Freshman

A freshman applicant is a current high school student (with or without college credit) or a high school graduate with no college credit earned after high school graduation.

Join the Aggie Family

Texas A&M University is home to more than 70,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs studying business, engineering, liberal arts, nursing and much more. Our campus promotes diversity and inclusion of thought from our students, which in turn adds more value to discussions, projects and assignments. Aggies enjoy a vibrant student life, competitive athletics programs and a high-quality education at an affordable price.

What Location Do I Want to Attend?

College Station

Aggieland is home to the largest university in the state of Texas and the friendliest campus in the United States. Here, you’ll build lasting relationships with friends and professors, honor the traditions of Aggies past, present and future and earn an education that will put you at the top of every recruiter’s hiring list.
​Watch Aggie Stories​​​

Higher Education Center at McAllen

The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen (HECM) is an industry-leading institution committed to supporting the educational needs of Texans with top-tier educational programs. Students at the HECM will fulfill individual career goals, enhance continued economic development of the Rio Grande Valley and reinforce one of the hardest working job markets in the country. The application to HECM for Fall 2025 is available. Apply now at HECM Fall Application.

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Aggies by the Sea are charting a course to change the world. Texas A&M University at Galveston is the hot-spot for all things “ocean-oriented” at Texas A&M. This branch campus offers a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation.

How to Be Admitted?

In-State Students

Top 10% Admission

Texas residents who rank in the top 10% of their graduating class qualify for automatic admission to any state school in Texas.

According to Texas legislation, home-schooled students in the state may be eligible for Top 10% Admission based on their assigned rank, determined by official SAT/ACT scores.

Holistic Review

If you do not qualify for top 10%, but meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy, your application file, which includes all factors you noted, will be reviewed in a holistic manner*.

Students applying for fall admission may receive a decision within a month of file completion. However, applying early does not guarantee an early decision. Generally, most students in review will receive a decision between January 1 and late March.

*All applicants to the College of Engineering will be reviewed for placement into General Engineering including students who qualify for Top 10% automatic admission. This includes Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Distribution, and Engineering Technology.

Non-Resident Students

Out-of-State International

You are an international freshman if you:

Learn about your future as an International Freshman.

What Do I Need to Apply?

Admission Application

Prospective students should apply using the Common App. Students may also apply through ApplyTexas. The application you choose will not affect your admission decision. Only one application per student.

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.

Students who are unable to resolve accessibility issues through the Common App may contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tamu.edu for assistance.

The application essay is your chance to set yourself apart from other applicants. Texas A&M cares about more than your grades and scores, we want to know what makes you you!

REQUIRED Apply Texas and Common App 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?"

No additional essays will be reviewed.

Read through our essay and application tips to get a step ahead on the competition.

Essays should be submitted as part of the application or uploaded in the Applicant Information System (AIS).

Non-Refundable Processing Fee

A $75 non-refundable processing fee is required to complete your application.

The application fee can be paid through Common App. Please note: If you apply using ApplyTexas you will not be able to pay your fee within the application. You must follow the steps below.

  1. Watch your email for a message from Application@tamu.edu. This email will be sent 24-48 hours after you submit your application.
  2. Follow the directions in the email to access your UIN and activate your NetID.
  3. Login to applicant.tamu.edu to pay or waive your fee.
Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)

All freshmen applicants must complete a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) except for GED graduates. The SRAR replaces the high school transcripts used by the Office of Admissions during the initial admission process in most cases. Applicants create the SRAR using their official high school transcript, listing courses and associated grades that have been completed or will be completed for high school and/or college credit. The SRAR can take anywhere from 2-6 hours to complete depending on your classwork, so make sure to give yourself ample time to complete it.

The SRAR cannot be submitted prior to the application but you can and should work on it as soon as possible. It must be submitted and linked with your application by December 15.

Access the Self-Reported Academic Record here.

Detailed information regarding the submission of the SRAR can be found on the Document Submissions Page.

If you need help, see our SRAR FAQs and video tutorials.

The following applicants are required to submit a high school transcript:

Note: If a rank is not provided by the high school for students to enter in their SRAR a rank will be assigned.

If Applicable

High School Curriculum Requirement (Texas private high schools only)

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.

For information about submitting the Permanent Residency Card, see the Document Submission Page.

Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit

Prospective students who are not currently permanent residents but intend to become permanent residents might have to fill out Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit.

For information about submitting the Permanent Residency Card, see the Document Submission Page.

Resumes

Resumes should only be used if you run out of space on the application. If you've accomplished so much your application can't handle it, this is what a resume is for. Struggling to figure out what belongs? We've got you covered with Accomplishment Tips.

Official Test Scores

Texas A&M University is test optional and will not require ACT or SAT scores for freshman applicants. We encourage students who have test score to send them. The submission of test scores will not create any unfair advantage or disadvantage for those students who provide them.

For additional information regarding test scores, read our FAQs under "Test-Optional Admissions".

Letters of Recommendation

Once submitted, you will not be able to see your letters of recommendation. We will consider the first two letters received as part of your admission file. Letters of recommendation should be uploaded via the Applicant Information System or sent through the mail.

When Can I Apply?

Spring 2025 — College Station & Higher Education Center at McAllen
August 1, 2024
Deadline: October 15, 2024

Fall 2025 — College Station
August 1, 2024
Deadline: December 1, 2024
All additional required documents are due by Dec. 15.

Fall 2025 — Higher Education Center at McAllen
January 6, 2025
Deadline: March 1, 2025

Spring 2025 — Galveston
August 1, 2024
Deadline: December 1, 2024

Fall 2025 — Galveston
August 1, 2024
Deadline: May 1, 2025

Fall Early Action Deadline for Engineering — College Station*
October 15

*Applicants who apply to the College of Engineering and have a complete admission file by the Early Action Deadline of October 15 will receive a communication regarding their admission decision by mid-December. The communication will notify the student of admission or deferral to the standard decision timeline. Applicants who apply on the Early Action Deadline will not be able to complete their admission file for several days. On average, it takes 3-5 business days from the time your application is successfully submitted to communicate information needed to link and submit your SRAR. Please apply early to allow time to complete your file by the deadline. NOTE: Full consideration for admission will be given to applicants who complete their admission file after the October 15 deadline.

If the application deadline falls on a weekend it will remain open until 11:59 pm (Central Standard Time) on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5:00 pm (Central Standard Time) on that Monday.

What Happens After I Apply?

Notification of Decision

We make admission decisions on an ongoing basis throughout an admission cycle. Applying early does not guarantee an early decision. Once a decision is released it will be posted in the Applicant Information System.

Top 10%: Students who qualify for Top 10% admission will typically receive a decision within three weeks of completing their admission file.

Students in Holistic Review: All students applying for spring admission will receive a decision by early December. Most students applying for fall admission will receive a decision between January 1 and late March.

Applicants who apply to the College of Engineering and have a complete admission file by the Early Action Deadline of October 15 will receive a communication regarding their admission decision by mid-December. The communication will notify the student of admission or deferral to the January-February decision timeline.

Admissions Decision Appeals

Every applicant who was not admitted through automatic admission criteria to Texas A&M University has had their application file considered through an extensive holistic review that considers both academic and non-academic factors . T he review process is ve ry thorough — therefore, it is unusual for an admission decision to be reversed.

F or an appeal to have merit, it must bring to light new and compelling academic and/or personal information as well as details pertaining to extenuating circumstances that were not addressed in the original application. The appeals process is not a re-review of an existing applicant file and appeals will not be considered from applicants who are not submitting new information.

Guidelines for Submitting an Appeal:

Basis for an Appeal:

Supporting Documentation:

Information Not Considered:

FAQs

Who is eligible to submit an appeal?

Any student who has received an admission decision from Texas A&M and can present new and compelling academic and/or personal information, including extenuating circumstances, that were not addressed in the original application.

How do I submit an appeal?

Appeals are submitted in AIS — however, you must first contact an admissions representative at a Prospective Student Center to activate the appeal option. You will be asked to answer a series of questions to qualify your appeal. If you present information that quali fies for an appeal as outlined abov e , the admissions representative will then enable your appeal. You will be required to submit your appeal along with any supporting documents through AIS. All documents should be submitted at the same time.

What kind of situations can someone appeal?

You may appeal about a variety of things, including significant academic or personal achievements that were not disclosed with the original application. For an appeal to have merit there must be new and compelling information such as a grade change, medical condition or extenuating life circumstance. You are encouraged to submit any supporting information you feel will help the committee make an informed decision.

Can I appeal if I was offered to participate in TEAM , PSA or Engineering options?

You may appeal any admission decision if you meet the criteria to do so — however, since it may take some time for a final decision to be reached, it is not a good idea to put off any required paperwork necessary to participate in TEAM , PSA or Engineering options if these are in any way a possibility you would consider.

I have been admitted to another university. Should I wait for my appeal decision before accepting the other offer?

Since there is no guarantee that your appeal will be granted, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan. Most universities require students to accept their admission offer by May 1.

How long do I have to submit an appeal?

Appeals must be submitted by April 1.

What happens after I submit an appeal?

After submitting your appeal, the committee will consider all new information and make a decision about your request. It’s important to remember that only new information will be considered. The appeals process is not a re-review of an existing file. Once a decision has been made, it is final.

How long will it take to receive a decision?

The time it takes for a decision to be made can vary. In some cases, a decision may be reached within a couple of weeks. In other cases, decisions may involve questions that are more complex and so it may take longer. All students will be notified of a decision no later than May 1. Appeal decisions will be posted in AIS .

Who will make the decision?

All appeals are reviewed by an Admissions Decisions Appeals Committee which is comprised o f representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid and the academic colleges . The committee will meet weekly or more often if deemed necessary.

May I speak with someone on the Admissions Appeals Committee?

No, members of the Admissions Appeals Committee are not available to speak with applicants by phone or in person.

Can someone submit an appeal on my behalf?

Appeals will only be accepted from the student, not a parent/guardian, teacher or alumni.

What is the likelihood that my appeal will be granted?

Historically, few admission decisions have been changed through the appeals process. There is no guarantee that any appeal will be approved or that any specific factor will increase the odds for an appeal to be approved. Appeals are considered on a case - by case basis.

Tracking Your Application Status

After you submit your application you will receive an email with your Universal Identification Number (UIN) and instructions to access the Applicant Information System (AIS) at the Howdy Student Portal via the Applicant tab. Check regularly to make sure all your documents have been received.

Allow 2-3 weeks to process each document you submit. Documents you submit within one month of the deadline may not appear on your AIS checklist until after the deadline. Please bring any questions about your file to our attention immediately by clicking "Contact Us" in AIS.

Applicants who are Incomplete at Deadline due to circumstance beyond their control, may appeal to complete their file and be considered for admission. To appeal a missing or late admissions document, an appeal must be enabled by an Admissions Representative. If possible, the missing document should be provided with the appeal if it is not already on file. The deadline to appeal an incomplete admission file is February 8 for fall applicants and December 1 for spring applicants. Applicants who did not check their status in AIS and/or who applied on deadline are not likely to have an appeal approved.

What Happens If I Get In?


If you’ve received confirmation on your admittance to Texas A&M University, make sure to check out what’s next for Admitted Students!