Difficulty of getting into A&M?

I'm a junior thinking about applying to Texas A&M next year. I have decent grades and extracurriculars, but I'm wondering how tough it is to get in? Can anyone share their experiences or advice?

Texas A&M is a well-regarded public university that has a moderately selective admissions process. To give you an idea of how competitive it is, for the class of 2024, the acceptance rate was around 63%. While this rate is not as low as those of highly-selective universities, getting in still requires a strong application.

Grades and test scores play significant roles in the admissions process. Texas A&M uses a holistic approach to review applications, and they do consider other factors like extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation as part of the application. However, a solid academic foundation is critical for your application to be competitive. For reference, the middle 50% SAT scores of admitted students for the class of 2024 ranged from 1150 to 1390, and the middle 50% ACT scores ranged from 25 to 31. Keep in mind that these numbers are just guidelines, and applicants with scores outside this range can still be admitted.

Texas A&M also offers an automatic admission pathway to Texas residents called the "Top 10% Rule." If you are a Texas resident and rank within the top 10% of your high school class, you are guaranteed admission to Texas A&M (although not necessarily to the major of your choice). This can be a helpful path if you meet the criteria.

In addition to strong academics, you'll want to highlight your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and any significant achievements. Focus on demonstrating the depth of your involvement in a few key areas instead of trying to do a little of everything. Showing dedication and passion will help make your application stand out.

Lastly, put significant effort into your essays as they provide an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you on a more personal level. Share your unique perspectives, experiences, or challenges you've faced and how they've contributed to your growth or shaped your goals for the future.

Overall, while Texas A&M is moderately selective, you can increase your chances of admission by maintaining a strong academic profile, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, and writing compelling essays. Good luck!