We're a bit confused on the timing. August 1 is when the application process opens. We will apply then. He's not Top 10% (actually 11th, which sucks).

Is there any benefit to my son applying early decision? I keep hearing this term but don't know what it means. Does it mean he can only apply to A&M? If so, how do they know if you've applied elsewhere? A&M is his first choice but we need a backup plan.

Thanks.

A&M uses Rolling Admissions (non-binding) which means colleges review applications as they're sent in for review. Admissions may offer you early or you may be placed in the "maybe" pile of applications. You only need to submit early (Aug 15) to TAMU if you're applying for business or architecture majors. The first set of decisions typically come out the third week of September.

If you're applying for engineering, I typically recommend applicants submit their applications by September 15, a month before the early review period.

I also like to remind applicants that you're not rewarded for applying early, so this will not make up for any deficits in your application.

Thanks for the info. He'll apply to the business school as his first choice. Can he then select a second choice as well?

He's 11% at Katy High. Tons of extras; varsity football, varsity track, NHS, etc. He scored a 1360 on his SAT. Our fingers are crossed. Entire family of Ags but we also went and visited some out of state schools for Spring Break.

Reggiesankles said:

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Thanks for the info. He'll apply to the business school as his first choice. Can he then select a second choice as well?

He's 11% at Katy High. Tons of extras; varsity football, varsity track, NHS, etc. He scored a 1360 on his SAT. Our fingers are crossed. Entire family of Ags but we also went and visited some out of state schools for Spring Break.

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Sounds like a solid student but would encourage your student to make one more attempt at the SAT. Also, make sure those essays of his are polished, which will hopefully push him into the admit pile.

Unfortunately, students (non top 10) from the suburbs have to work extra hard for admissions, especially into the more attractive majors.

Thanks for the feedback. He'll take the SAT again in May. So will he be able to apply to the Business School as option 1 and list another option as a secondary choice or is it all in on Business? I think engineering is this way, right?

With your selection of majors, you have a first choice and a second choice that you may list. Unlike many other colleges, TAMU supposedly does not "review" their candidates based on major. However, I do believe business applicants are held to a different standard.

Non-top 10% applicants will most likely begin receiving decisions around mid-October. The first round of admission decisions typically begins in the third week of September.

Reggies,

Double is correct on the 1st and 2nd choice part as well as business apps getting a more detailed look. Tough spot to be in for sure but not a complete loss. We just wrapped up a very similar position in terms of being just outside top 10%.

As for early action... in our experience it was beneficial. If nothing else news started rolling in towards the end of October and getting that first "YES" is huge. We also got a chance to see what $$ out of state schools offered and plenty of time to visit if necessary. From our perspective, GPA and test scores (even at optional schools) appeared to have made a difference especially on the $$ end of things.

Best of luck, enjoy the process, and hopefully your student is more decisive that ours!! Ha Some really cool schools out there.

Quick question on the rolling admission piece. Applying differences on timing of application and semester?

Reggiesankles said:

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Quick question on the rolling admission piece.

Our son will apply August 1. Will the application allow him to select expected enrollment January 2024, Summer 2024 and Fall 2024? He can and will likely graduate next December. We're just not sure how this impacts the application process.

Thanks in advance.

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Unfortunately, you can only submit one application per academic semester. The essays should be different from one another if you intend to submit multiple applications.

Always apply early.

Don't care what the admissions people tell you. There is no downside, only upside.

bmks270 said:

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Always apply early.

Don't care what the admissions people tell you. There is no downside, only upside.

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Please don't listen to this advice. Yes, this is mostly true for TAMU, but there are many instances where you may choose to submit later in the application cycle.

My son did not submit at midnight when he could have with most applicants because his school had not started and his counselor would not answer our emails with requests for his senior class schedule. He was a few weeks behind so there was some concern, but he was accepted in the first round. I guess his app was on top of the pile. His class schedule was also impressive. Did not take it easy his senior year.

If you will be holistic review and haven't toured Mays or done an admissions tour, we found that very beneficial in having a better idea of Mays expectations/numbers admitted/likelihood of transferring in, etc. Basically our impression was that Mays has no trouble filling all their spots early, so my son opted to get his application in August 1 in hopes of being high on the pile once auto admits got through.