texas a&m application essay requirements

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At Texas A&M University, we foster lifelong success with a premiere multidisciplinary education and academic support programs. And with more than 140 undergraduate programs offered at several locations , you have many options for beginning your college career. If you’re considering joining us as a freshman, view our application information to get started.

Freshman applicants are current high school students (with or without college credits) or high school graduates who haven’t earned any college credits since high school graduation.

Freshman Admission Cycles

If you’re applying as a freshman to Texas A&M, find the dates when you can apply for each semester and location.

College Station

College station spring 2025 the application period is aug. 1, 2024 - oct. 15, 2024, college station fall 2025 the application period is aug. 1, 2024 – dec. 1, 2024.

All additional required documents are due by Dec. 15, 2024.

If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Common Application and ApplyTexas will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.

College Station Early Action Engineering Deadline (Fall 2025) The application deadline is Oct. 15, 2024

Applicants who apply to the College of Engineering and have a complete admission file by the Early Action Deadline of Oct. 15, 2024, will receive a communication regarding their admission decision by mid-December for fall 2024. The communication will notify the student of admission or deferral to the standard decision timeline.

Please apply early to allow time to complete your entire application file by the deadline. On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted to receive the communication from Texas A&M University that is needed to link your self-reported academic record. Applicants who apply on or just before the Early Action Deadline will likely not meet the deadline.

Galveston Spring 2025 The application period is Aug. 1, 2024 – Dec. 1, 2024

Spring application dates differ for incoming international freshmen.

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

Galveston Fall 2025 The application period is Aug 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025

The application deadline for fall is May 1, 2025.

All other required documents will be accepted through May 15, 2025.

Higher Education Center at McAllen

Higher education center at mcallen spring 2025 the application period is aug 1, 2024 - october 14, 2024, higher education center at mcallen fall 2025 the application period is aug 1, 2024 - march 1, 2025, application materials for freshman applicants, required online application.

Prospective students can submit their applications through Common App or ApplyTexas. The application you choose will not affect your admission decision.

Processing Time

On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor the email address that you provided on the application for the application acknowledgment communication.

Required Application Fee

A $75 nonrefundable application fee is required to complete your application. The application fee can be paid online through Common App or ApplyTexas, or by calling 979-458-5155.

See the “application fee” section of our undergraduate document submission page to learn about fee waivers.

Required Essay

Submit at least one essay with your application. You can submit your essay as part of your application or upload it to the Applicant Information System .

This 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!

See essay tips on our college readiness resources page .

Required Self-Reported Academic Record

A self-reported academic record replaces high school transcripts during the initial admission process in most cases.

Circumstantial Other Materials to Include with your Application

In some circumstances, you may need to submit a high school transcript or an official GED transcript.

Depending on your residency status, you may need to submit additional documents.

You can also choose to submit official test scores, a résumé and up to two letters of recommendation.

Choose Which Location You Want to Attend

Admission deadlines and processes can vary depending on which campus you are applying to. Explore our locations and the application information for each one.

Aerial view of the Texas A&M University administration building at the heart of campus

College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University’s main campus in College Station is located in the heart of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle. Here, you’ll build lasting relationships with friends and professors. You’ll also find out about the traditions that bind all Aggies together and make this university so special. Not only that, you’ll receive a top-quality education that will prepare you for any career path you choose.

Programs offered in College Station
Apply to Texas A&M University at College Station

the Higher Education Center at McAllen campus

McAllen, Texas

One of our newest facilities is the Higher Education Center at McAllen, which opened in fall 2018. The center serves students in the Rio Grande Valley by providing access to top-tier academic programs close to home. Degree programs range from agricultural economics and engineering to public health and construction science.

Programs offered in McAllen
Apply to the Higher Education Center at McAllen
Higher Education Center at McAllen website

Galveston, Texas

Texas A&M University at Galveston, known as the island campus, is leading the development of the blue economy in the Gulf of Mexico. This branch campus offers a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation.

Programs offered in Galveston
Apply to Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas A&M University at Galveston website

Doha, Qatar

Texas A&M University at Qatar is our branch campus in Doha, Qatar. The university offers six undergraduate degrees — including Bachelor of Science degrees in several engineering concentrations — and a graduate program. Courses are taught in English in a coeducational setting.

Texas A&M University at Qatar website

Finding Out if You're Admitted

We begin making admissions decisions in late September. See the “What happens after I apply?” section of our freshman application page to learn about tracking your application status or about admission decision appeals.

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Connect with an Advisor

Texas A&M University offers prospective students their own advisors, specific to where they call home. If you have questions about the application and admissions process, connect with the advisor closest to you.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the Texas A&M University Essays 2024-2025

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.

Texas A&M receives tens of thousands of applications from students with strong academic records, so the essays are your opportunity to stand out from the crowd, by painting a picture of yourself that shows what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Read these Texas A&M essay examples , from a real accepted student, to inspire your own writing!

Texas A&M Essay Prompts

All applicants.

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? (750 words)

Prompt 2: Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (250 words)

Prompt 3: Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why. (250 words)

Prompt 4 (optional): 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)

All Applicants, 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 (750 words).

Notice that you are encouraged to speak about an opportunity or a challenge—this is a classic example of the “Overcoming Challenges” essay . When faced with this prompt, 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.

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 want to explain them within this essay response, you may ask one of your recommenders to do so through their letter of recommendation, or explain it in the shorter prompt #4.

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.

All Applicants, Prompt 2

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

This prompt is similar to the first in that it is asking about a life event, but there are two things to note. Firstly, the word limit is quite small, so there is less room for a vivid, image-laden introduction. Secondly, the prompt does not specify challenge or opportunity, so you have more creative freedom in your answer.

Before you begin writing, you should think about the different paths you can take when answering this question:

Is there a unique event (that you didn’t write about in the first prompt) that has made a substantial impact on how you study, take exams, learn in general, or see a certain aspect of the world (that might have inspired your desired major, if you have one)?
Besides any unique events, what other occurrences have prepared you for any aspect of college life? The aspects can be academic, interpersonal, career-oriented, social, etc.
Which of these events are positive and which are negative?
Based on whether you answered the previous prompt with a challenge or an opportunity, do you want to double down on positive/negative or do you want to have one of each?

One effective way to address this prompt is to think of what you want to major in. If there is a life event that drew you to a specific field, you can discuss how you have looked into this field already and how you are equipped to take classes in it. If you haven’t decided on a major, you can think of skills you have picked up that aren’t necessarily academic but can translate well into being a student.

Examples of some events that helped prepare you for college success include:

How experiencing a long drought inspired you to study agriculture to explore more sustainable farming practices.
How deciding to teach yourself ukulele for 3 years straight improved your learning strategies, taught you self-discipline and time management, and encouraged you to be open to new ideas.
How an internship at a publishing company improved your reading and writing skills, taught you to work collaboratively, and gave you experience working within deadlines. (This can segue into you wanting to study publishing/English, or it can just be used as an example of skill-honing even if you don’t want to study that!)

You have ample opportunity to talk about intriguing and unusual experiences, but as with the first prompt, you should avoid cliché topics unless you are able to add depth to them. For example, you would not want to write about how losing a school baseball game taught you to accept failure.

However, you might be able to spin that kind of story into something more interesting by talking about how you lost that game because you stayed up the night before studying for a physics exam, which ended up revealing to you how much you love physics more than baseball. You could then move into a discussion about how that turning point taught you how to manage time better, how to set priorities better, and what you wanted to pursue in college. Again, be mindful that the word limit is small so you must be succinct.

These supplemental essays are supposed to give an impression of who you are as a person. Don’t be afraid to go outside the boundaries of common, everyday life events if there is something really distinct that you experienced. The questions are intentionally vague to give students elbow room to write something unique if they want to.

All Applicants, Prompt 3

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

This is a common prompt in essays and interviews , and it can be difficult overwhelming to decide on a role model. Many students default to a parent/sibling for this question, and though that’s a valid choice, it’s extremely common. You can write a good essay with this choice, but it’s harder to stand out.

If you do decide on a family member, be sure to provide granular detail about how this person impacted your life. While anyone can write about their family members, only you can tell the specific stories of how your family member impacted you. Admissions officers don’t want to hear how caring your mom is; they want to know about the time she gave the scarf off her neck to someone who said they were cold.

Some other potential people to write about include a teacher or close friend. Some people have teachers who completely changed their outlook on a subject or on learning as a whole. If this describes a teacher you once had, you might be interested in this choice. Be sure to provide detailed examples about the teacher’s personality and/or pedagogy.

Don’t just say, “Mrs. Johnson made me like math.” Describe how she did it and why you like math now. Some people have friends who have completely changed (or even saved) their lives. Often, our closest friends are people we grew up with and know intimately. This deep knowledge of a person and his impact on your life can give you a lot of details to write about.

You might have a community leader (pastor, coach, shopkeeper) who taught you to think beyond your immediate circle and begin to engage with the wider community. This kind of person is another great example of someone outside your nuclear family who influenced your life for the better.

Though there is a plethora of people you can write about, there are a few that you should do your best to avoid , even if they truly have impacted your life:

Cliché famous historical figures – Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr. are all very important figures with highly potent influence all the way to the present day. Unfortunately, they are also written about far too much.
Polarizing political figures – It’s hard to keep bias out of the admissions process, so you risk putting off whoever is reading your essay. It’s also not likely that politicians impact your life more than your immediate circle.

As with the previous prompt, be mindful of the lower word limit. You can definitely share 1-3 anecdotes, but you only have 250 words, and you want to spend some of that on reflection.

All Applicants, Prompt 4 (optional)

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).

This prompt is optional, and while we typically recommend that you respond to optional prompts, this one is asking about additional info not reflected in your application—so you should only write a response if you truly have something to add.

Notice that this is very similar to the first prompt, but it’s more focused on hardships and challenges. Unlike the first prompt, this would be a fine space to address any issues in a straightforward manner—you don’t have to worry about coming up with an original topic. Some potential things you can address include divorce, tragedy, financial hardships, family responsibilities, learning disabilities, etc.

The specification of “COVID related experiences” also allows you to discuss any particular issues you faced due to the pandemic. Since everyone has been going through the pandemic, we only recommend discussing COVID if you had a particularly disruptive experience.

Finally, don’t forget that this prompt also allows you to elaborate on any positive opportunities that shaped your high school career. If you have a unique extracurricular that you haven’t written about yet (beyond the Common App Activities section), you can write about it here. You could also talk about your experience at a leadership program or a mentor you had.

Basically, anything goes, as long as it impacted you significantly, and isn’t addressed properly in the rest of your application.

Where to Get Your Texas A&M University Essays Edited For Free

Want feedback on your Texas A&M University essays to improve your chances at admission? When you’ve proofread your essay a dozen times, it can be hard to even spot where there’s room for improvement. That’s why we’ve created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also sharpen your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays!

Need feedback faster? Get a free, nearly-instantaneous essay review from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

Entry to a Major Essays

Instructions & guidance.

There are three essay portions to the application: “Statement of Purpose,” “Outstanding Achievements” and “Additional Information.” Although “Outstanding Achievements" and “Additional Information” are optional, it is highly recommended that you complete these essays.

This application uses plain text formatting. You are encouraged to use a word processor like Microsoft Word to compose your essays and to check your word count (250 words for each essay), spelling and grammar. You can then copy and paste your text onto the application text area.

Do not use AI text generators such as ChatGPT to complete your ETAM application. Using AI text generators may be considered plagiarism and/or cheating according to Student Rule: 20.1.2.3. Suspected use of generative AI may constitute a violation of the Texas A&M Honor Code and will be referred to the Aggie Honor System Office for investigation. More information may be found through the Aggie Honor System Office.

The University Writing Center is a resource available to help prepare and/or review your essays. View this brief video with ETAM essay tips and information about ETAM-related services from the University Writing Center.

Essay Topics

Additional information for each essay topic is provided below:

Statement of Purpose: You will write one “Statement of Purpose” for each major you select. Your statement of purpose should explain your reason for selecting this major and include academic areas of interest, future professional career goals and strengths you would bring to the department. You should clearly articulate why you are interested in a specific major. You can also write about student organizations you have joined within the major or faculty you have met from this major and include all accomplishments related to the major.
Outstanding Achievements: Avoid using major-specific language. All majors you apply to will have access to read this essay. Use complete sentences; do not use bullet points. This section gives you an opportunity to discuss any outstanding achievements you feel are notable for departments to consider. Outstanding achievements should include leadership roles, major projects related to engineering, work or internship experience and scholarships you have received. You may use awards from your time in high school — particularly if they are related to engineering, science, math, or any leadership or extracurricular activities such as band, UIL, etc. This is also a great space to discuss AP credit and other academic qualifications.
Additional Information: Avoid major-specific language. All majors you apply to will have access to read this essay. This section allows you the opportunity to give additional information you want the committee to consider. You can include extenuating circumstances or other factors influencing your academic performance.
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