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 | admissions@tamu.edu | @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