Download - Aggiebound Magazine // V1I1
AGGIEBOUNDVOLU
ME 1
, ISS
UE 1
T E X A S A & M U N I V E R S I T Y O F F I C E O F A D M I S S I O N S
F O R F U T U R E A G G I E S
a g g i e b o u n d . c o m
yellOF IT
FOR THE
Yell Leader Chris Powell ’14
carries on a time honored
tradition—Aggies don’t
cheer, we YELL
Aggiebound.com
For the yell of itAn inside look at a Texas A&M tradition that makes us stand out from the crowd
06TABLE OF CONTENTS
The truth about living on campus
11
18The Aggie NetworkMore valuable than gold
10Aggie Advice
14Meet the next class
16Major Spotlight
20The stuff you need
2 AGGIEBOUND
AGGIEBOUNDA MAGAZINE FOR FUTURE AGGIES
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET AGGIEBOUND MAGAZINE
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR—FREE!
AGGIEBOUND.COM
SUBSCRIBE TO
AGGIEBOUND 3
Lauren Howes ’16
Callie Rainosek ’17Joseph A. Puente ’14
On behalf of the current student body, administration, and hundreds of thousands of former students, I would like to personally invite you to learn more about what I believe to be the greatest university in the world. At Texas A&M, you will have some of the best times and most memorable relationships of your life. During my time as a student I have developed not only life-lasting relationships, but also leadership and character. This has been accomplished through many avenues, including the Corps of Cadets and the Student Government Association, which included committee work in organizations like Fish Aides, Traditions Council and Aggie Muster Committee. I have been able to serve and interact with former students and donors by serving as a Ross Volunteer and as a Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coat. My most memorable experience as an Aggie came when I had the opportunity to campaign for Student Body President and interact with thousands upon thousands of my fellow Aggies. I truly believe that choosing to attend Texas A&M is one of the greatest decisions of my life and it can be the same for you.
Inside Aggiebound magazine both parents and students will read about academics, traditions, student life and everything else that makes us so unique. All content is written by current students for prospective students and their families, and you can continue to receive the latest issue by joining the Admissions mailing list at Aggiebound.com. I also highly encourage you and your family to come to College Station to take a campus tour and see for yourself what being a part of the Aggie Family truly means. There has never been a better time to be a Fightin’ Texas Aggie.
Reid Joseph ’14Texas A&M University Student Body President, 2013-2014
HOWDY!
A g g i e b o u n d C r e a t i v e Te a mLindsay Gasek ’99Michael Green ’11Kara HumphreysShannon Voss-ClinardMarianne Wieghaus
S t u d e n t W r i t e r sJoseph A. Puente ’14Ashley Adams ’14A. Micah Mills ’16Lauren Howes ’16 Callie Rainosek ’17
P h o t o g r a p h yMichael Green ’11Division of Marketing &
CommunicationsCushing Memorial Library and
ArchivesJames LaCombeDepartment of Residence LifeCollege of GeosciencesTexas Aggie Storm ChasersThe Association of Former StudentsEric Lars Bakke, Denver Broncos
Ashley Adams ’14 A. Micah Mills ’16
Aggiebound magazine is produced by the Texas A&M Office of Admissions. Subscribe online at Aggiebound.com.
4 AGGIEBOUND
CAMPUS EVENTS
Aggieland Saturday 2015This campus-wide open house is your chance to see everything Aggieland has to offer. Customize your schedule with college/departmental presentations, admissions/financial aid discussions, campus tours and so much more. admissions.tamu.edu/agsat
14FEBRUARY
Campus Tours & Prospective Student SessionsThe Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center leads tours year-round, helps you schedule time with staff in your college of interest and will set you up to attend an admissions session. campustours.tamu.edu
College-Specific ProgramsMany of Texas A&M’s colleges host programs for high schoolers with specific academic interests, including Camp ARCH, Veterinary Enrichment Camp and the Geosciences Exploration Summer program. There are also a ton of programs focused on leadership growth. admissions.tamu.edu/events
Regional Events Prospective Student Centers (PSCs), located state-wide, host events year-round to help you become Aggiebound. Trips to College Station, application workshops and meet-and-greets with future classmates are just a few of the offerings that the PSCs have for prospective students. admissions.tamu.edu/psc
Spend the Night with the Corps High school juniors and seniors interested in the Corps of Cadets stay on campus overnight and see what it’s really like to be a member of this historic group. For those who can’t stay overnight, a Spend the Day with the Corps program is also offered. corps.tamu.edu
Whoopin’ Weekend Tenth through twelfth graders can get the true Aggie experience in one weekend during the spring. You’ll be hosted by current students who will lead a campus tour, take you to Yell Practice and you’ll watch the Aggies BTHO their opponent at a sporting event. arc.tamu.edu/whoopinweekend
Aggieland Information Day Experience Texas A&M during this fall-semester event. Get admissions info, tour campus, see the residence halls and learn more about the history and traditions that make our university so unique. admissions.tamu.edu/infoday
facebook.com/tamu
tamu_aggiebound
TAMUofficial
pinterest.com/tamu
@Aggie_boundConnect
MENTION @AGGIE_BOUND WITH ANY ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
CONNECT WITH YOUR CLASS BY USING #TAMU_ _
@LarvinClaireIt’s late but my family made me a celebratory dinner and got me presents. Can’t wait to be a part of #TAMU18!
@Aggie_boundUmm @LarvinClaire, now that you are part of the Aggie Family, can we have some cake, too?
FYI, licking application is not required. RT @georginamcs14: So close to turning in my A&M application I can taste it! #TAMU18 @Aggie_bound
6 AGGIEBOUND
yellOF IT
FOR THE
Elected by the student body, Yell Leaders carry on a time honored tradition—Aggies don’t cheer, we YELL
STORY BY JOSEPH A. PUENTE ‘14
AGGIEBOUND 7 AGGIEBOUND 7
8 AGGIEBOUND
MIDNIGHT YELL...ONE OF THE BEST TRADITIONS IN
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Every fall during football season over 83,000 Aggies flood Kyle Field with maroon and white. On the field facing the
student section in white uniforms with sleeves rolled to their biceps are five Yell Leaders who, each game, run from end zone to end zone leading the student body in “yells.”
The Yell Leaders are the official spirit organization of the university and are the only one of its kind in college sports. Unlike cheerleaders who perform gymnastic stunts and cheers, Yell Leaders perform a series of hand signals known as “pass backs” which are followed by loud, synchronized yells from the student body—also known as the 12th Man.
“There are certainly some fans that think it is comical that we don’t have female cheerleaders, but an overwhelming amount think that it is an awesome tradition that makes our school special and unique,” said Chris Powell, senior Yell Leader and Company D-2 Cadet Major in the Corps of Cadets.
Before the admittance of women and a record enrollment of 53,000 students, Texas A&M was once an all-male military institution. During the
football season, women from Texas Women’s University were regularly invited to games by upperclassmen. According to legend, one game the Aggies weren’t doing too well and were getting out-scored. The dates of the Cadets were getting bored, so the upperclassmen ordered the “fish” (freshmen) to find a way to entertain the crowd.
The freshmen’s decision to raid a janitor’s closet and change into the white coveralls they found became revolutionary. After leading the crowd in yells that day, the freshmen received so much attention that it was decided only upperclassmen would have the privilege to lead the crowd in yells.
Made up of three seniors and two juniors, the Yell Leaders are chosen by the students each spring during the student body elections. Although the five selected have been traditionally males in the Corps of Cadets; any student, male or female, Corps member or otherwise, can campaign and run for Yell Leader. However, one should expect an extensive time commitment during their tenure.
“During the summer months we travel all over the state to Aggie Mom’s Clubs, while visiting New Student Conferences and Fish Camps right before the semester starts,” said Powell. “Our fall semester is packed with home and away football games, volleyball, soccer and the beginning of the men’s and women’s basketball season. It can certainly be stressful at times, but it is a great way to give back to the university we all love so much.”
Among the many responsibilities of a Yell Leader, the one that best captures who the Yell Leaders are and what they do is Midnight Yell. On Fridays at midnight before every home football game, thousands of Aggies meet in the stands of Kyle Field and are energized as the Yell Leaders lead the crowd in yells, tell fables of the next day’s opponent and conduct the Aggie War Hymn.
Midnight Yell has recently been noted as one of the best traditions in college football, and if there’s an environment where passion and loyalty for a university is shared, regardless of class year, it’s Midnight Yell.
Powell said being able to connect with other Aggies across the state and country has been one of the greatest things he’s been able to experience as a Yell Leader, and he believes his interactions with others reflect how special and intimate the Aggie Family is.
“Being a Yell Leader has certainly expanded my scope on how special the Aggie family is. As a Yell Leader I have met countless numbers of Aggies across the state, and their love for this university can be seen through the way they treat others that are a part of this Aggie family.”
AGGIEBOUND 9
5 FOR YELL by Ashley Adams ‘14Being selected to serve as a Yell Leader is one of the highest honors anyone can achieve as a student at Texas A&M. These five individuals represent what it means to be an Aggie, and choose to volunteer their time serving the university. As student-selected positions, Yell Leader candidates campaign during the month-long student body elections. All juniors and seniors are eligible to run for Yell Leader; however, many students believe members of the Corps of Cadets are the best candidates for the job. 5 for Yell is a group of students who campaign for the five Corps members that have been selected by their peers in the Corps of Cadets to run for these coveted spots.
The staff of the 5 for Yell campaign is typically made up of five to ten students. The campaign has a very large support base from the university as well as the community, and although it is not an official student organization it is a great way for students to get involved.
The staff works incredibly hard during campaign season planning and organizing events to get students acquainted with the candidates. A few of the events you can expect to see each year are a kick-off retreat, a ‘paint party’ where you can get your hands dirty creating campaign signs, and nightly meetings that are used to strategize and promote the candidates. The staff also holds “media challenges” to encourage students to share information about 5 for Yell through Facebook, Twitter, etc. Social media plays a huge part in campaign season, partly because Texas A&M is a large university with an even larger network, and partly because Texas A&M’s social media presence is one of the best in the country.
5 for Yell is one example of how students get involved at Texas A&M. Whether it’s through an official organization or just a group of students with a common cause, it’s important to participate in the campus community and have your voice heard.
AGGIEBOUND 9
Yell Leaders, 1962
© Cushing Memorial Library and Archives
10 AGGIEBOUND
AGGIE ADVICEWritten and compiled by A. Micah Mills ’16
It is important to dive into different organizations to try to figure out your niche and be able to show those talents. Getting involved in different areas of your school and your community can really speak wonders for you on paper and in person.
Keep updating your resume regularly. It is easy to forget things you did two summers ago. Your resume is often your one way to get Admissions’ attention, so always keep it in the back of your mind.
Many students don’t realize how easy it is to fill out one application that can apply them to a wide array of scholarships. Don’t be one of them. Take time to fill out all portions of the application. You never know what completing it could lead to.
Campus life should play a huge role in your college search, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. The environment surrounding the school is equally as important. Get to know the ins and outs of the city. For instance, the Bryan/College Station area has so much to offer outside of the university.
Last, but certainly not least, follow your dreams. Find something you are passionate about and go for it. Don’t let your teachers, parents or friends tell you what your dreams are. Set a goal and find a way to achieve it. Whether it be through a major or organization, there is always a way to achieve your dreams.
College can be considered a scary place, especially to high school students. It’s a place of new beginnings that voids the
comfortable routine that high school provides. It’s a place of independence and self-discovery, where you can transform
goals and dreams into careers and opportunities. College is always on the tips of teachers’ tongues, the back of parents’
minds and sought by the majority of high schoolers, but getting there can seem daunting. Whether it be applications,
scholarships or admissions—college, from the outside looking in, can create a web of questions waiting to be answered.
Luckily, outlets to answer those questions and guide you to success are out there. One of the most helpful of these outlets
can often be advice from people who have been in the frenzy of how, what, when, where and why in the search for the right
college. These five people are your day-to-day college students sharing their wisdom of what they found most important in
their pre- and post-college application process. If you have any questions regarding the application process, scholarships or
Texas A&M, you can always ask an Aggie to help you get started, or ask @Aggie_bound on Twitter.
Logan ’16 Scott ’15 Kendall ’15Annie ’16Gabriel ’16
10 AGGIEBOUND
AGGIEBOUND 11
Applying to colleges and deciding which
university is best for you can be stressful, so
choosing your future lifestyle shouldn’t be!
Here at Texas A&M University, freshmen are given
a choice of an on-campus or off-campus lifestyle.
In fact, when I moved to College Station I chose
to live off campus because living in an apartment
seemed to better fit my lifestyle. However, I
have learned from friends that living on campus
is truly unique.
LocationImagine having all the resources you need to succeed right outside your door. You can easily meet up with study groups or friends, talk with professors and even wake up ten minutes before class starts and still make it to class on time! (Who doesn’t like some extra sleep?) There are many attractions and advantages to living on campus, such as easy access to an all-you-can-eat buffet at Sbisa, one of the largest dining halls in the country and the largest on campus; the Memorial Student Center, known as the university’s living room; Rudder Auditorium, where you can attend Broadway musicals and student group performances; and of course, being only a short
THE TRUTHABOUTLIVINGON CAMPUSStory by Callie Rae Rainosek ’17
12 AGGIEBOUND
FEAT
URE
// T
HE T
RUTH
ABO
UT L
IVIN
G ON
CAM
PUS
distance away from the many Texas A&M sporting events and the incredible Student Recreation Center.
When asked what the biggest advantage to living on campus was, freshman Business Administration major Zachary Gorhum replied, “Not having to drive anywhere. I just leave my room and I’m basically there!”
SupportThe on-campus living experience at Texas A&M University promotes student leadership and individuality. With residence halls that build a friendly and family-like environment, students can feel at home while excelling academically. The residence halls assign Residence Advisors (RA’s) to every floor to support and give students help with any issues adjusting to college.
Freshman International Studies major Kaitlyn Kellermeyer, a friend I met at Fish Camp, recently told me about a health scare she experienced her first semester of college. Luckily, her residence advisors were there to help.
“About two weeks into my first semester in college I was having some weird chest pains...When my roommate found out what was going on, she immediately called the RA on duty...Lo and behold, three RAs show up at my door, and they stayed with me. They had so many helpful resources...and they were really helpful in just calming me down and being there for me. One of them gave me her phone number and kept checking in on me afterward.”
From Left to right: Tyler ’17, Construction Science; Cecily ’16, Biological & Agricultural engineering; The Underground Food Court in the Sbisa Dining Hall Complex
AGGIEBOUND 13
The NetworkAs a result of living on campus, my friends have also developed close connections with students in their hall, which is what I admire most about life on campus. They have such a unique, close-knit family–one that Aggieland is famous for. As a student who lives off campus, hearing my friend Zachary talk about residence life makes me want to experience it myself. Zachary has made many new friends within his residence hall and feels like they have bonded into a family. “...residence halls create a family environment. I see the same people often, study with them and eat many of my meals with them. They do become your family away from home.”
With a diverse student body at Texas A&M University, living on campus also creates opportunities to meet people from all around the world. “I feel like what makes on-campus life unique is its variety,” my friend Kaitlyn explained to me. “There are so many types of people you could end up living with, or near, or down the hall from. You really never know.”
Texas A&M University offers so much tradition, education and experience for its students. Why not step right into it all and live in a residence hall? Live the on-campus life!
Advantages to living on campus• Convenient location for campus events,
classes and local shops and restaurants
• Connect with roommates and hall mates
• Quick and easy access to many food options, as well as public kitchens
• Free Wi-Fi
• Laundry facilities (Some dryers even text you when your clothes are done!)
• Routine maintenance and cleaning checkups of the rooms
• More opportunities to witness and be a part of the happenings on campus—like Zombie walks, slack lining on the plaza, impromptu student performances (last semester I applauded many random rappers on my way to class), Corps of Cadets training, Reveille (our mascot) getting her morning walk in… just to name a few
Advantages to living off campus• An independent lifestyle
• Many apartments offer extra entertainment such as computer labs, gyms, swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts
• Some apartments allow pets
• There are many styles of housing to choose from (apartment, townhome, duplex, etc.), so you can find the best fit for you
• Many off-campus housing options are located on or near a campus bus route
Student, Faculty and staff volunteers (even the University president) assist
new residents and their families on residence hall move-in day
AGGIEBOUND 13
14 AGGIEBOUND
AGGIEBOUND 15
Are you Aggiebound?
AGGIEBOUND 15
16 AGGIEBOUND
Regardless of the season, weather in Texas is unpredictable.
For the average Texan, experiencing nearly freezing weather one day and a high of 75 degrees the next is common; but in the College of Geosciences, students and faculty from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences are dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of the atmosphere and sharing that information to benefit those who are interested in learning.
Texas A&M University is the only public university in the state of Texas that offers a B.S. in Meteorology, but more importantly the department is one of the largest and most respected in the nation with a student-to-teacher ratio of about 7 to 1.
With an emphasis in weather and weather forecasting, the Department of Atmospheric Sciences helps meteorology students acquire and develop scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills including opportunities for hands-on experience through individual study and participation in faculty research.
In addition to research, students are expected to take courses including Climatology, Atmospheric Chemistry, Cloud Physics and Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere with Radar and Satellites.
“Students will graduate with the ability to analyze, forecast and assess the impact of weather in public and private operational meteorology,” associate professor Dr. Don Conlee says. “They are well prepared for jobs in air quality, aviation support, wind and solar energy and in Metocean support to the offshore energy industry.”
Meteorology graduates may find themselves working for companies such as the National Weather Service, NASA, TV stations, the Environmental Protection Agency, airlines, the Department of Defense or private meteorological consulting and forecasting firms.
Conlee says many students know from an early age that meteorology is what they are meant to do. “Sometimes we say that ‘Meteorology chooses you!’ Others like science in general and are attracted to the way that meteorology applies science in such a tangible way. Either way, a degree in meteorology is both challenging and rewarding. Although large by national meteorology program standards, our program offers students a small college feel even in the midst of all the awesome experiences that A&M offers to its 50,000+ students. Here students know each other, faculty know the students and we look out for one another. It’s a great way to experience A&M!”
Texas Aggie Storm Chasers
With the help and supervision of faculty advisors, the Texas Aggie Storm Chasers get the opportunity to observe severe thunderstorms and tornadoes out in the field. Chasing storms not only serves as a learning tool for these weather-loving Ags, their efforts are also used to aid the National Weather Service.
Texas A&M gives its students ample opportunities to get involved with a student organization that develops their career interests. Texas Aggie Storm Chasers are not only sure to get a thrill out of driving into the heart of the storm, they’re also certain to gain an invaluable education outside of the classroom.
MAJOR SPOTLIGHT
MeteorologyStory by Joseph A. Puente ‘14
For a complete listing of majors, see page 25. admissions.tamu.edu/majors
BASEBALL BELLY DANCE BETA THETA P
I BHA
KTI Y
OGA
BIR
DING
BOD
YBUILDERS BOWLING BUNKER BABES CARPOOL (CARING AGGIES R PROTECTING OVER OUR LIVES) CENTURY SINGERS
AMERICAN RED CROSS ANIMAL RESCU
E ARA
BIC
ARNO
LD A
IR S
OCIE
TY AR
T OF LIVING ASSIST-AGGIES SELFLESSLY SERVING IN SHAPING TOM
ORROW AUTISM
SPEAKS BADMINTON BALLET BASKETBALL
ACTUARIES ADVERTISING AEROSPACE A
GGIE
REPL
ANT
AGGI
E W
RANG
LERS
AG
GIELAND ORCHESTRA/DUKES OF AGGIELAND AIKIDO ALPHA CHI OM
EGA ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK AMATEUR RADIO AMC GUARD ANGLERS
CIVIL AIR PATROL COMMUNITY GARDEN
COM
PETI
TIVE
CLI
MB
ING
CORP
SFIT
CRE
ATIVE
WRITERS CREW CRICKET CULTURAL AW
AREN
ESS
AND
DIV
ERSI
TY D
ISC GOLF CYCLING DANCE ARTS DIVING
EMERGENCY CARE TEAM EMERGING GREEN
BUILD
ERS
ENTO
MOL
OGY
ENTR
EPRE
NEUR
SHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES EXCELLENCE UN
ITIN
G CU
LTUR
E, E
DUCA
TION
& LEADERSHIP FADE TO BLACK
DANCE ENSEMBLE FENCING FIRST YEA
R PHOT
O PR
OJEC
T FO
RENS
IC IN
VEST
IGAT
IVE
SCIEN
CE FI
SH CAMP FISH DRILL TEAM FLIGHT TES
T EN
GINE
ERS
FLY
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
TEXAS A&MHAS OVER
getinvolved.tamu.edu
At Texas A&M, you can find other students with shared passions. If we don’t have what you are looking for, we make it easy to start your own!
There is no excuse.Get involved.
STUDENTORGANIZATIONS!
GEOG
RAPH
ICA
L SOCIETY GERMAN GUIDE-DOGS AND SERVICE-DOGS GULF COAST FISHERM
EN GYMNASTICS HANDBALL HIGHLANDERS HORTICULTURE IC
E HOC
KEY
JUDO
KAP
PA K
APPA
GAM
MA
KIT
EBOA
RDIN
G LA
CROS
SE
LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS MARIACHI M
INORITY STUDENT AFFAIRS MIXED M
ARTIAL ARTS & SELF DEFENSE MOUNTAIN SPORTS NAN
OTEC
HNOL
OGY
& N
ANOS
CIEN
CE P
AINT
BAL
L PA
RSON
S M
OUNT
ED C
AVAL
RY
PERC
USSION STUDIO POCKET BILLIARDS POWERLIFTING Q
UIDDITCH QUIZ B
OWL REED ROWDIES REPLANT RIFLE ROAD
RUNN
ERS
ROBO
TICS
ROD
EO R
OSS
VOLU
NTEE
R CO
MPA
NY S
CUBA
The stress of passing courses throughout the
semesters, the memories you make during
the journey and counting the days down until
you get your Aggie Ring: this is what makes
Aggie Ring Day the proudest day of any Aggie’s
college career. Texas A&M has the highest rate,
at 95 percent, of undergraduate students to
earn and order their school’s university ring.
Some of my friends dream about the day they
will receive their wedding ring, but if you ask
me what day I dream of, I would say it is the
day I get my Aggie Ring.
I only filled out one college application and
that was to Texas A&M University. To me, there
was no other college to attend other than
Texas A&M. The suspense was killing me my
senior year. It seemed to have taken forever,
but when I finally got my acceptance letter I
was running down the stage to get my diploma
so I could get to College Station. When I see
the pride my sister and cousins have wearing
their Ring, I cannot wait to have mine. I love
the stories my friends and family tell me
about receiving theirs on Aggie Ring Day—a
day dedicated to awarding and celebrating the
latest recipients.
THE AGGIE NETWORK
MORE VALUABLE THAN GOLDStory by Lauren Howes ’16
18 AGGIEBOUND
AGGIEBOUND 19
Those who follow Aggie Athletics may know Ty
Warren, Class of ‘03. Warren was a football
player at Texas A&M before he was drafted
in the NFL by the New England Patriots. On
occasion, it is known for athletes to stop their
education once they reach the professional
leagues, but that did not hold true for Warren.
Juggling school during football season was
too difficult since the Patriots, at the time,
were playing in the Super Bowl and winning
Super Bowl rings. Warren wanted to set a
good example for his children and the Aggie
community, so he turned down a $250,000
bonus and continued to work towards his
degree during his off-seasons. When he had
finally reached the requirements, Warren took
off his Super Bowl ring and replaced it with
his Aggie Ring. This act is an example of the
meaning and the “spirit that can ne’er be
told” of being an Aggie.
12,000 RINGS ORDERED IN 2013
90 cumulative undergraduate hours
(45 of those hours must have been
completed at Texas A&M)
2.0 minimum GPA
TY WARREN ’03“Aggie Ring Day is hands-down
one of the most exciting days on
campus,” said Alexandra González,
Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’15.
“Aggieland is filled with such a
positive and happy energy that is
contagious to everyone, regardless
if they are receiving their Aggie
Ring that day or not. Whether rain
or shine, there is nothing that can
put a damper on the excitement
of the thousands of students who
receive the coveted piece of gold
every semester. It truly is a unique
experience that every Aggie, or
friends of Aggies, should experience
for themselves.”
Although the Aggie Ring does not
come with a job, it may open the
door to career opportunities. A few
years ago, a student working at a
local restaurant began talking to
an ol’ Ag who was dining there.
After talking for several minutes,
the ol’ Ag gave the Aggie waiter his
business card. When the student
called him the next day, he was told
to come visit with him about a job
opportunity when he graduated.
While the Ring often leads
to job interviews and career
experience, the Ring’s reach
is far beyond occupational
opportunities. I recently heard
the story of a student whose flight
had been canceled due to weather
conditions, preventing him from
getting home in time for the
holidays. The Aggie began talking
to an older gentleman, a former
student, who was on the next flight
out. He noticed the older man was
wearing an Aggie Ring, so the two
began talking. When it came time
for the older Aggie to board his
plane, he looked over to the young
man and told him to take his ticket.
Stories like these are heard often
when you’re an Aggie, and that
is because the Aggie Ring is more
than just a university ring. The
Aggie Ring is a badge of honor that
creates an instant connection with
others who wear it.
Kathryn Greenwade, Vice President
of The Association of Former
Students said, “It symbolizes
becoming one with the Aggie
community.” Wearing the Ring
means that you’re part of a family,
the Aggie Network, who will
support you and help you succeed
throughout your life.
© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos
20 AGGIEBOUND
the stuff you need
20 AGGIEBOUND
AGGIEBOUND 21
In order for the Office of Admissions to make an admission decision, a completed application and all required documents must be received (not postmarked) by the freshman application deadline of December 1. The following are required:
Applying to Texas A&M
1 A completed ApplyTexas Application The application opens August 1. Apply online at applytexas.org.
2 Essays A and B (required for all applicants) We strongly encourage students to complete Essay C for holistic review and scholarship consideration. Those applying for the Terry Scholarship are required to complete Essay C.
3 A nonrefundable $75 processing fee or fee waiver The application fee for international applicants is $90. (Fees are subject to change.)
4 An official high school transcript (with numerical class rank and diploma type if available)
5 SAT or ACT scores (including Writing score) sent directly from the testing agency
Required CourseworkApplicants who graduate from an accredited Texas public or private high school must have completed either the recommended or distinguished high school curriculum. Students graduating under the new ‘foundation high school program’ are encouraged to complete the Distinguished Level of Achievement with one or more endorsements. The high school curriculum should be noted on the official high school transcript. Please visit admissions.tamu.edu/freshman/coursework for a complete description of coursework including information for home-schooled and out-of-state applicants.
For the latest admissions information, please visit admissions.tamu.edu.
A copy of the Permanent Resident Card, I-551 or Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit must be provided if applicable.
22 AGGIEBOUND
A Texas A&M education is an investment in your future. Unfortunately, many students and their families choose not to apply for financial aid for a variety of reasons: too much of a hassle, do not think they will qualify, do not know how to apply or think they make too much money. Don’t let any of these reasons hold you back. All students can apply to receive financial assistance.
Pursuing your education today makes you more valuable tomorrow. Follow these steps to help you pay for college:
Scholarships & Financial Aid
1 Begin searching and applying for scholarships now. There are many scholarships out there that could help you pay for college. Visit scholarships.tamu.edu for a list of available scholarships and scholarship search engines.
You can also apply for Texas A&M scholarships online at applytexas.org when you apply for admission to Texas A&M. Submit your ApplyTexas Admissions Application (including scholarship questions) by December 1, to be eligible for consideration. Essays A and B on the ApplyTexas Application are required for all applicants. Essay C is recommended for applicants for holistic review and scholarship consideration. Those applying for the Terry Scholarship are required to complete Essay C.
2 Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is available January 1. We recommend applying as early as possible. You do not have to be admitted to apply. By completing the FAFSA, you are applying in one step for all federal, state and institutional aid. This includes grants, loans and work-study. The school code for TAMU is 003632.
3 When you have received notice that you have been awarded financial aid, log on to the Howdy Portal (howdy.tamu.edu) using your NetID and password. Once logged in, click on the My Finances tab to enter the Financial Aid Portal to accept, reduce or decline your aid.
AGGIEBOUND 23
$$
$22,500 per year
for in-state residents
[an average of]cost of attendance is
Average expenses
breakdown
Tuition & Fees41%
Room & Board42%
Books & Supplies
5%
$
not living at home
Cost varies per academic college. Visit sbs.tamu.edu for the most up-to-date information regarding tuition and fees.
Travel3%
Miscellaneous9%
AGGIEBOUND 23
24 AGGIEBOUND
be a competitive applicant
• Take the Texas A&M required high school coursework.
• Challenge yourself by taking rigorous coursework.
• Get involved.
• Visit campus.
• Take the PSAT in October of your junior year to be considered for National Merit, Achievement and Hispanic competitions.
• Pick your top 3 majors and research the academic and career opportunities. Texas A&M does not admit based on the majors you’ve selected, so pick the major you really want!
• Register for and take the SAT/ACT by the end of your junior year. Be sure to take the writing portion of the test. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to re-take the test(s) if necessary.
• Write your essays at the end of your junior year and have someone, like a counselor, review them.
Academic AdmitsTo qualify applicants must:• successfully complete the minimum required coursework; and• rank in the top quarter of their graduating class on or before the
application deadline; and• achieve SAT or ACT score minimums (test scores must include
Writing score): - combined SAT Math and SAT Critical Reading score of at least 1300 with a test score of at least 600 in each of these components; or
- composite ACT score of at least 30 with a test score of at least 27 in ACT Math and ACT English; and
• meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (admissions.tamu.edu/uap).
Top 10% AdmitsTo qualify applicants must:• attend a recognized public or private high school in Texas; and• rank in the top 10% of their graduating class on or before the
application deadline; and• meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy
(admissions.tamu.edu/uap).Students graduating under the new “foundation high school program” must complete the Distinguished Level of Achievement to qualify.
Review AdmitsIf applicants do not qualify for automatic admission but satisfy the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy, their complete application file will be reviewed in a holistic manner. For more information visit admissions.tamu.edu.
Contact Admissions
Customer Service979.845.1060 College Station979.458.0950Central TexasSee Website
Corpus Christi361.289.7905Dallas/Fort Worth817.375.0960Houston713.454.1990
Laredo956.795.0412Rio Grande Valley956.683.8647San Antonio210.212.7016
Visit or call to talk with an admissions advisor. We can answer any questions you may have regarding the admission process. We may even have a Prospective Student Center near you! admissions.tamu.edu/psc | [email protected] | @Aggie_bound
getting admitted
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Rio Grande Valley
Laredo
Houston
College Station
Dallas
AGGIEBOUND 25
Pick Your Major
© TAMU | 9-14 | 25K
List current as of July 2014 Visit admissions.tamu.edu/majors for the most current information.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES aglifesciences.tamu.edu
AgribusinessAgricultural Communications
& JournalismAgricultural EconomicsAgricultural Leadership
& DevelopmentAgricultural ScienceAgricultural Systems ManagementAnimal ScienceBiochemistryBioenvironmental SciencesBiological & Agricultural
Engineering**Community DevelopmentEcological RestorationEntomologyEnvironmental StudiesFood Science & TechnologyForensic & Investigative SciencesForestryGeneticsHorticultureNutritional SciencesPlant & Environmental Soil SciencePoultry ScienceRangeland Ecology
& ManagementRecreation, Park & Tourism
SciencesRenewable Natural ResourcesSpatial SciencesTurfgrass ScienceWildlife & Fisheries SciencesUniversity Studies*
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTSliberalarts.tamu.edu
AnthropologyClassicsCommunicationEconomicsEnglishHistoryInternational StudiesModern LanguagesMusicPhilosophyPolitical SciencePsychologySociologySpanishTelecommunication Media StudiesTheatre ArtsWomen’s & Gender StudiesUniversity Studies*
Community HealthHealth
Allied HealthSchool Health
Human Resource Development Interdisciplinary Studies (EDIS)
Early Childhood-6 Teacher Certification
4-8th Grade Teacher Certification
Interdisciplinary Studies (INST)Bilingual EducationSpecial Education
KinesiologyApplied Exercise PhysiologyBasic Exercise Physiology Dance ScienceMotor BehaviorPE Certification
Sport ManagementTechnology ManagementUniversity Studies*
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENTeducation.tamu.edu
COLLEGE OF GEOSCIENCESgeosciences.tamu.edu
Environmental GeosciencesEnvironmental StudiesGeographic Information Science
& TechnologyGeographyGeologyGeophysicsMeteorologyUniversity Studies*
DWIGHT LOOK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERINGengineering.tamu.edu
Aerospace EngineeringBiological & Agricultural
EngineeringBiomedical EngineeringChemical EngineeringCivil EngineeringComputer EngineeringComputer ScienceElectrical Engineering Electronic Systems Engineering
TechnologyIndustrial DistributionIndustrial Engineering Manufacturing & Mechanical
Engineering TechnologyMechanical EngineeringNuclear EngineeringOcean EngineeringPetroleum EngineeringRadiological Health Engineering
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE arch.tamu.edu
Construction ScienceEnvironmental Design Architectural
StudiesLandscape ArchitectureUrban & Regional PlanningVisualizationUniversity Studies*
MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL mays.tamu.edu
Business AccountingFinance ManagementManagement Information
SystemsMarketingSupply Chain Management
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH sph.tamhsc.edu
Public Health
COLLEGE OF SCIENCEscience.tamu.edu
Applied Mathematical SciencesBiologyChemistryMathematicsMicrobiologyMolecular & Cell BiologyPhysicsZoology
Biomedical Sciences
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCESvetmed.tamu.edu/bims
* Visit unst.tamu.edu for more information. ** Freshman entry is through the College of Engineering.
Office of Professional School AdvisingOPSA.tamu.edu
MedicineVetLaw
Dental Pharmacy
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS
26 AGGIEBOUND
1265 TAMUCollege Station, TX 77843-1265
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDCOLLEGE STATION
TEXAS 77843PERMIT NO. 215