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Breaking News: Texas A&M Confirms This Year’s Application Requirements. Here’s What That Means for Your Student
Texas A&M has just released its admissions requirements for the Class of 2026, and the race to Aggieland is officially underway. With nearly 75,000 applicants and a new plan to limit undergraduate enrollment at the College Station campus to 15,000 students per year, this year’s process will be more competitive than ever. Families must act early and strategically if their student hopes to secure admission—and land their first-choice major.
It is crucial that students applying to Texas A&M prioritize their application work in the next six weeks. Submitting early is not just recommended. It is a strategic advantage. A&M’s rolling admissions process means that students who apply early have the best chance of getting into their preferred major. The window is short. The opportunity is real.
This is the moment to get clear on what matters. Join us July 23rd and learn how to help your student build a standout application this fall.
What Texas A&M Looks for in Applicants
Texas A&M admits about half of its incoming class through the state’s top 10 percent rule. Students who rank in the top 10 percent of their Texas high school class and submit all required materials by December 1 are guaranteed admission to the university. This guarantee does not apply to specific majors, including Engineering, where all applicants are reviewed holistically.
For everyone else, admission is competitive and based on a full review of the application. A&M looks for students who are prepared, motivated, and aligned with their chosen field of study. The strongest applicants connect their academics, experiences, and essays into a clear and compelling story.
Here is what makes a difference:
- A strong academic record that shows consistent effort and rigor
- A clear link between the student’s goals and their selected major
- A personal essay that demonstrates reflection, growth, and self-awareness
- Short answer responses that add context and depth
- Activities that show initiative, leadership, and long-term engagement
- A complete and carefully prepared application submitted early in the cycle
If your student is applying to a competitive program like Engineering, Business, Biology, or Psychology, it is essential to submit early. Once a major fills, even highly qualified students may be redirected. This is the time to plan ahead and move with intention.
Stand Out and Get In: Expert Coaching for the Texas A&M Application
Our coaching program helps Texas A&M applicants create a compelling, complete application that stands out in a highly competitive cycle. Students work one-on-one with expert coaches to craft a personal essay, short answers, and a major-aligned resume that reflect their strengths and goals. We guide students through every step, from brainstorming to final edits, while keeping them on track with a clear, personalized timeline. With A&M’s rolling admissions and popular majors filling quickly, our program ensures students are ready to submit early and with confidence. Families trust our approach because it reduces stress, builds momentum, and empowers students to take ownership of their application journey.
Your 5-Step Game Plan for Applying to Texas A&M
With Texas A&M’s rolling admissions process and competitive majors filling quickly, the next six weeks are critical. Here’s how to stay ahead, reduce stress, and submit a strong application with confidence.
Step 1: Choose Your First- and Second-Choice Majors Carefully
Before you do anything else, finalize your major selections. Texas A&M asks for both a first- and second-choice major. You will be admitted to the university first, then placed into a major. Many popular programs—such as Engineering, Business, Psychology, Biology, and Architecture—fill quickly. If both of your choices are full, you may still be admitted to A&M, but you will have to choose a new major. Early submission gives you the best chance of getting your top choice.
Step 2: Write and Revise a Strong Essay A
Every applicant must submit Essay A through ApplyTexas or the personal statement through the Common App. Both serve the same purpose: to help the admissions committee understand who you are beyond your transcript. This is your chance to share a meaningful story and reflect on how it shaped you. Choose a topic that highlights your growth, values, and perspective. Strong essays show change over time and demonstrate how you think, not just what you’ve done.
Step 3: Complete the Required Short Answer Prompts
All A&M applicants must respond to three short answer questions. These are not optional. Each prompt is designed to help admissions officers get to know you better. Use specific examples. Be concise but meaningful. Your responses should add insight that is not obvious from your resume or transcript. Think of this as a way to show depth and character in a few well-crafted paragraphs.
Step 4: Fill Out the Activity Section in ApplyTexas or the Common App
Texas A&M does not require an expanded resume. Instead, they expect all relevant activities, honors, and leadership roles to be entered directly into the application. That means you need to be thorough, strategic, and clear in how you describe what you’ve done. Focus on activities that reflect consistency, initiative, and impact. Prioritize what matters most, and avoid vague or generic descriptions.
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Complete the SRAR
Once you’ve reviewed your entire application, submit it through ApplyTexas or the Common App. After submission, access the Applicant Information System (AIS) and complete the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). This replaces your transcript and is required for your application to be reviewed. Use your official high school transcript to enter grades and coursework with accuracy. Do not delay this step. Your application is not complete without it.