CM’s Guide to Texas A&M University ⋆ College Magazine

Texas A&M University—College Station, TX

TAMU’s Instagram

The Vibe

Large classic Southern state school, full of pride and tradition

What it Feels Like to Go Here

If you see an overwhelming sea of smiles and cowboy boots, then you’re probably at Texas A&M. One would think it would be hard to find your place at such a large campus. However, you can rest easy—the school is known for its extremely friendly vibe. Beyond that, you’re bound to quickly realize you’re talking to an Aggie because of her immense school spirit. Along with its traditions, such as Midnight Yell, the Aggie Ring and the 12^th Man, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to call yourself a part of this family.

Awesome Alumni

Texas A&M has produced notable alumni all across the board from musicians to astronauts. Though the list goes on and on, you might recognize these. For instance, alumnus Rick Perry went on to become the Governor of Texas from 2000 to 2005. He now serves as the United States Secretary of Energy. During his time at the university, he was one of five Yell Leaders, an esteemed position on campus. Also, did you know quarterback Johnny Manziel started his career at Texas A&M? From there he was drafted to be the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

You’ll also find alumni from the entertainment business, like four-time Grammy award winning singer and songwriter, Lyle Lovett. While he also has some acting experience, his main priority was always eclectic country music. Finally Rip Torn, Class of 1952, also once called Texas A&M home. He went on to move to New York City and become a successful actor in popular movies such as Men in Black or Hercules, winning a 1960 Tony Award nomination.

Where We Hang

During the day, students crowd around hotspot Memorial Student Center, AKA the MSC. They can eat at the food court, where you’ll find yummy options ranging from Italian to Mexican to Indian. At night, most love going to either Hurricane Harry’s, a country dance hall, or Northgate, the bar district right off campus.

Aside from the day to day festivities, A&M students look forward to Chilifest, right outside of College Station in Snook, Texas. People come from all over Texas to partake in this two-day country concert second semester, usually around March or April. Just imagine days of chilling with your friends and rocking out to country music from artists such as Cody Johnson and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Q&A

1. How much are students partying?

“As far as partying goes, I would say there is little to none during the week because students take school very seriously here. However, Thursday–Saturday nights are very fun,” said sophomore Claire Davis.

2. What will you get in trouble for at your school?

“The cops are strict here, so don’t try to use fake IDs to get into the bar. Tons of people get MIPs at football tailgates for underage students having a drink in their hand or trying to buy a drink at Northgate. Otherwise they will just kick you out if they catch you drinking underage,” said sophomore Annalise Arras.

3. How much sex are students having?

“I would say there’s not a large hook up culture. If that’s your lifestyle, just like any college campus, I’m sure you can make it one if you choose, but I haven’t noticed a hookup culture,” said sophomore Christopher Kent Broom.

4. What would you tell incoming freshman about your school?

“GET INVOLVED!!! There are so many people at A&M that making friends can seem so overwhelming at first. Getting involved in an organization you are passionate about with people who share your same passions is such a great way to connect with other people and make friends. If you don’t get involved and find your group, it can be easy to feel lost in the sea of 60,000,” said sophomore Nicole Herleman.

5. What is the one thing that surprised you about going to A&M?

“I am constantly surprised by the warmth and kindness of A&M,” said sophomore Emma Holthouser. “Pretty much everyone I encounter is always so nice and proud to be an Aggie.”

Student Reviews

“Sitting at the stadium on game day and seeing that you are part of a community so much larger than yourself is one of the best feelings. Also, when you go to Silver Taps every month and hear them honor and say the individual name of every past and present Aggie who has passed away that month you realize how much love the A&M community has for each other. You will never meet a group of people who are more friendly or willing to help you in whatever way they can.” – Nicole Herleman, Class of 2020

“It is constantly exciting. The school is full of spirit and it is passionate about everything going on. There is a sense of community walking around campus, because we are all one Aggie family. I am never afraid to talk to anyone I walk past.” –Lauren Chester, Class of 2020

“A&M is an incredibly warm and welcoming environment. I can say without a doubt that the people I’ve met in College Station are some of the friendliest I have ever come across. They will go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. Classes are challenging but rewarding. Big lecture classes more often than not. I’ve never had a class of less than 50. Everyone here loves the Aggies, very much a college town.” – Christopher Kent Broom, Class of 2020

“It feels like I entered into a heavy traditionalistic environment with super strong culture. TAMU is filled with tradition and has been so since the 1800s, so coming here, I feel as if I am integrated into an ancient family. Southern hospitality is definitely a thing. Also, the campus is huge. There are so many students, so it’s almost as if the school is a town. But then again, you can make a big school seem really small.” – Sabrina Zuniga, Class of 2020

“A major challenge for me was first semester, because I was a biology major and my classes were so insanely difficult. I was trying to make friends, keep up with school, and just find a place for myself at a&m. Everyone is super friendly, but to make friends in my classes with 300 people was difficult. I felt like I was on my own and no one cared about me. I ended up switching majors and now am really enjoying my classes. They are more relatable to what I want to do in life, and more manageable for me than the classes for a biology degree.” – Annalise Arras, Class of 2020

Top 3 Majors

1. Business

2. Engineering

3. Agriculture

Top 3 Most Popular Student Organizations

1. Fish Camp

This four day long orientation program, run by students, is geared towards welcoming the freshman class to the university each year. After taking a bus to Palestine, Texas, the students are split up into discussion groups, otherwise known as DGs, and have the opportunity to meet other students their age and learn the traditions of their new school. “They call it ‘Lakeview Magic’ but the 4 days are arguably the best times I’ve had in my life,” said sophomore Christopher Kent Broom, who did it once as a freshman and once as a counselor. “It’s 4 days where you get to meet new friends, learn traditions, have crazy dance parties and most importantly take the first step to being the person who you want to be at Texas A&M!”

2. Freshman Leadership Organizations (FLOs)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGmprtRBI1E

You’ll find 18 FLOs on campus. These very selective organizations aim to help freshmen have a successful first year of college. They meet often and participate in events and service projects. Each FLO is unique and focuses on a different aspect of college life. “I’ve heard of people describing them as one big fraternity and sorority (its girls and guys) because they’re so close knit,” said sophomore Nicole Herleman. “All 50 people in the FLO will go on weekend trips to people’s lake houses together, trips to Galveston and even all go on spring break together.” As Herleman added, most students who join FLOs and make friends in them during their freshman year stay BFFs with them for all four years.

3. Men’s and Women’s Organizations

Think of these as similar to fraternities and sororities in a sense of brother or sisterhood and service. Some popular Men’s Organizations include One Army, BYX (Brothers Under Christ), and Ol’ Ags, and Women’s Organizations are Maggies, Ryllies, Legacies or Aggie Belles. “I’d say for me, what’s so special about Legacies is that everyone is so different. Everyone has their different personalities, different things they’re involved in, and it all works,” said sophomore Leah Bartlett. “We’re not one kind of person, but we all come together in such an incredible way I don’t even understand it.”

Getting In

Due to the overwhelming amount of applicants, A&M really focuses on the numbers. Admission to the school is largely based on class rank and SAT/ACT scores. For all Texas state schools, approximately the top 10 percent of a high school graduating class is automatically admitted, though the percentage is subject to change. After that, A&M also automatically admits the top SAT scores. It is only after these two factors that the essay and a more holistic approach comes into play but by this point, the amount of spots left are limited. In other words? Study hard if you want to call yourself an Aggie someday.