowledgement communication.

 ACTS OF DISHONESTY

All students applying to Texas A&M University at Galveston are expected to follow the Aggie Code of Honor which states “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those who do.” Applicants found to have misrepresented themselves or submitted false information on the application will receive appropriate disciplinary action. Pursuant to the current undergraduate catalog and Texas A&M student rule 24.4.1, acts of dishonesty include but are not limited to:

  • withholding material information from the University, misrepresenting the truth during a University investigation or student conduct conference, and/or making false statements to any University official
  • furnishing false information to and/or withholding information from any University official, faculty member, or office
  • forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification

The submission of false information at the time of admission or readmission is grounds for rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, dismissal or other appropriate disciplinary action.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write perfect applytexas essays.

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College Essays

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The ApplyTexas college application contains many essay prompts, and each of the most popular colleges in Texas has different requirements for which essays they expect applicants to answer.

So how do you get advice on writing your best ApplyTexas essays, no matter which school you're applying to? Look no further than this article, which completely unpacks all possible ApplyTexas essay prompts. We'll explain what each prompt is looking for and what admissions officers are hoping to learn about you. In addition, we'll give you our top strategies for ensuring that your essay meets all these expectations and help you come up with your best essay topics.

To help you navigate this long guide, here is an overview of what we'll be talking about:

What Are the ApplyTexas Essays?

Comparing applytexas essay prompts a, b, and c, dissecting applytexas essay topic a, dissecting applytexas essay topic b, dissecting applytexas essay topic c, dissecting applytexas essay topic d.

  • Dissecting the UT and Texas A&M Short Answer Prompts
  • Briefly: ApplyTexas Essay Topic E (Transfer Students Only)

The ApplyTexas application is basically the Texas version of the Common Application , which many US colleges use. It's a unified college application process that's accepted by all Texas public universities and many private ones. (Note that some schools that accept ApplyTexas also accept the Common App.)

The ApplyTexas website is a good source for figuring out whether your target college accepts the ApplyTexas application. That said, the best way to confirm exactly what your school expects is to go to its admissions website.

Why Do Colleges Want You to Write Essays?

Admissions officers are trying to put together classes full of interesting, vibrant students who have different backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and dreams. One tool colleges use to identify a diverse set of perspectives is the college essay .

These essays are a chance for you to show admissions officers those sides of yourself that aren’t reflected in the rest of your application. This is where you describe where you've come from, what you believe in, what you value, and what has shaped you.

This is also where you make yourself sound mature and insightful—two key qualities that colleges are looking for in applicants . These are important because colleges want to enroll students who will ultimately thrive when faced with the independence of college life .

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Admissions staff want to enroll a diverse incoming class of motivated and thoughtful students.

ApplyTexas Essay Requirements

There are four essay prompts on the ApplyTexas application for first-year admission (Topics A, B, C, and D). For Topics A, B, and C, there are slight variations on the prompt for transfer students or those looking to be readmitted. We’ll cover each variation just below the main topic breakdown. There are also several short-answer prompts for UT Austin and Texas A&M , as well as Topic D for art and architecture majors and  Topic E for transfer students only . Although there are no strict word limits, colleges usually suggest keeping the essays somewhere between one and one and a half pages long.

All Texas colleges and universities have different application requirements, including which essay or essays they want. Some schools require essays, some list them as optional, and others use a combination of required and optional essays. Several schools use the essays to determine scholarship awards, honors program eligibility, or admission to specific majors.

Here are some essay submission requirement examples from a range of Texas schools:

  • You are required to write an essay on Topic A .
  • You also have to answer three short-answer prompts (250–300 words each) .
  • If you're applying for a studio art, art education, art history, architecture, or visual art studies major, you'll have to write a short answer specific to your major .
  • UT Austin also accepts the Common App.

Texas A&M

  • If you're an engineering major, you'll have to respond to  a short-answer prompt .
  • Texas A&M also accepts the Common App .

Southern Methodist University

  • You must write an essay on Topic A .
  • You may (but do not have to) write an essay on Topic B .
  • You also have to answer two short-answer prompts .
  • SMU also accepts the Common App and Coalition App and has its own online application, so you have the option to pick and choose the application you want to fill out .

Texas Christian University

  • You must write an essay on any of the topics (A, B, or C) .
  • TCU also accepts the Common App and Coalition App has its own online application, so it's another school for which you can choose the application you want to use.

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The essays required as part of each admissions application differ from college to college. Check each institution's website for the most up-to-date instructions.

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Craft Your Perfect College Essay

Three of the ApplyTexas essay topics try to get to the heart of what makes you the person you are. But since Topics A, B, and C all focus on things that are essential to you as a person, coming up with a totally unique idea for each can be difficult—especially since on a first read-through, these prompts can sound really similar .

Before I dissect all of the ApplyTexas essay prompts, let's see how A, B, and C differ from one another. You can then keep these differences in mind as you try to think of topics to write about.

ApplyTexas Prompts

Here are the most recent prompts for Topics A, B, and C on the ApplyTexas application.

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

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

You've got a ticket in your hand. Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

How to Tell Topics A, B, and C Apart

One helpful way to keep these topics separate in your mind is to create a big-picture category for each one: Topic A is outside, Topic B is inside, and Topic C is the future .

In other words, Topic A is asking about the impact of challenges or opportunities on you and how you handled that impact. Topic B is asking about your inner passions and how these define you. Finally, Topic C wants to know where you're going from here. These very broad categories will help as you brainstorm ideas and life experiences you can use for your essay .

Although many of the stories you think of can be shaped to fit each of these prompts, think about what the experience most reveals about you. If it’s about how your external community shaped you, that'd probably be a good fit for Topic A. If it’s a story about the causes or interests that you're most passionate about, save it for Topic B. If it’s primarily about an event that you think predicts your future, it'll likely work well for Topic C.

(Note: if you are a transfer student writing the essay variation for Topics A, B, or C, keep in mind that these variations still ask you about the outside, inside, or future respectively.)

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Your years-long passion for performing in theater productions is an appropriate subject for ApplyTexas Topic B essays.

Now, we'll thoroughly deconstruct everything you need to know about Topic A, the first ApplyTexas essay prompt.

What’s the Prompt Asking, and How Should You Answer It?

This prompt wants to see how a particular external experience as a high school student has shaped you . The prompt uses the phrase "your story," signaling that admissions staff want to know what you believe has had the biggest impact on you.

Step 1: Describe Your Experience

The first part of the prompt is about identifying and describing specific experiences you've had as a high school student. You don't want your essay coming across too vague, so make sure you're focusing on one or two specific experiences, whether they've been positive or negative. The prompt suggests zeroing in on something "unique," or something that has affected you in a way it hasn't impacted anyone else.

You'll want to choose an opportunity or challenge that you can describe vividly and that's really important to you. In other words, it   needs to have had a significant impact on your personal development.

It should also be an experience that has been part of your life for a while . You're describing something that's affected you "throughout your high school career," after all.

Step 2: Explain How This Experience Shaped You

You shouldn't just describe your experience—you also need to discuss how that experience affected you as a person . How did this particular opportunity or difficulty turn you into the person you are today?

It's best if you can think of one or two concrete anecdotes or stories about how your chosen experience(s) helped shape you. For example, don't just say that a public piano recital made you a hard-working person— describe in detail how practicing diligently each day, even when you weren't feeling motivated, got frustrated by particular parts of the piece you were performing, and experienced stage fright showed you that working toward your goals is worthwhile, even when it's hard.

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Elaborating on how a specific challenge or obstacle that you faced during your high school career helped shape your current perspective and personality is one option for Topic A essays.

What Are Readers Hoping to Learn About You?

Admission staff are looking for two main things. First, they want to see that you can be mature and thoughtful about your surroundings and events in your life . Are you curious about the world around you? If you've really reflected on your experience, you'll be able to describe the people, places, and events that have impacted you as a high school student in a nuanced, insightful way.

Second, they want to see how you stand out from other applicants . This can be accomplished in one of two ways: (1) you can emphasize how you are somehow different because of your experience and how it impacted you, or (2) you can emphasize how you learned positive qualities from the event that differentiate you from other students. Basically, how did your experience turn you into a special, interesting person?

How Can Your Essay Give Them What They Want?

How can you make sure your essay is really answering the prompt? Here are some key strategies.

#1: Pick a Specific Experience

You'll need to select a particular opportunity or obstacle to zero in on. Opportunities include travel, internships, volunteer or paid jobs, academic events, and awards. Challenges might include competitions, performances, illnesses, injuries, or learning something new. Remember, you'll want to focus on one or two particular events or experiences that have truly contributed to your personal growth .

As you're choosing the experiences you want to write about, think about significant things that happened to you in connection with those events. Remember, you'll need to get beyond just describing how the opportunity or challenge is important to you to show how its impact on you is so significant .

#2: How Did This Experience Shape You?

You then need to consider what about your experience turned you into a person who stands out . Again, this can be about how you overcame the difficulty or how the opportunity fostered positive qualities or traits in you that would make you an appealing member of the college's student body. You want to make sure you have a clear message that links your experience to one, two, or three special traits you have.

Try to think of specific stories and anecdotes related to the event. Then, thoughtfully analyze these to reveal what they show about you. Important adults in your life can help you brainstorm potential ideas.

#3: Think of the Essay Like a Movie

Like a good movie script, a college essay needs characters, some action, and a poignant but ultimately happy ending . When you’re planning out your personal statement, try to think of the story you’re telling in movie terms. Ensure that your essay has the following features:

  • Setting: As you're describing your experience, taking time to give a vivid sense of place is key. You can accomplish this by describing the actual physical surroundings, the main "characters" in your community, or a combination of both.
  • Stakes: Movies propel the action forward by giving characters high stakes: win or lose, life or death. Even if you are describing your experience in positive terms, there needs to be a sense of conflict or dynamic change. In the anecdote(s) you've selected to write about, what did you stand to gain or lose?
  • External conflict resolution: If there's an external conflict of some kind (e.g., with a neighbor, a family member, a friend, or a city council), you need to show some level of resolution.
  • Internal conflict resolution: Inner conflict is essentially about how you changed in response to the event or experience. You'll need to clearly lay out what happened within you and how those changes have carried you forward as a person.

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Describing your feelings before, during, and after the opportunity or challenge is a crucial element of a Topic A college essay.

#4: Add Details, Description, and Examples

Your essay will really stand out if you add effective examples and descriptions.

For example, imagine Karima decides to describe how learning to navigate public transit as a high school first-year student made her resourceful and helped her explore the city she grew up in. She also discusses how exploring the city ultimately changed her perspective. How should she frame her experience? Here are some options:

I was nervous about taking the El by myself for the first time. At the station, there were lots of commuters and adults who seemed impatient but confident. At first, I was very afraid of getting lost, but over time, I became as confident as those commuters.

I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement walking up the Howard red line turnstile for the first time. What if I got lost on my way to the museum? I was worried that I would just seem like a nuisance to all of the frowning commuters who crowded the platform. If I needed help, would they help me? Was I even brave enough to ask? When the metal doors opened, I pressed my nails into my palms and rushed in after a woman with a red briefcase. Success! At least for the first step. I found a sideways-facing seat and clutched my macrame bag with my notebook and sketching supplies. A map hung above my seat. Pressing my finger to the colorful grid, I found my stop and counted how many I still had to go. I spent the entire train ride staring at that map, straining my ears for everything the conductor said. Now, when I think about the first time I rode the El by myself, I smile. What seemed so scary at the time is just an everyday way to get around now. But I always look around on the platform to see if any nervous kids linger at the edges of the commuter crowds and offer them a smile.

Both versions set up the same story plotwise, but the second makes the train ride (and therefore the author) come alive through the addition of specific, individualizing details , such as the following:

  • Visual cues: The reader "sees" what the author sees through descriptions such as "frowning commuters who crowded the platform," "woman with a red briefcase," and "colorful grid."
  • Emotional responses: We experience the author’s feelings: she "felt a mixture of nerves and excitement." She wonders if she's brave enough to ask for help. The train ride was "so scary at the time" but feels "everyday" now.
  • Differentiation: Even though the commuters are mostly a monolithic group, we get to see some individuals, such as the woman with a red briefcase.

ApplyTexas Topic A Essay Ideas

There's no one best topic for this essay prompt (or any other), but I've included some potential ideas below to help you get started with your own brainstorming:

  • Describe a time you organized the people around you to advocate a common local cause.
  • Hone in on a particular trip with one or more family members.
  • Identify a time when you were no longer in your comfort zone. Describe how you adapted and learned from that experience.
  • Discuss being a minority in your school or neighborhood.
  • Describe going through a cultural or religious rite of passage as a high school student.
  • Elaborate on how you moved from one place to somewhere totally different and handled your culture shock.

ApplyTexas Topic A for Transfer, Transient, or Readmit Students

If you are applying to transfer or to be readmitted, you likely already have some college experience. So in this case, ApplyTexas offers a personal statement option that allows you to write about your life beyond your high school years. This option still asks you to demonstrate what in your experience has turned you into a unique individual. But if, for instance, you left college and now are reapplying, you’ll want to address how some aspect of that experience made an impact on who you are now. Otherwise, follow the advice above for the standard Topic A prompt.

Here’s the current Essay Topic A prompt for transfer applicants:

The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admissions committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and other application information cannot convey.

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Next up, let's go through the same process for ApplyTexas Topic B, taking it apart brick by brick and putting it back together again.

What’s the Prompt Asking?

At first glance, this prompt seems pretty vague. "Tell us about yourself" is not exactly the most detailed set of instructions. But if we dig a little deeper, we can see that there are actually two pretty specific things this question is asking.

#1: What Defines You?

This prompts posits that "most students"—which likely includes you!—have some kind of defining trait . This could be "an identity, an interest, or a talent," so you need to express what that defining trait is for you specifically.

For instance, are you an amazing knitter? Do you spend your free time researching cephalopods? Are you a connoisseur of indie movies or mystery novels? Or maybe you have a religious, cultural, ethnic, or LGBTQIA+ identity that's very important to you. Any of these things could plausibly be the main, framing theme of your essay.

#2: How Does That Defining Trait Fit Into "You" Overall?

Even though you have some kind of defining trait, that's not the entirety of you. Essentially, you need to contextualize your defining trait within your broader personality and identity. This is where the "tell us about yourself" part comes in. What does your defining trait say about you as a person? And how does it fit into your overall personality, values, and dreams?

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In a Topic B college essay, you could potentially describe your knowledge of chess and how it exemplifies your talent for thinking several steps ahead.

Admissions staff are hoping to learn two main things:

#1: What You're Passionate About

It's essential that this essay communicates genuine passion for whatever you write about. College is a lot of work, and passion is an important driving force when things get busy. Therefore, readers are looking for students who are really engaged in the world around them and excited about specific causes and activities!

#2: How You View Yourself (and How Successfully You Can Communicate That)

A strong, well-developed sense of self goes a long way toward helping you weather all the changes you're going to experience when you attend college. Even though you'll change and grow a lot as a person during your college years, having a sense of your own core traits and values will help those changes be exciting as opposed to scary .

Colleges are looking for a developed sense of self. Additionally, they are looking for students who can communicate messages about themselves in a clear, confident, and cohesive way .

The challenge with this prompt is giving a complete picture of you as a person while still staying on message about your defining trait. You need to be focused yet comprehensive. Let's explore the best ways to show off your passion and frame your identity.

#1: Define the Core Message

First, you need to select that defining trait . This could be pretty much anything, just as long as you're genuinely invested in this trait and feel that it represents some core aspect of you.

It should also be something you can describe through stories and anecdotes . Just saying, "I'm a redhead, and that defines me" makes for a pretty boring essay! However, a story about how you started a photography project that consists of portraits of redheads like you and what you learned about yourself from this experience is much more interesting.

Be careful to select something that presents you in a broadly positive light . If you choose a trait that doesn't seem very serious, such as your enduring and eternal love of onion rings, you risk seeming at best immature and at worst outright disrespectful.

You also want to pick something realistic —don't claim you're the greatest mathematician who ever lived unless you are, in fact, the greatest mathematician who ever lived (and you probably aren't). Otherwise, you'll seem out of touch.

#2: Fit Your Message into the Larger Picture

Next, consider how you can use this trait to paint a more complete picture of you as a person . It's great that you're passionate about skiing and are a member of a ski team, but what else does this say about you? Are you an adventurous daredevil who loves to take (reasonable) risks? Are you a nature lover with a taste for exploration? Do you love being part of a team?

Select at least two or three positive messages you want to communicate about yourself in your essay about your key trait.

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In a Topic B essay, a student could connect their long-time passion for cooking to their penchant for adding their unique touch to every project they take on.

#3: Show, Don't Tell

It's much more interesting to read about things you do that demonstrate your key traits than it is to hear you list them. Don't just say, "Everyone asks me for advice because I'm level-headed and reasonable." Instead, actually describe situations that show people asking you for advice and you offering that level-headed, reasonable advice.

#4: Watch Your Tone

It's important to watch your tone as you write an essay that's (pretty overtly) about how great you are. You want to demonstrate your own special qualities without seeming glib, staid, self-aggrandizing, or narcissistic .

Let’s say Andrew wants to write about figuring out how to grow a garden, despite his yard being in full shade, and how this desire turned into a passion for horticulture. He could launch into a rant about the garden store employees not knowing which plants are right for which light, the previous house owner’s terrible habit of using the yard as a pet bathroom, or the achy knee that prevented him from proper weeding posture.

Alternatively, he could describe doing research on the complex gardens of royal palaces, planning his garden based on plant color and height, using the process of trial and error to see which plants would flourish, and getting so involved with this work that he often lost track of time.

One of these approaches makes him sound whiny and self-centered, whereas  the other makes him sound like someone who can take charge of a difficult situation .

ApplyTexas Topic B Essay Ideas

Again, there's no single best approach here, but I've outlined some potential topics below:

  • Are you known for being really good at something or an expert on a particular topic? How does this impact your identity?
  • Discuss how you got involved in a certain extracurricular activity and what it means to you. What have you learned from participating in it?
  • Describe something you've done lots of research on in your free time. How did you discover that interest? What have you learned as a result?
  • What's your most evident personality trait? How has that trait impacted your life? (You can ask friends and relatives for help with this one.)
  • Relate the importance of your LGBTQIA+ identity.
  • Discuss your religious or cultural background and how this defines you.
  • Describe your experience as a member of a specific community.

ApplyTexas Topic B for Transfer, Transient, or Readmit Students

The ApplyTexas variation on Topic B is specifically designed for two different possible application situations. The first is for people who are applying as nondegree-seeking or postbaccalaureate students (aka “transient students”). In this case, they ask you to discuss the courses you want to take and what you hope to accomplish if you are admitted. That means they still want you to focus this essay on what you are passionate about, as mentioned above, but they expect that passion to be based on courses the university offers more directly.  

The second is for students who are reapplying after being suspended for academic reasons. In this situation, they ask you to describe any actions you have taken to improve your academic performance and to give them a reason why you should be readmitted. You’ll still need to focus on your positive traits in this variation, so this can be a tricky task. As in the example above, you’ll need to watch your tone and not come across as whiny. Instead, confront the cause of your academic suspension and what you learned from that experience; then, turn it into a newfound strength. Maybe you learned new study habits you can describe for them. Maybe working full-time while you were suspended improved your work ethic. Whatever you choose, show how a negative situation changed into a positive learning experience for you, and focus on the better person you are now because of it. 

Here’s the current prompt for Essay Topic B for transfer applicants:

If you are applying as a former student and were suspended for academic reasons, describe briefly any actions you have taken to improve your academic abilities and give reason why you should be readmitted. If you are applying as a nondegree-seeking or postbaccalaureate application, briefly describe the specific objectives you wish to accomplish if admitted, including the courses in which you would like to enroll.

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Now, we can take apart Topic C to get a good handle on how to tackle this future-facing essay.

You've got a ticket in your hand—where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

If ApplyTexas Topic A and Topic B were all about your past experiences, Topic C wants you to give readers a glimpse of your imagined possibilities .

There are basically two potential approaches to this question. We'll break them down here.

Option 1: Describe Your Long-Term Goals

One approach to this prompt is to use your essay as a chance to describe your long-term goals for your career and life .

For some students, this will be a straightforward endeavor. For example, say you’ve always wanted to be a doctor. You spend your time volunteering at hospitals, helping out at your mom’s practice, and studying biology. You could easily frame your "ticket" as a ticket to medical school. Just pick a few of the most gripping moments from these past experiences and discuss the overall trajectory of your interests, and your essay would likely be a winner!

But what if you’re not sure about your long-term goals yet? Or what if you feel like you really don't know where you're going next week, let alone next year or 10 years from now? Read on for Option 2.

Option 2: Demonstrate Thoughtful Imagination

Although you can certainly interpret this as a straightforward question about your future, you can also use it as a chance to be more imaginative.

Note that this entire question rests on the metaphor of the ticket. The ticket can take you anywhere; you decide. It could be to a real place, such as your grandmother's house or the Scottish Highlands or the Metropolitan Museum. Or it could be somewhere fantastical, such as a time machine to the Paleolithic.

The important point is that you use the destination you select—and what you plan to do there—to prove you're a thoughtful person who is excited about and actively engaged with the world around you .

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The destination you choose to write about, whether realistic or fantastical, should be clearly linked to a specific goal or set of goals that you wish to pursue or are currently pursuing.

If you're on a direct path to a specific field of study or career, admissions officers definitely want to know this. Having driven, goal-oriented, and passionate students is a huge plus for any college. If this sounds like you, be sure your essay conveys not just your interest but also your deep love of the subject, as well as any related clubs, activities, or hobbies you’ve done during high school.

If you take the more creative approach to this prompt, however, realize that in this essay (as in all the other ApplyTexas essays),  the how matters much more than the what . Don't worry that you don't have a specific goal in mind yet. No matter where your eventual academic, career, or other pursuits might lie, every activity you've done up to now has taught you something, whether that be developing your work ethic, mastering a skill, learning from a mentor, interacting with peers, dealing with setbacks, understanding your own learning style, or persevering through hardship. Your essay is a chance to show off that knowledge and maturity.

So no matter what destination you choose for your ticket (the what ), you want to communicate that you can think about future (and imagined!) possibilities in a compelling way based on your past experiences (the how ).

Whether you take the ideas of "where you are going" and "what you are doing" in a more literal or more abstract direction, the admissions committee wants to make sure that no matter what you study, you'll be able to get something meaningful out of it . They want to see that you’re not simply floating through life on the surface but are actively absorbing the qualities, skills, and know-how you'll need to succeed in the world.

Here are some ideas for how to show that you have thoughtful and compelling visions of possible futures.

#1: Pick Where You're Going

Is this going to be a more direct interpretation of your goals (my ticket is to the judge's bench) or a more creative one (my ticket is to Narnia)? Whichever one you choose, make sure that you choose a destination that is genuinely compelling to you . The last thing you want is to come off sounding bored or disingenuous.

#2: Don’t Overreach or Underreach

Another key point is to avoid overreaching or underreaching. For instance, it’s fine to say that you’d like to get involved in politics, but it’s a little too self-aggrandizing to say that you’re definitely going to be president of the United States. Be sure that whatever destination you select for your ticket, it doesn’t come off as unnecessary bragging rather than simple aspiration .

At the same time, make sure the destination you've chosen is one that makes sense in the context of a college essay. Maybe what you really want is a ticket to the potato chip factory; however, this essay might not be the best place to elaborate on this imagined possibility.

While you can of course choose a whimsical location, you need to be able to ground it in a real vision of the kind of person you want to become . Don't forget who your audience is! College admissions officers want to find students who are eager to learn . They also want to be exposed to new thoughts and ideas.

#3: Flesh It Out

Once you've picked a destination, it's time to consider the other components of the question: What are you going to do once you reach your destination? What will happen there? Try to think of some key messages that relate back to you, your talents, and your goals .

#4: Ground Your "Journey" in Specific Anecdotes and Examples

The way this question is framed is very abstract, so ground your thoughts about your destination (whether it's more straightforward or more creative) in concrete anecdotes and examples that show you're thoughtful, engaged, passionate, and driven.

This is even more important if you go the creative route and are writing about an unusual location. If you don't keep things somewhat grounded in reality, your essay could come across as frivolous. Make sure you make the most of this chance to share real-life examples of your desirable qualities.

Imagine Eleanor’s essay is about how she wants a ticket to Starfleet Academy (for the uninitiated, this is the fictional school in the Star Trek universe where people train to be Starfleet officers). Which essay below conveys more about her potential as a student?

My ticket is to Starfleet Academy. There, I would train to become part of the Command division so I could command a starship. Once I was captain of my own starship, I would explore the deepest reaches of space to interact with alien life and learn more about the universe.

I've loved Star Trek since my dad started playing copies of old episodes for me in our ancient DVD player. So if I could have a ticket to anywhere, it would be to Starfleet Academy to train in the command division. I know I would make a superb command officer. My ten years of experience in hapkido have taught me discipline and how to think on my feet. Working as a hapkido instructor in my dojo the past two years has honed my leadership and teaching qualities, which are essential for any starship commander. Additionally, I have the curiosity and sense of adventure necessary for a long career in the unknown reaches of space. Right now, I exercise my thirst for exploration through my photography blog. Using my DSLR camera, I track down and photograph obscure and hidden places I find in my town, on family trips, and even on day trips to nearby cities. I carefully catalogue the locations so other people can follow in my footsteps. Documentation, after all, is another important part of exploring space in a starship.

Both versions communicate the same things about the imagined destination, but the second essay does a much better job showing who Eleanor is as a person. All we really learn from the first excerpt is that Eleanor must like Star Trek .

We can also infer from version 1 that she probably likes leadership, exploration, and adventure because she wants to captain a starship, but we don't really know that for sure. Admissions officers shouldn't have to guess who you are from your essay; your essay should lay it out for them explicitly and articulately.

In the second essay, by contrast, Eleanor clearly lays out the qualities that would make her a great command officer and provides examples of how she exemplifies these qualities . She ties the abstract destination to concrete activities from her life, such as hapkido and photography. This provides a much more well-rounded picture of what Eleanor could bring to the student body and the school at large.

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Eleanor's essay about her desire to explore the final frontier creatively illustrates her curiosity and leadership potential .

ApplyTexas Topic C Essay Ideas

I've come up with some sample essay ideas for the two different approaches to this prompt.

Possibility 1: Your Concrete Goals

  • Describe your goal to pursue a particular academic field or career and discuss how specific classes or extracurricular activities ignited that passion
  • Discuss how your plans to pursue politics, project management, or another leadership role were fostered by a first experience of leadership (this could be a straightforward leadership position in a club or job or a more indirect or unplanned leadership experience, such as suddenly having to take charge of a group).
  • Discuss how your desire to teach or train in the future was sparked by an experience of teaching someone to do something (e.g., by being a tutor or by helping a sibling deal with a particularly challenging class or learning issue).
  • Describe your goal to perform on stage, and discuss how your past experiences of public creativity (e.g., being in a play, staging an art show, performing an orchestra, or being involved in dance,.) led you to this goal

Possibility 2: Creative/Abstract Destination

  • What would you do if you could visit the world of a favorite childhood book, movie, or TV series? What qualities does that show about you?
  • Is there a relative or friend you would like to visit with your ticket?
  • Is there a particular historical period you would like to time travel to?
  • Is there a destination you've always wanted to go to that you've read about, heard about, or only conjured up in dreams or in a moment of creativity?

Remember to tie your imaginative destination to concrete details about your special qualities!

Topic C for Transfer, Transient, or Readmit Students

ApplyTexas offers a Topic C alternative in case there is personal information you want them to consider along with your application, such as why you are transferring to a new school. They still want you to focus on the future, but they encourage discussing any hardships, challenges, extenuating circumstances, or opportunities that have affected your abilities and academic credentials (in a positive way). They also want you to discuss how these circumstances can help you contribute to a diverse college community. In this case, this variation is not fundamentally different from the ticket question; it just asks for a more specific focus. So if this variation applies to you, use the advice above for question C option one. 

Here’s the current prompt for Essay Topic C for transfer applicants:

There may be personal information that you want considered as part of your admissions application. Write an essay describing that information. You might include exceptional hardships, challenges, or opportunities that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, personal responsibilities, exceptional achievements or talents, educational goals, or ways in which you might contribute to an institution committed to creating a diverse learning environment.

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Would you use your ticket to visit Renaissance Italy, a journey you metaphorically hope to take as a history major?

If you're applying to one of several fine arts fields, you might have to write this essay.

Personal interaction with objects, images, and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image, or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?

If you’re applying to study architecture, art, or art history, one of the essays you will likely have to write is this one. This essay topic is trying to ask as broadly as possible about an experience with art that has moved you in some way. This means that your options for answering the question are quite varied. So what are the two different parts of this prompt? Let's take a look.

Part 1: Observation and Reaction

Think of a time you experienced that blown-away feeling when looking at something human made. This is the reaction and situation the first part of the essay wants you to recreate. The prompt is primarily interested in your ability to describe and pinpoint exactly what quality made you stop in your tracks. The huge set of inspiring object options the prompt offers tells us that your taste level won't be judged here.

You can focus on a learning experience, which includes both classes and extracurricular activities, or you can focus on a direct experience in which you encountered an object or space without the mediation of a class or teacher. The only limit to your focus object is that it is something made by someone other than you. Your reaction should be in conversation with the original artist, not a form of navel-gazing.

The key for this part of the essay is that your description needs to segue into a story of change and transformation . What the essay topic is asking you to show isn’t just that you were struck by something you saw or learned about, but that you also absorbed something from this experience that impacted your own art going forward.

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Did seeing the Angkor Wat Temple during a trip abroad with your family foster your intellectual passion for Southeast Asian art or religious monuments?

Part 2: Absorption

This brings us to the second part of the essay prompt: this is where you need to move from the past into the present — and then at least gesture meaningfully toward the future.

It’s one thing to look at a piece of art, such as a sculpture or architectural form, and feel moved by its grace, boldness, or vision. But it’s a sign of a mature, creative mind to be able to take to heart what is meaningful to you about this work and then transmute this experience into your own art or your interpretation of others' creative works.

This essay wants to see that developing maturity in you ; therefore, you should explain exactly how your own vision has changed after this meaningful encounter you've described. What qualities, philosophy, or themes do you now try to infuse into what you create or how you analyze art?

More importantly, this essay prompt asserts that being affected by something once isn’t enough. That’s why in this second part of the essay,  you also need to explain what you’ve been doing to keep having similarly moving encounters with other creative works .

You have some choice, too, when it comes to answering, "What have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?" For example, you could describe how you’ve sought out other works by the same artist who moved you the first time. Or you could describe investigating new media or techniques to emulate something you saw. Or you could discuss learning about the period, genre, school, or philosophical theory that the original piece of art comes from to give yourself a more contextualized understanding.

If you’re planning an academic career in the visual arts or architecture, then you’re entering a long conversation started by our cave-painting ancestors and continuing through every human culture and society since.

This essay wants to make sure that you aren’t creating or interpreting art in a vacuum and that you have had enough education and awareness to be inspired by others. By demonstrating how you react to works that move you—not with jealousy or dismissal but with appreciation and recognition of another’s talent and ability—you're proving that you're ready to participate in this ongoing conversation.

At the same time, this essay is asking you to show your own creative readiness.  For example, describe not only the work you have produced but also your ability to introduce new elements into that work—in this case, inspired by the piece you described. This way, you can demonstrate that you aren’t a one-note artist but are mature enough to alter and develop what you make. Or if you want to major in art history or art education, relate how your perspective on a particular piece of art or architecture is shaped by your unique perspective, based on your experiences, education, and cultural identity.

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A student might write their Topic D essay on how Michelangelo's Madonna della Pietà   has influenced their own artistic renderings of youth and beauty in grief.

What are some best practices for teasing out the complexities of art in written form? Here are some helpful tips as you brainstorm and write your essay.

#1: Pick One Piece of Art or Learning Experience

Once you’ve chosen between these two contexts, narrow down your selection even further . If you're writing about an educational encounter, don’t forget that it can come from an informal situation as well. For example, you could write about something you learned on your own from a documentary, a museum visit, or an art book.

If you're writing about a direct experience with art, don't necessarily fixate on a classic piece . Alternatively, you could discuss a little-known public sculpture, a particularly striking building or bridge you saw while traveling, or a gallery exhibition.

Whatever you end up writing about, make sure you know some of the identifying details . You don’t need to know the answers to all the following questions, but do your best to research so you can answer at least two or three of them:

  • Who is the artist?
  • Where is the piece on display?
  • What kind of work is it?
  • With what materials was it made?
  • When was it made?

#2: Figure Out Why You Were Struck by This Particular Work

The make-it-or-break-it moment in this essay will be your ability to explain what affected you in the object you're writing about . Why is it different from other works you’ve seen? Were you in the right place and time to be moved by it, or would it have affected you the same way no matter where or when you saw it? Did it speak to you because it shares some of your ideals, philosophies, or tastes—or because it was so different from them?

Be careful with your explanation because it can easily get so vague as to be meaningless or so obscure and "deep" that you lose your reader. Before you start trying to put it down on paper, try to talk out what you plan to say either with a friend, parent, or teacher. Do they understand what you’re saying, and do they believe you?

#3: Make a Timeline of Your Own Creative Works

When you think about what you've been making or thinking about making during your high school career, what is the trajectory of your ideas? How has your understanding of the materials you want to work with or study changed? What message do you want your works to convey, or what message in others' works most resonate with you? How do you want your works to be seen or engaged with by others? What is the reason you feel compelled to be creative or involved in the arts?

Now that you’ve come up with this timeline, see whether your changes in thought overlap with the art experience you're planning on describing . Is there a way you can combine what was so exciting to you about this work with the way you’ve seen your own ideas about art evolve?

#4: Use a Mix of Concreteness and Comparisons in Your Description

Just as nothing ruins a joke like explaining it, nothing ruins the wordless experience of looking at art as talking it to death does. Still, you need to find a way to use words to give the reader a sense of what the piece that moved you actually looks like —particularly if the reader isn't familiar with the work or the artist that created it.

Here is my suggested trick for writing well about art. First, be specific about the object. Discuss its colors, size, what it appears to be made of, what your eye goes to first (e.g., bright colors versus darker, more muted ones), what it represents (if it’s figurative), where it is in relation to the viewer, whether or not you can see marks of the tools used (e.g., brush strokes or scrapes from sculpting tools).

Second, step away from the concrete, and get creative with language by using techniques such as comparative description. Use your imagination to create emotionally resonant similes. Is there a form of movement (e.g., flying, crawling, or tumbling) that this piece feels like? Does it remind you of something from the natural world (e.g., a falling leaf, a forest canopy being moved by wind, waves, or sand dunes shifting)?

If the work is figurative, imagine what has been happening just before the moment in time it captures. What happened just after this point? Using these kinds of nonliteral descriptors will let your reader understand both the actual physical object and its aesthetic appeal.

Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.

Dissecting the UT and Texas A&M Short-Answer Prompts

Both UT Austin and Texas A&M require short answers as part of their first-year applications. For both schools, some prompts are required by all applicants, whereas others are required by those applying to certain majors or departments. 

We'll go over the UT Austin prompts, followed by the Texas A&M prompt.

UT Austin Short-Answer Prompts

UT Austin requires three short answers from all first-year applicants and also offers an optional prompt. Each short answer should be approximately 250–300 words , or one paragraph.

Short Answer 1: Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

Short Answer 2: Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.

Short Answer 3: The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Optional Short Answer: Please share background on events or special circumstances that may have impacted your high school academic performance.

What Are These UT Austin Short-Answer Prompts Asking?

Obviously, these short-answer prompts are asking four different things, but they do have some similarities in terms of their overall goals.

These prompts basically want to know what you can offer UT Austin and why you'd be a great fit as a student there . They also want to know why you chose UT Austin and your specific major.

In other words, all these prompts essentially work together as a "Why This College?" essay .

How Can You Give UT Austin What They Want?

Admissions officers will be looking for evidence that you're genuinely interested in the school, the major you've chosen, and the career you want to pursue . Make sure to identify features of the program that appeal to you. In other words, why UT Austin? What makes you a good fit here?

Be as specific as possible in your responses. Since you won't have much room to write a lot, try to focus on a particular anecdote, skill, or goal you have.

Admissions officers also want to see that you have an aptitude for your chosen career path , so if you have any relevant work, research, or volunteer experience, they definitely want to know this! It's OK to take a broad view of what's relevant here.

Finally, they're looking for individuals who have clear goals as well as a general idea of what they want to do with their degree . Are you interested in working with a specific population or specialty? Why? What led you to this conclusion?

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Texas A&M Engineering Prompt

All engineering applicants to Texas A&M must submit an esssay responding to the following prompt:

Describe your academic and career goals in the broad field of engineering (including computer science, industrial distribution, and engineering technology). What and/or who has influenced you either inside or outside the classroom that contributed to these goals?

What Is This Texas A&M Engineering Prompt Asking?

The engineering prompt wants to know two essential things:

  • What are your future goals for your specific field of interest (i.e., the kind of engineering field you want to go into or are considering going into)?
  • What environmental or external factors (e.g., a person, a mentor, a volunteer experience, or a paper or book you read) contributed to your development of these goals?

How Can You Give Texas A&M What They Want?

Be as specific as possible in your response. For the engineering prompt, what admissions officers want to know is simply what your biggest engineering ambition is and how you came to have this goal.

You'll want to be as specific as possible. Admissions officers want to see that you have a clear future in mind for what you want to do with your engineering degree. For example, do you plan to go on to a PhD program? Why? Do you have a particular career in mind?

In addition, make sure to specify the main inspiration for or motivation behind this goal. For instance, did you have a high school teacher who encouraged you to study engineering? Or perhaps you decided on a whim to take a computer science class, which you ended up loving.

Remember that the inspiration for your engineering goals doesn't have to be limited to something school-related. If you get stuck, think broadly about what initially got you interested in the field.

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Briefly: ApplyTexas Essay Topic E (Transfer Students)

US transfer students and international transfer students must typically submit an additional essay responding to the following prompt (or must submit an essay on one of the topic variations listed above ).

Choose an issue of importance to you—the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope⁠—and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.

What's the Prompt Asking?

This prompt, which is intended for transfer students, essentially wants to know what hardship, challenge, or social issue has affected you on a personal level (or a larger group you're part of) and why you think this particular issue is so important to you .

For example, maybe you identify as LGBTQIA+ and have personally experienced discrimination in your local community because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. Or perhaps you grew up in a wealthy family but have begun to see recently how widespread the issue of homelessness really is and now are making a more conscious effort to find ways to remedy this problem in your own community.

The issue you choose doesn't have to relate to a wider social issue; it could be a learning disability you have, for instance, or the fact that you no longer share the same religious beliefs as your  family.

The most important part of this question is the connection between the issue and yourself . In other words, why is this issue so important to you ? How has it affected your life, your goals, your experiences, etc.?

This essay is a way for admissions officers to get to know you and what matters to you personally on a much deeper level than what some of the other essay topics allow, so don't be afraid to dive into topics that are very emotional, personal, or special to you .

Furthermore, be sure to clearly explain why this particular issue—especially if it's a broader social issue that affects many people—is meaningful to you . Admissions officers want to know about any challenges you've faced and how these have positively contributed to your own growth as a person.

The Bottom Line: Tips for Writing ApplyTexas Essays

The ApplyTexas application contains four essay prompts (Topics A, B, C, and D), with different schools requiring different combinations of mandatory and optional essays . There are also short-answer prompts for UT Austin, as well as a Topic E only for transfer students.

One way to keep these three similar-sounding essay topics (A, B, and C) separate in your mind is to create a big-picture category for each one:

  • Topic A is about your outside .
  • Topic B is your inside .
  • Topic C is about your future .

Now, let's briefly summarize each essay topic:

Essay Topic A

  • Overview:  Describe any unique experiences you've had as a high school student and how these have shaped who you are as a person.
  • Pick a specific aspect of your experience.
  • Describe how it made you special.
  • Describe the setting, stakes, and conflict resolution.
  • Add details, description, and examples.

Essay Topic B

  • Overview:  Describe a defining trait and how it fits into the larger vision of you.
  • Define the core message.
  • Fit that core message of yourself into the larger picture.
  • Show things about yourself; don’t tell.
  • Watch your tone to make sure that you show your great qualities without seeming narcissistic, boring, glib, or self-aggrandizing.

Essay Topic C

  • Overview:  Describe "where you are going" in either a literal, goal-oriented sense or a more imaginative sense.
  • Pick where you’re going, but don’t over- or underreach.
  • Flesh out your destination. How does it relate back to you?
  • Ground your “journey” in specific anecdotes and examples.

Essay Topic D

  • Overview:  Describe being affected by a work of art or an artistic experience to make sure that you are ready to enter a fine arts field.
  • Pick one piece of art or one specific experience of learning about art.
  • Figure out exactly why this work or event struck you.
  • Examine your own work to see how this artwork has affected your creativity or engagement with art or art history.
  • Use a mix of concrete descriptions and comparisons when writing about the piece of art.

Short-Answer Prompts

  • Overview: Specific to UT Austin applicants
  • Describe your relevant experiences and interests up to this point.
  • Describe what about the program appeals to you and how you will use your degree (i.e., your future goals).
  • Treat the prompts as parts of a "Why This College?" essay.

Essay Topic E (Transfer Students)

  • Overview: Specific to US and international transfer applicants
  • Pick an issue that means a lot to you and has had a clear effect on how you see yourself.
  • Emphasize how this issue or how you've treated this issue has ultimately had a positive impact on your personal growth.

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What's Next?

Curious about the other college essay choices out there? If your target college also accepts the Common Application, check out our guide to the Common App essay prompts to see whether they would be a better fit for you.

Interested to see how other people tackled this part of the application? We have a roundup of 100+ accepted essays from tons of colleges .

Stuck on what to write about? Read our suggestions for how to come up with great essay ideas .

Working on the rest of your college applications? We have great advice on how to find the right college for you , how to write about your extracurricular activities , and how to ask teachers for letters of recommendation .

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Texas A&M University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Regular Decision Deadline: Dec 1

You Have: 

Texas A&M University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: Two required essays of 250 words each; one optional essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball , Additional Information

Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (250 words)

This prompt is incredibly vague, which is kinda awesome because it sets you up to talk about almost anything you want. Which life event has sparked personal growth? What do you think it takes to be successful and how do you embody those qualities? Maybe a parent’s fragile health situation challenged you to take on more responsibilities than the average teenager, preparing you for the hard work ahead. Or perhaps you learned to love your football team’s playback sessions, as they forced you to routinely examine your mistakes, welcome constructive criticism, and guide you toward self-improvement. Whatever story you choose to tell, be sure to infuse it with personal details that no one else could include in their essay.

Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why. (250 words)

Who is the first person to come to mind when you read this prompt? The person you write about can be someone in your immediate circle, larger network, or on the world stage. Remember that the person you choose is going to say a lot about what you value and respect in others. Maybe an adult in your life has served as a mentor and role model for you, or perhaps the person who has impacted you most is a close friend and confidant. Once you identify the person you’d like to write about, be sure to summarize who they are to you, how they have impacted your life, and how you’ve changed as a result of knowing them.

If there are additional personal challenges, hardships, or opportunities (including COVID related experiences) that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, which you have not already written about, please note them in the space below. (250 words)

Let us start by saying: this prompt is not for everyone. If your GPA has not dramatically increased or decreased during your high school career, move along. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking, “Yes! An opportunity for me to explain!” then read on.  Your transcripts are like Garfield Minus Garfield . Sure, we can see that something’s changed from frame to frame, but we don’t know why. Grades need context. Admissions doesn’t know why or how things happened—good or bad—so ake a look at your grades and note any anomalies or odd jumps/drops. Think back to that time in your life and tell your story. Maybe your family struggled with financial instability or the loss of a loved one. Maybe you started meeting virtually with a tutor and climbed from a fall semester C in geometry to a spring semester A. No matter your story, you are not alone in your journey of ups and downs—high school is a veritable war zone of distractions and possibilities. And, remember, everyone loves a comeback. 

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Supplemental Essay Prompts Texas A&M And UT Applicants Need To Know

I don’t have to tell you that colleges are not on the hunt to accept just anybody who applies. The admission process alone makes that very clear.

Whether you enjoy writing or would rather spend a day at the DMV, the essays are still a requirement. 

It’s important to realize that they are what will separate you from the crowd. After all, there are tens of thousands of applicants with your exact GPA and SAT. But no one else will have your story.

So how do you go about raising eyebrows and cracking smiles from your audience?

Take a deep dive into these supplemental essay prompts Texas A&M and UT applications need to know. Don’t just review them. Instead, work on your outlines. The better you prepare now, the stronger your application will be.

Supplemental Essay Prompts Texas A&M Applicants Need To Know

Keep in mind that Texas A&M is now requiring these first three short answers.

1. Most Impactful Person

It’s important to focus only on the impact this person has had on you. This means the reader should know more about you than this most-admired person. 

First, quickly identify the person’s characteristic, quality, or event that impacted you. Then, spend the rest of the time delving into the impact it has had. 

Did a coach or teacher help you understand the value of self-control? What did you learn from watching a family member juggle two jobs? Or maybe someone in your life was the antithesis of good values. And maybe they taught you how not to be. 

Then, expand on how the impact has directly affected you and will continue to affect you. 

However, if you do decide to write about the negative experience:

  • This isn’t the proper place to fully vent to your thoughts and emotions.
  • End it on a good note. How is your experience with this negative person leading you to a healthy place?
  • Write with ownership and remove any notion that they have power over you. Instead of, “They made me angry,” write, “I became an angry person.”

Bright Futures is here to help students and their families best prepare for the college admissions process. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how we can help you reach your potential.

2. Defining Life Event

This response is similar to your response to the first question, in that you’ll want to focus on the “how” and “why” more than the “what.” 

It’s important to come up with a relatively recent, specific event. It won’t do to write about a lifestyle. So please refrain from starting with “I’ve always been interested in robots,” or “When I was nine, I went to a camp and it changed my life”. 

Your answer could discuss a coming-of-age situation or a major jump in maturity. Or maybe it was the moment you realized, “Oh my gosh, this is my passion. I want this to be my job forever!”

3. Diversity

“Texas A&M University believes that diversity is an important part of academic excellence and that it is essential to living our core values. Describe the benefits of diversity and inclusion for you and for the Texas A&M campus community. Please share any personal experiences that have shaped your views.”

Don’t get lost in the jargon here. True diversity of thought is crucial to critical thinking and progress. Furthermore, true inclusion possesses real benefits to the whole. But your responses will be wholly your own. 

Remember there is more to diversity and inclusion than race and culture. You’ll have to expand your thinking and get outside the very loud, yet small box of our present time.

Consider writing about a time when your values or understanding were challenged. How has that been a benefit to you? Did it strengthen your values and understanding? Have your values since been reshaped? Did it shatter them altogether? 

4. College Of Engineering Specific Prompt

If you’re applying to the Texas A&M College of Engineering, then you should also prepare to respond to this prompt:

“Describe your academic and career goals in the broad field of engineering (including computer science, industrial distribution, and engineering technology). What and/or who has influenced you either inside or outside the classroom that contributed to these goals? It is important to spend time addressing this question as it will be considered as part of the engineering review process. If you have chosen an engineering major for both your first and second choice majors, you will see the same question twice and may provide the same response to both questions.”

Supplemental Essay Prompts UT Applicants Need To Know

UT has also changed their supplemental essay prompts this year. 

1. Explain Your Major

“Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?”

Your answer to this question should reflect that UT is heavily career and major-oriented. Be sure to relate back to the major you’ve chosen, but don’t simply refer to it. Tell them why this major is a good fit for you. Simply saying, “I really liked chemistry in high school” or “robotics is cool” won’t cut the mustard, unfortunately. 

There’s a two-pronged approach here: 

  • Take the opportunity to dive deep into the things in your major that are riveting.
  • Why UT is the university to accomplish your goals through your major. You can take biochemistry at Rice or Baylor, so explain why it must happen at UT.

If you’re having trouble preparing for the essay and short answer portion of your application, then reach out to Bright Futures . With our essay workshops and one-on-one consulting, we can help you knock it out of the park.

2. Leadership

“Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.”

Here’s another two-parter. They not only want to know your experiences. They also want to know how those experiences will positively impact others.

Before you start, understand there are different types of leadership. Not everyone is a football captain or class president. 

Did you work backstage during theatre productions? Do you care for your grandmother or a younger sibling? Are you working a job alongside your schooling? Have you been volunteering outside of school? 

Taking on responsibilities is inherently a form of leadership. In the verbiage of my father: “Them’s leadership skills.”

Now, here comes the crucible: describe the impact of this experience.

How have your experiences made you fit for leadership? Has raising up younger siblings given you empathy or shown you how to manage your time and prioritize others’ needs? Has working backstage shown you the rewards of humility? 

This is another chance to make your experience truly unique by giving your answers depth and weight.

3. How You Will Change The World By Attending UT

“The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.”

This is a “tell me what you like about me” type question. Why their school and not another? 

Moreover, the school’s culture is the main focus of this question. Keep in mind the attitude around campus, the emphasis on this or that, the air of excellence that everybody breathes on campus, or the prestige of the faculty. They want to know if the school’s culture will make you a better you. 

It would be a good idea to search the school’s website and social media accounts. Look into what kinds of things they’re up to, or things that they’ve done that caught your attention. Have they put on clinics recently? Or did they publicize a big project? 

Remember that identifying reasons why this school is the right fit is just as important as why your major is the right fit. 

4. Your COVID Experience

“Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance, including the possible effects of COVID-19.”

While you make this answer your own, do so in a way that follows the same logic as your other three questions. There has to be a point and an end goal. Tie it into why you and UT are a perfect match.

If COVID made your life a living hell, say so! Now’s your chance! Show the impact adversity had on your academics. If your grades sagged because some event shattered your world, let them know it. You can address things that may have impacted your school performance, your home life, or your relationships with friends. 

This is the place for unique factors that have made life particularly difficult or have forged you into who you are.

However, it’s still important to end on a positive note. Discuss the challenges, but try to also explain how you addressed these challenges, or how you plan to in the future. 

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does texas a&m require essay

How to Write the ApplyTexas Essays 2023-2024 + Examples

does texas a&m require essay

Born from the collaboration between the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and various public and private universities around the state, ApplyTexas is a wide-spanning application that allows its users to apply to hundreds of Texan colleges. Like the Common App, it offers a platform for students—natively Texan or not—to send off the same information to many schools, although each school may require differing additional information. 

Unlike the Common App, ApplyTexas may be used to apply to the community colleges, public four-years, participating private schools, graduate programs, and even scholarships within Texan borders. For this article’s purposes, we will be focusing primarily on ApplyTexas’s 150+ four-year colleges and universities. Check out our full list of Texan colleges .

Read this ApplyTexas essay example to inspire your own writing.

Which Colleges Require Which Essays?

As for the ApplyTexas essays, there are three main prompts — prompts A, B, and C — but some colleges will only require some, keep others optional, or not accept certain prompts at all. They may also have additional short answer questions and supplements of their own. Even the recommended word count varies between schools.

Here’s a quick snapshot into the unique essay requirements of a few top ApplyTexas colleges:

University of Texas at Austin:

  • Topic A is required.
  • 4 short answer responses, 1 of which is optional (250-300 words).
  • Additional major-specific materials/requirements for art/art history, architecture, nursing, and social work programs .
  • Also accepts the Common App.

Southern Methodist University:

  • Topic A essay required, B is optional. 
  • Also accepts the Common App, Coalition Application, and its own application.

Texas A&M University, College Station:

  • Topic A is required. 
  • 4 additional short answers for all applicants, 1 of which is optional.
  • 1 short answer for applicants to the College of Engineering.

Baylor University, Waco:

  • Choose between Topic A, B or C (optional). 
  • Also accepts the Common App and its own application.

Texas Christian University:

  • Any essay topic on the ApplyTexas application (optional)
  • 3 additional short answer questions, 1 of which is optional.
  • Any essay topic on the ApplyTexas application (optional).

Never ignore optional prompts! Taking the time to complete them shows that you truly care about the school. Ignoring them will make admissions officers wonder if you even like it enough to actually attend it if accepted.

If you are applying to any of these universities and feel you would rather use the Coalition Application or the Common Application, see our Coalition Application Essay Guide and our Common Application Essay Guide . Keep in mind that essay requirements will vary depending on which platform you use. For instance, some schools (SMU, TCU, Baylor) may have additional short essays if you use the Common App.

If you still feel ApplyTexas is the platform for you, read on!

Before You Begin

It’s important to verify that your desired schools are featured on the ApplyTexas platform. Certain private schools—Rice University, for example—use the Common Application instead of ApplyTexas.

And while all the public universities in Texas accept ApplyTexas, some of them also accept the Common Application and Coalition Application, as we’ve seen. The Common Application , Coalition Application , and ApplyTexas offer tools to determine whether a university is included in their platform. Be sure to verify which application is better suited to your college list. Many students can tackle all their schools with just the Common App, but others may have to use a couple different platforms.

Approaching the ApplyTexas Essays

So you’ve worked through the application form, requested copies of your transcript and recommendation letters, effectively described your extracurriculars, and sent in your scores, if any. All that remains now are the essays: your best shot at showing admissions officers how you think, who you are, what matters to you, and why!

As you may remember, ApplyTexas contains three essay prompts: Topics A, B, and C. Each school may have different essay requirements, so it is best to familiarize yourself with all of them. For instance, even if you’re bursting with knowledge about your future major, these essays are an opportunity to speak holistically with regards to your life and experience.

Essay-Writing Strategies

With few parameters aside from the word limit of approximately 800 words (and with each school often setting different word counts), the ApplyTexas essay may seem intimidating. Luckily, the prompts can act as a creative and procedural tether. Whereas students applying via Common Application may begin by shaping a central idea before matching it up to one of the various prompts, ApplyTexas essays grow from the prompt up . Because of this, the best brainstorming and organizational practices for each prompt are unique. The one factor that remains ubiquitously relevant is writing — good writing. Before we get into the details of ideation and organization for each prompt, we’ll review some ways to ensure your writing is clear, communicative, and evocative.

Tips for writing well:

  • Show, don’t tell (you’ve heard it before, but it’s worth hearing again!)
  • Use active, rather than passive, sentence construction.
  • Write with precision.
  • Avoid clichés

The somewhat hackneyed advice of “Show, don’t tell” is nevertheless crucial to writing a compelling application essay. The meaning of showing a reader rather than telling them is best interpreted literally. Imagine you’re outside your house and you see a dog skateboarding on it’s two front paws. You run inside, eager to { tell, show } whoever is home. You fling open the door and narrowly avoid a collision with your brother, still unlacing his shoes from basketball practice.

You tell him: “Aamir, I just saw a dog skateboarding on its two front paws!”

You show him: You grab Aamir by the corner of his Jersey. “Come quick” you squeal, and he stumbles out after you, tripping on his laces. Thankfully, the dog is still there. “Just look,” you breathe out, already mesmerized by the wind rushing through the schnauzer’s mustache. Wobbling ever so slightly, the pup remains confident as he shreds the inclined blacktop of the cul-de-sac. Then, a moment later, it’s over. Unaware of the scale of his accomplishment, the dog scratches behind his right ear. You look over at Aamir. “Whoa.”

Out of these two scenarios, we can be sure that Aamir will only remember the second. It’s much the same for admissions committees; they’re more likely to remember you if you show them what you want to communicate. Now, showing doesn’t need to be much longer than telling. In fact, succinct writing is just as important as descriptive writing. Abandoning the literal narrative of “showing,” we’re left with something like this: A schnauzer puppy from the cul-de-sac was balanced on his front paws—miraculously, on a skateboard. Man, that dog could shred.

Using active voice is another crucial component of clean, clear writing. It’s also pretty simple. Make sure your sentence’s subject performs the action indicated by the verb. For example, instead of writing “the skateboard was maneuvered by a schnauzer,” you would opt for, “the schnauzer maneuvered the skateboard.” The only exception to this rule is when you want to bring explicit attention to the person or thing affected by an action. Our story is actually a decent example. What’s more noteworthy? The skateboarding? Or the fact that a dog is doing it? An acceptable passive construction might look like this: “the skateboard—would you believe it—was being maneuvered by none other than the schnauzer from across the cul-de-sac.” In this instance, we’re able to use passive voice to create humor and suspense. That being said, the vast majority of your sentences should employ the active voice.

The active voice is also a big part of writing with precision , and word choice may also make writing precise or imprecise. For example, while “evasive” is a synonym of “oblique” in one sense, it would nevertheless be embarrassing to write that, “John sat in the armchair evasive to the television.” Rather than picturing a chair positioned diagonally (obliquely) from the television, readers are left wondering what in the world an evasive chair might be. So use your thesaurus — carefully. 

It is common for burgeoning writers to get a little too adjective-happy. Adjectives’ power correlates inversely with their use. If each of your sentences is flush with adjectives, you’re diluting their impact.

Finally, avoid any clichés, aphorisms, etc. that fail to add value to your essay. Admissions officers will read countless essays boasting “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  If you’re tempted to use a hackneyed phrase, find its seed instead. Clichés are cliché because they stem from important thoughts, universal truths, and romantic principles. In the case of “Be the change you want to see in the world,” the seed might be an individual’s ability to impact a community, or to transform outdated and unjust systems. The seed of a clichéd phrase may still be worth writing about, but it’s important that you write authentically and originally.

Dissecting the Prompts

ApplyTexas features two sets of prompts, one for incoming freshmen (both domestic and international) and one for transfer, transient, or readmit applications. In this article, we will cover the first set to help freshman applicants. Want to know your chances at an ApplyTexas school? Calculate your chances for free right now.

While different schools require different combinations of essays, most students should be prepared to deal with topics A, B, and C. Students intent on pursuing a degree related to art and design should also be ready to answer topic D. Check out this ApplyTexas database to scout out which schools will require which essays . 

Here are this year’s prompts:

  • Topic A: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
  • Topic B: Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
  • 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?
  • Topic D (specific to majors in architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education): Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Notice how you are encouraged to speak about an opportunity or a challenge. Many students believe that they must talk about a tragedy in order to grab the attention of admissions officers, but this isn’t true. An essay can easily be thoughtful, insightful, and an engaging read without utilizing this specific emotional appeal.

Still, stories about difficult circumstances are often memorable. They are most effective when focused primarily on the student’s journey of working through the challenge instead of the challenge itself. Check out Collegevine’s article if you would like more tips on writing about challenges .

You’re trying to stand out, so beware of overused tropes like the following:

  • Mental illness: It takes enormous strength to heal from and learn to manage a mental illness. Still, they may be tricky to write about. Read our article for more information on covering mental illness and disabilities within your application .
  • Getting a bad grade in a class but then working hard to raise it.
  • Sports stories such as winning/losing the “big game” or getting injured.
  • Death of a pet or family member.
  • Mission trip which made you realize how lucky and privileged you are.

Side note : Sometimes students face challenges that are outside of their control and which have negatively impacted their academic and/or extracurricular performance. If this has been your experience, and you don’t plan to explain them within this essay response, you may ask one of your recommenders to do so through their letter of recommendation.

Now, there’s no such thing as a “bad” or “good” essay topic; students have gotten into top schools with essays about Costco, pizza deliveries, and sparkling water. It often matters less so what you write about than how you write about it! 

These common essay topics are only doable when well-written, specific, and featuring a fresh take. The story of how fixing your Calculus grade taught you the value of hard work is not nearly as interesting as that of a student who is diagnosed with dyscalculia—a disability which creates a difficulty in understanding and working with math and numbers—and then opens up a dyscalculia awareness club with plans to become a special education teacher. The latter story would demonstrate the student’s ability to turn preconceived weaknesses into strengths, and admissions officers will quickly see that though he may initially struggle with long division, this student is nonetheless a creative problem-solver.

Please be aware that although it is possible to make a “common” topic interesting, it is easier to write about a situation that is unique to begin with. Also, don’t feel pressured to write about a challenge, especially if the situation has happened so recently that you haven’t fully finished processing or growing from it.

With all of this in mind, let’s get into brainstorming! Many people begin their ideation process through writing long lists or even talking into their phones in an untethered stream-of-consciousness. Do whatever it takes to get your creative juices flowing! 

As you reflect, you may consider these questions:

  • Which values and skills do you hold closest to your heart? Honesty? Hard work? Clear communication? Diversity? Environmental stewardship? Activism? Where did these priorities come from?
  • What are you most grateful for? What are you most proud of? What risks have you taken which have paid off?
  • What do you like to do? When and how did you get into it?
  • How would your family and friends say you have changed for the better over the years, and why?
  • Look back at your list of extracurricular activities. Which ones were challenging and/or special opportunities? When have you tried something new?

Practice self-compassion while considering topics, and know that none are too big or too small. You can write about anything from taking a summer math class (even though you’re more of an English person) to being a camp counselor to giving your first speech in front of a crowd.

Overall, the admissions officers are looking for growth. They want to see the circumstances you turned into opportunities for improvement. You may even reflect upon a situation that initially seemed like an unpleasant challenge but later revealed itself as a hidden opportunity. For example, you may have reluctantly let your friend drag you to a business club meeting before discovering a passion for economics and rising as a club leader.

Ideally, your story will be unique and offer a fresh perspective. Be specific about the challenge or opportunity you were presented with, and think about how it changed you for the better. 

Remember, they are literally asking for you to “tell [them] your story,” so consider using a narrative format, especially if storytelling is a talent of yours. 

Here’s a general outline: 

  • If you choose to go with a traditional storytelling format, we recommend beginning with a vivid anecdote featuring rich imagery to draw the reader in or an unexpected premise which makes one have to read on in order to fully understand. 
  • From there, you may dive into who you were at the time, how you felt and how you acted, before moving towards your turning point—the challenge or opportunity—from which you decided to grow. 
  • Explain how, exactly, the turning point influenced you. Ask yourself: How did it make you feel? Excited and ready for more, or initially anxious? How did it impact you? Perhaps you learned something new about yourself, or maybe now you’re kinder, more confident, or a harder worker. 
  • To mix it up a bit, you could even play with sequencing, perhaps starting with a moment of success before reflecting on all of the growth you had to complete to get to that point.

Finally, you are human, so you don’t have to portray yourself as perfect in the end. You are using this essay to talk about what may be one of your greatest strengths or sources of pride, but make sure to stay balanced with a humble tone.

Here’s an Example Essay for Topic A:

The morning of the Model United Nation conference, I walked into Committee feeling confident  about my research. We were simulating the Nuremberg Trials – a series of post-World War II  proceedings for war crimes – and my portfolio was of the Soviet Judge Major General Iona  Nikitchenko. Until that day, the infamous Nazi regime had only been a chapter in my history  textbook; however, the conference’s unveiling of each defendant’s crimes brought those horrors  to life. The previous night, I had organized my research, proofread my position paper and gone  over Judge Nikitchenko’s pertinent statements. I aimed to find the perfect balance between his  stance and my own.

As I walked into committee anticipating a battle of wits, my director abruptly called out to me.  “I’m afraid we’ve received a late confirmation from another delegate who will be representing  Judge Nikitchenko. You, on the other hand, are now the defense attorney, Otto Stahmer.”  Everyone around me buzzed around the room in excitement, coordinating with their allies and  developing strategies against their enemies, oblivious to the bomb that had just dropped on me.  I felt frozen in my tracks, and it seemed that only rage against the careless delegate who had  confirmed her presence so late could pull me out of my trance. After having spent a month  painstakingly crafting my verdicts and gathering evidence against the Nazis, I now needed to  reverse my stance only three hours before the first session.

Gradually, anger gave way to utter panic. My research was fundamental to my performance, and without it, I knew I could add little to the Trials. But confident in my ability, my director  optimistically recommended constructing an impromptu defense. Nervously, I began my  research anew. Despite feeling hopeless, as I read through the prosecution’s arguments, I  uncovered substantial loopholes. I noticed a lack of conclusive evidence against the defendants  and certain inconsistencies in testimonies.

My discovery energized me, inspiring me to revisit  the historical overview in my conference “Background Guide” and to search the web for other  relevant articles. Some Nazi prisoners had been treated as “guilty” before their court dates.  While I had brushed this information under the carpet while developing my position as a judge,  it now became the focus of my defense. I began scratching out a new argument, centered on the premise that the allied countries had violated the fundamental rule that, a defendant was “not guilty” until proven otherwise.

At the end of the three hours, I felt better prepared. The first session began, and with bravado, I  raised my placard to speak. Microphone in hand, I turned to face my audience. “Greetings  delegates. I, Otto Stahmer would like to…….” I suddenly blanked. Utter dread permeated my  body as I tried to recall my thoughts in vain. “Defence Attorney, Stahmer we’ll come back to  you,” my Committee Director broke the silence as I tottered back to my seat, flushed with  embarrassment. Despite my shame, I was undeterred. I needed to vindicate my director’s faith  in me. I pulled out my notes, refocused, and began outlining my arguments in a more clear and  direct manner. Thereafter, I spoke articulately, confidently putting forth my points. I was  overjoyed when Secretariat members congratulated me on my fine performance.

Going into the conference, I believed that preparation was the key to success. I wouldn’t say I  disagree with that statement now, but I believe adaptability is equally important. My ability to  problem-solve in the face of an unforeseen challenge proved advantageous in the art of  diplomacy. Not only did this experience transform me into a confident and eloquent delegate at  that conference, but it also helped me become a more flexible and creative thinker in a variety of other capacities. Now that I know I can adapt under pressure, I look forward to engaging in  activities that will push me to be even quicker on my feet.

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

This prompt is a more varied than the first one, and gives you more leeway in choosing what you’ll actually be talking about. Someone’s identity, talents, and interests, might be linked together but they just as easily might not. Either way, don’t worry. With regards to this prompt, there is no ideal angle. Let’s break down what it could mean to address each of these categories.

Identity can refer to any number of traits that you feel define you. This includes race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and other more community-based identities such as gamer, athlete, artist, weaver, dancer, Democrat, etc. Your identity is simply what makes you, you. Essays about identity are a great opportunity to demonstrate your critical and political acuity, personal convictions, and social history. However, they also pose certain risks. The premise of writing about identity is that you’ll demonstrate what makes you unique as a person. Even though many of us share certain identity traits, we’ve all experienced them differently. It’s especially important to focus on those details. Essays about identity that lack individual texture risk making you appear almost clone-like. That being said, there is no topic that is inherently cliché for this prompt.

Talent is a topic that will surely feel familiar to you as a prospective college applicant. Frankly, that’s what can make it tricky to write an essay about your talents—it risks echoing the several other parts of an application that are designed to draw out and display your talents for an admissions committee. Even so, if you believe that you have gained an especially insightful lesson or reflection from one of your listed activities, it may still be worth writing about. Just make sure you’re elaborating on your talents rather than reiterating them. Beyond the talents already featured in your application, many applicants have a talent that stands out from their formal talents and activities. One might be a master bird-caller, for example, but not have it listed as an extracurricular. Often times, writing about a wild-card talent is a way to introduce a facet of your personality that would otherwise remain invisible. The topic of talent also gives you the opportunity to write about certain interpersonal skills that might be especially important to you but impossible to express on a resume. For example, if you cultivate your skills as a listener and have a well-formulated political or philosophical imperative for doing so, that could make a great topic.

Interests are unique from talents in that you need not necessarily be good at them. They might not even be skills-related to begin with. For example, you might be supremely interested in pigeons but unable to include that interest in any other part of the application. Interests can make for especially unique, quirky, and fascinating essays. That being said, such essays also risk missing the whole point of the prompt. You need to tell the committee about yourself. If you choose to write about an obscure interest, it’ll be crucial to relate it back to your personality, outlook, or identity.

Now that we’ve addressed the differences between the subsections of this prompt, let’s review some ways in which you can brainstorm. While writing about identity, talents, or interests will result in slightly different essays, the goal is the same: to show the admissions committee—through your own eyes—who exactly you are.

The first step in brainstorming for this prompt is making a list of your defining characteristics. As you do this, you’ll want to prioritize characteristics that paint you in a generally positive light. While you don’t want to brag, you definitely want to be optimistic about who you are.

Second , you should make a sort of genealogy for each characteristic. How did they come to be so important to you? What experiences built up to the point where you’d consider a trait to be essential to your personality?

Finally , you’re going to need to rank your traits and their accompanying genealogies. For some students, who have a very central and defining trait, this won’t be tricky at all. But for students who are less certain what to write about, it will be important to prioritize the traits with the most interesting genealogies. Seeing as you want to show the committee rather than tell them, it’s crucial that you pick a trait that has a compelling history—that fits into a narrative or intellectual picture of yourself. This is especially essential for students intent on taking a more creative tone with this prompt. While an obscure interest can be interesting and endearing, it needs to have a compelling genesis and impact within your personal history.

Here’s an Example Essay for Topic B:

In one of the side streets of Rabat, one of the many winding corridors in the Medina, a long-abandoned house is standing, dilapidated from its years of neglect. The windows have been smashed; valuable materials have been ripped out of the floor and graffiti smears peeling walls. Yet remnants of its old life still remain intact; photo albums clutch family moments as cobwebs dangle from their spines. A mini plastic basketball hoop clings to a wall and a handmade poster above it reads “Senior League: Armond – Junior: Sasha and Lucy” but the faded yellow of the net suggests that no games have been played here for a long time. Not since we left. Mom left him just as I was turning four. The relationship had been emotionally stressful for the past few years and the threat of physical danger forced her to make a secret escape with us. We left everything behind.

Thousands of miles away and thirteen years later, I have never been back. I have never met him. As young as I was, I have not been oblivious to his absence. Even now, there are moments when I experience this emptiness inside of me. A sensation so overwhelming, I can’t believe I have managed to ignore it for so long. I lie down, close my eyes and grieve. Not just for him but for the life I never had, or at least, the one I left behind and can no longer remember. As the tears stop, I slowly drift to sleep. Sometimes I dream that he has unexpectedly turned up on the doorstep of our Chicago house especially for me. I open the door and immediately recognize him. I jump into his arms, simultaneously crying and laughing. I wake up, the empty feeling has passed and I know that he will never come. But I can’t help romanticizing the first time we meet.

However, going on eighteen, reality is soon catching up with me. Four years ago at the age of eighteen my brother, Armond, travelled to Morocco to meet him. Last year my sister, Sasha, did the same. So now, it is my turn; my own rite of passage awaits me. I have been waiting for this opportunity my whole life, even imagined it ten times over. But the more I thought about it, the more I doubted it. As the youngest in the family, I have striven to emulate my siblings in many ways. I could feel the assumption that I would go to meet him just as they did. However, I know that I am not yet ready. Unlike Sasha and Armond, my memories of Rabat are just a haze. I do not know whether they are real, or dreams or stories I have been told. I don’t understand any Arabic, and his English is very broken. And most of all, I cannot remember his face. The emptiness still comes back every now and then. But I know that the hole is not father-shaped, and if I meet him now, he might think it is. What I need to do first is to find out who I am before I can know what shape that hole really is. And when I know, I will understand what it would mean to meet him. For now at least, that tired old home stays suspended; a three-dimensional snapshot of my forgotten childhood. I like to think it’s waiting for me; waiting for when I’m ready to go back.

You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

Topic C stands opposed to Topics A and B in that it is almost entirely oriented towards the future. While each of your essays should demonstrate a degree of imagination, this prompt also carries the most overt call for creativity. There are two main genres of responses to prompts like this. The first genre adds to the forecasting effort found throughout your whole application. The second represents a creative departure from the path of your ambitions.

Choosing a Genre:

Forecasting is what you do when you make promises or predictions about what you’ll do with an educational opportunity. You’re forecasting when you tell UT Austin that you want to attend their engineering program in order to realize your dream of developing clean, public transportation. You’re forecasting when you draw conclusions from your past accomplishments to predict your future success. The act of applying to a school is inherently future-oriented. That being said, good applications demand cohesion and balance. An application that is too future-oriented will leave the admissions officers wondering who exactly you are . An application that is too auto-ethnographic will leave them wondering about your ambitions .

A forecast oriented answer to topic C will likely link-up with other parts of your application. For example, the engineering student from the example above might write that they’re holding a ticket for the very first 100% green, interstate transportation system—a system that they’ve spent the past 15 years building from the ground up. In this case, the essay looks back from a future point in which the student has fulfilled the ambitions they forecasted. It’s also possible to write this essay looking forward. Students that hope to attend medical school or law school might write about holding a “ticket” to their tertiary degree. These essays would go on to imagine the important, transformative work that those students would accomplish when they get to medical/law school.

Here’s an Example Essay for Topic C:

I’m holding a flyer that declares the date and time—this coming Tuesday at 7:30 PM—for a meeting of the Low Carbon Emissions Workers’ Union. Twelve years ago, when I started my undergraduate degree in public policy, the union was only a flicker of a thought, housed somewhere in the back of my mind. Still, those years were crucial. With every class I took, whether in policy studies, environmental science, or history, that flicker grew stronger. Following my interest in labor, I developed a rapport with the university employees that kept things rolling on campus—the people that took care of us, really. For my senior thesis, I made it my mission to collect and present an oral history of labor on campus. Many university workers expressed a sense of relief at being employed by the university. It allowed for decent wages and preserved the dignity of it’s workforce through open dialogue and worker representation. Through this sense of relief—or rather, through its negative—my thesis became invested in the alternatives for these laborers, in what lay on the other side of their relief. Though they were specifically skilled in care work, janitorial work, landscaping, and more, most of them told me that outside the university there was little opportunity for the advancement of worker’s interests. Finding work on a free-lance basis or through predatory placement companies, these care-laborers were largely on their own.

After graduating, I stayed in touch with my contacts at the university. Throughout law school, I made time to continue coordinating with them. We were hatching a revolutionary idea. Our goal was to create a union that could unite the various forms of under-the-radar care-work that was so often left out of organized bargaining units. The plan that we finally realized was even bigger than that. Not only would it unite domestic workers, janitors, and landscapers, its umbrella would extend to cover teachers, day-care supervisors, nurses, artists, and agricultural workers. This was the Low Carbon Emissions Workers’ Union. While it contained specifically oriented compartments, each aimed at advancing the rights of a particular sub-group of laborers, its superstructure was perhaps the more significant. In the same way that my senior thesis became invested in its negative all those years ago, this union stood as a foil to the socially and environmentally destructive tendencies of so many economic giants. We mobilized and housed research regarding Green-GDP, environmentally adjusted Gini coefficients, and other methods aimed at illuminating the real cost of having an economy predicated on environmental exploitation. As a political and intellectual force, the union gained ground in reevaluating the ways in which we value certain kinds of labor over others.

I’m smiling as I tack the flyer to the community board at my old university. I step back to look at it. “I can’t believe this is where it all started,” I think to myself. “Well, see you all this Tuesday.”

The genre of creative departure allows you to focus more on your personality, imagination, and capacity for critical thought. If you feel that your application already does enough to forecast your ambitions, you may opt to write about something completely unrelated. Especially for students applying to creative programs such as theatre or studio art, this can be a good moment to demonstrate your fit. Students who pick this genre can write about almost literally anything. The ticket in your hand could be for a time-machine to the Renaissance, a one-way expedition to Mars, or a mysterious back-alley puppet show. The important thing is that you use the premise of your essay to reflect on the world in a mature and thoughtful manner.

Here’s another example essay for Topic C:

“Take a number” buzzes an automated voice from somewhere inside the ticket booth. I reach out and tear off a slip of blue paper. 96. “Great,” I snort, “might as well settle in for the long haul.”

Someone behind me notices my annoyance and pipes up.

“I know right? I’ve never seen the time machines so crowded in my life.”

“Me neither,” I respond, “application season I guess.”

“Must be. Damn ticket prompts.”

I turn around to address my queue-compatriot. He’s a tall guy, pretty built for our age—probably a football player or something. He looks anxiously down the line, craning his neck to see something or someone just out of view.

“What’s got your nerves up?” I ask, “where are you headed?”

“You know,” he shrugged, “the usual. Off to 1904 to encourage Hitler to pursue his passion for painting. I’m just worried she’s gonna get there first.” I stepped out of line to see where he was looking. Fourth in line was a girl decked out in all black, determination etched into her features.

“Is she carrying a rail-gun?” I ask, stepping back into line. Football nods. “Yeesh…that’s a bit extreme but to each their own I guess. Wonder how the AdComms are gonna feel about that.”

Football fidgets for a few minutes before asking, “And you? What’s your plan?”

“Way back. Off to the early fifth-century to help Pelagius argue against St. Augustine.”

“Pelagius. He was an early theologian that rallied against Augustine’s notion of original sin.”

Football nods. “So all that with Eve and the apple, yeah?”

“Exactly. The doctrine of original sin says that because Adam and Eve had the apple, every human from then on was infected with their sin. That’s one of the reasons babies are baptized, to cleanse them. It’s behind a whole host of other things too. All the indulgences that people paid into the church, our long-standing association of sexuality with guilt and impurity, not to mention most of the pessimistic philosophies surrounding human depravity.”

Football chuckles. “So let’s say you win” he proposes, “then what? Babies don’t get baptized? There are still nineteen people ahead of us. You might want to change plans.”

My brow furrows a bit as I consider his suggestion. “I don’t know,” I say, “Pelagius argued for a whole lot of things. He was a big proponent of free will and accountability. He thought we should do good for the sake of good, not for salvation. He even countered a lot of hang-ups that endure to this day—bedroom stuff, bathroom stuff, all of it. Where Augustine saw sin and depravity, Pelagius saw beauty and Grace.” I continue. “I mean, I’m not even religious. I just think we could use a sort of ‘reset’ for our collective psyche. People are too caught up in hating themselves. We’re subconsciously misanthropic and it hurts. It hurts when a corporation takes advantage of a mining community because profit is the only legitimate motive in a world that seems like a lost cause. It hurts all the young people who hate their bodies and strive for an unrealistic ‘cleanliness’ from deformity and irregularity. It hurts women who get told they’ll be ‘second-hand stock’ if they have sex before marriage. It hurts when the police open fire in a neighborhood because they’re scared a kid might do it first.”

“Yeah” he nods, “hey, do you mind if I tag along? Mine might be a lost cause anyways—that girl was scary.”

Just then my number comes up on the time machine’s display. I look up at Football. “Sure. Why not. Oh, and I don’t think I caught your name.”

“It’s Bryan.”

“Well Bryan, we’re off.”

Please Note: The essay in this section is specific to certain college majors and is not required by all colleges/universities that accept the Apply Texas Application. If you are not applying for a major in Architecture, Art, Art History, Design, Studio Art, Visual Art Studies/Art Education, you are not required to write this essay.

Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space affected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?”

Topic D is a situational prompt for students looking to engage with art, design, and image. Unlike topics A and B, topic D is specifically asking you to tell a story. Regardless of the mode of narrative you employ, your essay should start with a moment of confrontation, observation, and reaction. Whether you engage with a piece of art or a lecture from design class, this step is crucial. It is here that you will demonstrate your ability to sift through your feelings about art, pulling out the concrete variables and specific vocabularies to describe why the art made you feel that way in the first place. It’s unsurprising that the prompt is so intent on drawing this out from you—understanding how art has impacted you is the first step towards creating art to impact others.

The second part of this process should move you beyond the moment of interaction detailed in step one, either to the present or the future. In this section, you’ll want to set your compass, so to speak. Using the lessons from part one, you should forecast the ways in which your future ambitions will be uniquely impactful. This can include anything from aperture to allegory. Whether technical or philosophical, your art is largely a product of your inspiration—being able to trace and predict this link demonstrates your maturity as a budding artist or designer.

Here’s an Example Essay for Topic D:

Standing in the Musée de l’Orangerie, surrounded on all sides by Monet’s Water Lilies, I felt myself melt away. The noise of the room seemed to dim, even as my perception heightened. I was somewhere else. The water lilies had swallowed me whole. They were beautiful, certainly, but also tense. One of the lesser-known iterations, flush with the purples, golds, and oranges of autumn, reminded me of the fluttering dance of falling leaves. And yet, its leaves were static—not because they weren’t real; they were real to me in that moment—but because of the water’s tension. Tethered to the surface of the pond, equally unable to float up or down, the leaves were trapped in a planar prison. The painting was practically bursting with the energy of an infinite autumn, but the water held it all together with its sticky buoyancy. Surface tension is far crueler than gravity, I thought to myself. My throat tightened and I felt paralyzed, peacefully imprisoned along with the lilies and leaves.

“Huh.” My brother stepped up beside me. “Look, you can see the canvas poking through,” he whispered, nudging me. He was right. As my eyes latched onto those bare fibers I felt a gust of release; I was back in the room.

To this day, that remains one of my most intense experiences with art. While it wasn’t exactly euphoric, it was transformative. Spanning the whole wall, the water lilies are all you can see; they colonize your reality. It was that quality—the quality of transportation out of time and space—that has stayed with me most. Monet’s techniques, brushstrokes that infuse the canvas with texture and momentum, allowed for a sort of virtual reality. VR before VR. It was the power of that experience that prompted me to combine my art with contemporary VR techniques. My first VR project pays homage to the water lilies. Putting on the headset, you find yourself in a blue green film, replete with flowers of every kind. It’s peaceful but when you try to move you find that the further you stray, the slower you get. A few feet out and you’re snapped back to the start. The piece explores movement and energy through anxiety and ensnarement.

As I continue my education in fine art, I’m primed to explore the range of possibilities allowed by VR technology. I’m eager to create landscape experiences that more directly implicate art and embodiment. My current project also takes inspiration from Monet’s impressionism. Entering the reality, one finds oneself on the top of flower-freckled hillside, umbrella in hand despite the blue skies. It is windy and the grasses sway around you. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, you begin to blow away, to disperse, until there’s nothing left. The viewer is utterly gone, yet utterly present.

Want to learn more about how to write the ApplyTexas essays? Check out one of our popular recorded live streams on this topic.

Where to Get Your ApplyTexas Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your ApplyTexas essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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A Legal Showdown on the Border Between the U.S. and Texas: What to Know

A court in Austin heard oral arguments in the federal government’s bid to block Texas from imposing a wide-ranging new immigration law.

Officers in Border Patrol uniforms talk to several people standing near a large border wall.

By J. David Goodman

Reporting from Austin

The Biden administration is suing the State of Texas over a new state law that would empower state and local police officers to arrest migrants who cross from Mexico without authorization.

On Thursday, a federal court in Austin heard three hours of arguments over whether to halt the implementation of the law, which is set to go into effect on March 5.

The case has far-reaching implications for the future of immigration law and border enforcement and has been closely watched across the country. It comes amid fierce political fighting between the parties — and within them — over how to handle illegal immigration and follows the impeachment by House Republicans of the secretary of homeland security , and the failure of a bipartisan Senate deal to bolster security at the border.

Texas has argued that its law is necessary to deter migrants from crossing illegally, as has happened in record numbers over the past year. The Biden administration argues that the law conflicts with federal law and violates the U.S. Constitution, which gives the federal government authority over immigration matters.

The judge hearing the case, David A. Ezra of the Western District of Texas, was appointed to the bench by President Ronald Reagan. He had frequent questions, particularly when the lawyer representing the Texas attorney general was speaking, and appeared skeptical of the law.

“Let’s say for the purpose of argument that I agree with you,” Judge Ezra told the state’s lawyer, Ryan Walters. California might then want to pass its own immigration and deportation law, he said. Maybe then Maine would follow, he added, and then other states.

“That turns us from the United States of America into a confederation of states,” Judge Ezra said. “What a nightmare.”

What does the Texas law say?

The law passed by the Texas Legislature, known as Senate Bill 4 , makes it a crime to cross into Texas from a foreign country anywhere other than a legal port of entry, usually the international bridges from Mexico.

Under the law, known as S.B. 4, any migrant seen by the police wading across the Rio Grande could be arrested and charged in state court with a misdemeanor on the first offense. A second offense would be a felony. After being arrested, migrants could be ordered during the court process to return to Mexico or face prosecution if they don’t agree to go.

Texas lawmakers said they had designed S.B. 4 to closely follow federal law, which already bars illegal entry. The new law effectively allows state law enforcement officers all over Texas to conduct what until now has been the U.S. Border Patrol’s work.

It allows for migrants to be prosecuted for the new offense up to two years after they cross into Texas.

How does it challenge federal immigration authority?

Lawyers for the Biden administration argue that the Texas law conflicts with numerous federal laws passed by Congress that provide for a process for handling immigration proceedings and deportations.

The administration says the law interferes with the federal government’s foreign diplomacy role, pointing to complaints already lodged against Texas’ border actions by the government of Mexico. The Mexican authorities said they “rejected” any legislation that would allow the state or local authorities to send migrants, most of whom are not Mexican, back over the border to Mexico.

The fight over the law is likely to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, legal experts have said . If so, it will give the 6-to-3 conservative majority a chance to revisit a 2012 case stemming from Arizona’s attempt to take on immigration enforcement responsibilities. That case, Arizona v United States, was narrowly decided in favor of the power of the federal government to set immigration policy.

Immigrant organizations, civil rights advocates and some Texas Democrats have criticized the law because it could make it more difficult for migrants being persecuted in their home countries to seek asylum, and it does not protect legitimate asylum seekers from prosecution in state courts.

Critics have also said that the law could lead to racial profiling because it allows law enforcement officers even far from the border to arrest anyone they suspect of having entered illegally in the previous two years. The result, they warn, could lead to improper traffic stops and arrests of anyone who looks Hispanic.

Wait, didn’t the Supreme Court already rule against Texas?

Not in this case.

Texas and the Biden administration have been battling for months over immigration enforcement on several legal fronts.

One case involves the placement by Texas of a 1,000-foot barrier of buoys in the middle of the Rio Grande, which Gov. Greg Abbott said would deter crossings. The federal government sued, arguing that the barrier violated a federal law over navigable rivers. In December, a federal appeals court sided with the Biden administration, ordering Texas to remove the barrier from the middle of the river while the case moved forward.

A second case involves Border Patrol agents’ cutting or removing of concertina wire — installed by the Texas authorities on the banks of the Rio Grande — in cases where agents need to assist migrants in the river or detain people who have crossed the border. The Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, filed a lawsuit claiming that Border Patrol agents who removed the wire were destroying state property.

It was a fight over an injunction in that case that reached the Supreme Court on an emergency application. The justices, without giving their reasons, sided with the Biden administration , allowing border agents to cut or remove the wire when they need to while further arguments are heard in the case at the lower court level.

Why the stakes are higher now

Unlike the other cases, the battle over S.B. 4 involves a direct challenge by Texas to what courts and legal experts have said has been the federal government’s unique role: arresting, detaining and possibly deporting migrants at the nation’s borders.

“This will be a momentous decision,” said Fatma E. Marouf, a law professor and director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic at the Texas A&M University School of Law. “If they uphold this law, it will be a whole new world. It’s hard to imagine what Texas couldn’t do, if this were allowed.”

The federal government is seeking an injunction to prevent the law from going into effect next month.

“S.B. 4 is clearly invalid under settled precedent,” said Brian Boynton, who presented the Justice Department’s case.

“There is nothing in S.B. 4 that affords people the rights they have under federal law,” he said, later adding that the law would interfere with foreign affairs and the actions of the Department of Homeland Security.

Lawyers for Texas argued that the new law would not conflict with existing federal law. “This is complementary legislation,” said Mr. Walters, a lawyer for the state.

But Judge Ezra expressed concern that the law did not allow a judge to pause a prosecution for illegally entering Texas in the case of someone applying for asylum, calling that provision of the Texas law “troublesome” and “very problematic.”

“It just slaps the federal immigration law in the face,” he said.

Texas argued that the record number of migrant arrivals at the Texas border constituted an “invasion” that Texas had the power to defend itself against under Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from engaging in war on their own “unless actually invaded.”

The state has cited the same constitutional provision in the other pending cases between Texas and the federal government. But legal experts said the argument was a novel one.

And Judge Ezra appeared unconvinced on Thursday, as he had been when the same argument was presented last year in the buoy barrier case, which he decided in favor of the federal government .

“I do not see any evidence that Texas is at war,” he said on Thursday.

Before adjourning, the judge turned to Mr. Walters, the Texas lawyer, and said that he would work quickly to issue his decision so that if the state wanted to appeal before March 5, “you can.” He then turned to the federal government’s lawyers and added: “Either of you.”

J. David Goodman is the Houston bureau chief for The Times, reporting on Texas and Oklahoma. More about J. David Goodman

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Tennessee basketball announces Checker Game for Vols vs. Texas A&M

does texas a&m require essay

Tennessee basketball is hosting a Checker Game when the Vols play Texas A&M at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Saturday.

Fans are assigned a color to wear based on their seat location, which can be found at UTsports.com/checker . Fans in the lower bowl will be given orange or white shirts, depending on seat location.

The No. 5 Vols (20-6, 10-3 SEC) host the Aggies (15-11, 6-7) on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).

It is the third straight season UT has hosted a game with a checkerboard pattern at Thompson-Boling Arena. The prior occasions were called Checker TBA, but the name pivoted with the arena's name change this season. The  University of Tennessee agreed to a 10-year, $20 million naming rights deal to add Food City Center to  Thompson-Boling Arena in August.

Tennessee has held Checker TBA games in recent seasons

Tennessee has held Checker TBA games a handful of times in recent seasons. The Vols topped No. 1 Alabama 68-59 during a Checker TBA game on Feb. 15, 2023. They also hosted a Checker TBA game against Arkansas in their regular-season finale in 2022.

Tennessee had a  Checker TBA game against Florida on Feb. 9, 2019 and against North Carolina on Dec. 17, 2017.

BARNES: Inside the Rick Barnes decision that led Tennessee basketball to comeback win at Missouri

Tennessee basketball hosted an 'Orange Out' this season

The Vols hosted an "Orange Out" for its 91-71 win against Alabama on Jan. 20.

Tennessee had an "Orange Out" at Neyland Stadium when it hosted Alabama on Oct. 15, 2022. Fans started the call for an "Orange Out" on social media and asked athletic director Danny White to endorse it, which he did.

Mike Wilson  covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ ByMikeWilson . If you enjoy Mike’s coverage,  consider a digital subscription  that will allow you access to all of it.

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  3. How to Write the Texas A&M Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

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  4. How to Write a Texas Format Essay: 4 Steps (with Pictures)

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COMMENTS

  1. Freshman

    Essay Non-Refundable Processing Fee Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) If Applicable Optional When Can I Apply? Fall 2024 — College Station August 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023 *All additional required documents are due by Dec. 15. Fall 2024 — HECM January 9 - March 1, 2024 Fall 2024 — Galveston August 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024

  2. How to Write the Texas A&M University Essays 2023-2024

    Texas A&M University has three required essay prompts on its application. You are asked to write about your personal story, a life event that has prepared you for success in college, and a person who has profoundly impacted your life. There is also an optional essay prompt about any additional challenges or opportunities you have had to overcome.

  3. Texas A&M Essay Guide 2021-22

    Yes, the Texas A&M requirements require all applicants to write Texas A&M application essays. While there are two Texas A&M essay prompts, there is only one required Texas A&M essay. Only students applying to the College of Engineering need to answer both Texas A&M essay prompts.

  4. How to Get In: Texas A&M Admission Requirements

    With a GPA of 3.68, Texas A&M requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

  5. Admission < Texas A&M Catalogs < Texas A&M ...

    Texas A&M does not combine test scores from different test dates. ... Applicants are encouraged to use the required essay as an opportunity identify their past accomplishments, discuss what they hope to study at Texas A&M University, and describe how their undergraduate business education will help them meet goals after graduation. ...

  6. Texas A&M Supplemental Essays Guide

    Common Application ApplyTexas Texas A&M Application Deadlines: Engineering Early Action Deadline: October 15th Regular Decision Deadline: December 1st Texas A&M Essay Tip: Start Early! There are many Texas A&M supplemental essays to complete for the Texas A&M admission requirements.

  7. How to Write the Texas A&M Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

    how to write Texas A&M Supplemental Essay Prompt #2. Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (10-250 words for Common App; max 592 for ApplyTexas) You might panic at the two different (like, really different) word counts for the same essays in the different portals.

  8. Texas A&M: Admission Requirements 2023

    The Texas A&M acceptance rate is 64%, making it a moderately competitive university. Acceptance rate is an indication of how competitive a school is, but it is also an indication of how popular a school is. To get into a school like Texas A&M, you will need to perform well in most areas of your college application.

  9. Texas A&M University's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    Overview Cost & scholarships Majors Admission requirements Essay prompts Want to see your chances of admission at Texas A&M University? We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances. Calculate my chances Texas A&M University's 2023-24 Essay Prompts Read our essay guide

  10. How to Write the Texas A&M University Essays 2021-2022

    Texas A&M Supplemental Essay Prompts All Applicants Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? (unspecified word count, so we recommend responding within 1.5 pages or between 500-750 words) Applicants to the College of Engineering:

  11. 2 Terrific Texas A&M Essay Examples by an Accepted Student

    Read our Texas A&M University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year's supplemental prompts. Essay Example 1 - Success in College Prompt: Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (250 words) "How much are you looking to make."

  12. Texas A&M Essays: What Are the Prompts?

    These prompts give you the opportunity to share your experiences, showcase your strengths and passions, and tell a unique story about yourself to the admissions committee. Make sure you write an engaging, well-structured essay that focuses on the prompt you chose. Texas A&M University, as a member of the Coalition Application and ApplyTexas ...

  13. UT-Austin and Texas A&M Join the Common Application

    Texas A&M requires Essay A and two supplements: Texas A&M Person Most Impacted: Tell us about the person who has impacted your life and why. Texas A&M Life Event: Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. They also have a few optional scholarship questions that won't make any difference in you getting aid.

  14. 2020-21 Texas A&M Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

    Texas A&M University 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanation. The Requirements: 1 essay of roughly 1-1.5 pages. Supplemental Essay Type (s): Community, Common App overlap. First and foremost, don't freak out when you see all of the prompts listed on the ApplyTexas application. There's one essay for Texas A&M applicants on both the ...

  15. Freshman Admissions

    Complete Essay A ApplyTexas Essay: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? Average length is a page to a page and a half. - BEST>>: Submit as part of the application.

  16. How to Write Perfect ApplyTexas Essays

    There are four essay prompts on the ApplyTexas application for first-year admission (Topics A, B, C, and D). For Topics A, B, and C, there are slight variations on the prompt for transfer students or those looking to be readmitted. We'll cover each variation just below the main topic breakdown.

  17. Texas A&M's Silly Short Answer Essay Requirements

    Texas A&M's Silly Short Answer Essay Requirements — Tex Admissions Tips for TAMU Short answers: Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why. Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. Describe the benefits of diversity and inclusion for you and for the Texas A&M campus community.

  18. 2023-24 Texas A&M Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

    Texas A&M University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanation. The Requirements: Two required essays of 250 words each; one optional essay of 250 words Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball, Additional Information Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college.

  19. Supplemental Essay Prompts Texas A&M

    Supplemental Essay Prompts Texas A&M Applicants Need To Know. Keep in mind that Texas A&M is now requiring these first three short answers. 1. Most Impactful Person. It's important to focus only on the impact this person has had on you. This means the reader should know more about you than this most-admired person.

  20. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. Option 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest ...

  21. How to Write the ApplyTexas Essays 2023-2024 + Examples

    Topic A essay required, B is optional. Also accepts the Common App, Coalition Application, and its own application. Texas A&M University, College Station: Topic A is required. 4 additional short answers for all applicants, 1 of which is optional. 1 short answer for applicants to the College of Engineering. Also accepts the Common App.

  22. A Legal Showdown on the Border Between the U.S. and Texas: What to Know

    Texas lawmakers said they had designed S.B. 4 to closely follow federal law, which already bars illegal entry. The new law effectively allows state law enforcement officers all over Texas to ...

  23. Texas A&M University-San Antonio's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    This school does not require essays or the essay prompts are not available yet. Sign up to be notified of any changes. Applying to Texas A&M University-San Antonio and trying to find all the correct essay prompts for 2023-24? Find them here, along with free guidance on how to write the essays.

  24. Tennessee basketball announces Checker Game for Vols vs. Texas A&M

    Tennessee basketball is hosting a Checker Game when the Vols play Texas A&M at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Saturday.. Fans are assigned a color to wear based on their seat ...