If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering whether or not your child has a shot at getting into Texas A&M University. While there’s no copy-and-paste format for a successful application to A&M (or to any school, for that matter), we’re going to dive into some of the features that unite the students who gain admission to Texas A&M University. But first, let’s look at what sets TAMU apart from other schools.

About Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is a public research university located in College Station, Texas, just two hours outside of Austin. With 53,000 undergraduates, it’s a vast school. Its strongest programs are arguably Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, and Geosciences. Texas A&M’s acceptance rate is 55%, meaning it’s a great choice for families looking for a less competitive but still well-resourced university to send their kid to. 

Texas A&M University Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to Texas A&M and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for TAMU admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into Texas A&M?

The following is the class rank breakdown of Texas A&M’s Class of 2028 members, as reported in the 2024-25 Common Data Set. Unfortunately, the university hasn’t reported any GPA data for recently admitted cohorts, so the class rank data below is the closest to gauging the GPA requirements for admission in the Texas A&M admissions process.

GPA	Percentage of Texas A&M Class of 2028
Percent in top tenth of high school graduating class	66.57%
Percent in top quarter of high school graduating class	91.40%
Percent in top half of high school graduating class	99.01%
Percent in bottom half of high school graduating class	0.99%
Percent of total first-time, first-year (freshman) students who submitted high school class rank:	73.39%

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Texas A&M University?  

The average SAT score for the TAMU Class of 2028 was a 1270, and the average ACT score was a 28. Though Texas A&M is test-optional, we at Ivy Coach believe that not submitting test scores can only ever hurt an applicant’s chances, even to supposedly test-optional schools. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into Texas A&M?

While Texas A&M University does not explicitly state any minimum high school course preparation for applicants, we at Ivy Coach know that highly selective colleges like Texas A&M want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does Texas A&M University Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means Texas A&M is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. Texas A&M would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

Texas A&M University Application Requirements

Texas A&M University accepts the Common App. TAMU does not require letters of recommendation, but they say they “highly recommend” them, and we at Ivy Coach would advise you not to take that recommendation lightly. They do not ask any supplemental questions. 

Who Should Students Ask For Letters of Recommendation For Texas A&M? 

Texas A&M University applicants should ask two junior year teachers in core subjects. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, at least one of the recommenders’ subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History and English teachers. 

Does Texas A&M University Require an Interview? 

Texas A&M University does not require an interview, and, in fact, they don’t even offer one!

What Are Texas A&M University’s Application Deadlines? 

Applications to Texas A&M are due December 1st. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Texas A&M

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into Texas A&M University, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into Texas A&M University, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.