Thinking about Texas A&M

I am really interested in attending Texas A&M. I would appreciate if anyone could tell me about the factors affecting the current acceptance rate and whether it is likely to change in the future. What kind of extracurriculars or achievements do the successful applicants usually have?

Texas A&M University has a diverse set of considerations when it comes to the acceptance rate. These include the applicant pool's strength, the number of available spots, and the university's goals for each cohort. As it stands, the university has a relatively competitive acceptance rate, and it's hard to definitively predict whether this will change significantly shortly. Enrollment trends and university policies can change year to year based on several factors like available resources or strategic plans.

When it comes to extracurricular activities, Texas A&M, like other competitive institutions, doesn't necessarily have a set formula for what they are looking for from successful applicants. There's no checklist of predefined extracurriculars or achievements that can guarantee your acceptance. That said, it's important to consider the Four Tiers of Extracurriculars when assessing your competitive edge.

At the top tier, they are looking for evidence of exceptional achievement or leadership at a national or international level—think Congressional Art awards, International Math Olympiad wins, or being a top-performing athlete.

The second tier still showcases high achievement and leadership, this could involve being student body president or playing in the state orchestra.

The third tier would include having a leadership role in a club, being part of the National Honor Society (NHS), or being a sports team captain.

The fourth and most common tier includes general club/sports/musical membership and general volunteering.

All things considered, Texas A&M values applicants who show a commitment to their interests and demonstrate personal growth and achievement in those areas. Just remember, it's not always about having a large quantity of activities but about showing quality engagement and contribution. For instance, if you're passionate about wildlife conservation and you've grown from a general member to an executive board member of a related club, that tells an important story about your passion and dedication.

Each student's journey is unique and the key is to highlight your strengths, passions, and the impact you have made in your activities. So focus on activities and experiences that resonate most with you and can highlight your skills and potential.