Admissions
Source: https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/international/international-freshman Parent: https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/admitted-students
International Freshman
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Live the Full Aggie Experience
\ Texas A&M University is proud to host more than 6,000 international students from countries across the world. Our programs encourage diverse thought from students of all walks of life.\ \ You are an international freshman if you:\ \
- are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States\ OR
- are not graduating from a Texas high school after three years in residence in Texas (please review Senate Bill 1528)\ AND
- are a student without college credit\ OR
- earned college credit prior to high school graduation (dual credit/early college high school)\ \ \
What do I need to apply?
\ All international applicants are encouraged to visit International Student Services & Scholar Services to get more information on the necessary steps to attend Texas A&M.
Admission Application
Prospective students should apply using the Common App. Students may also apply through ApplyTexas. The application you choose will not affect your admission decision. Only one application per student.
Be sure the name on your application matches the name on your passport. If your name does not fit in the space provided, enter as many characters as the space will allow.
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Students who are unable to resolve accessibility issues through the Common Application, may contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tamu.edu for assistance.
Essay
The application essay is your chance to set yourself apart from other applicants. Texas A&M cares about more than your grades and scores, we want to know what makes you you!\ \ Apply Texas and Common App Essay: “Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?"\ \ Read through our essay and application tips to get a step ahead on the competition.\ \ Essays should be submitted as part of the application or uploaded in the Applicant Information System (AIS).
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Non-refundable Application Fee
A $90 non-refundable processing fee is required to complete your application.\ \ The application fee can be paid through Common App. Please note: If you apply using ApplyTexas you will not be able to pay your fee within the application. You must follow the steps below.\ \
- Watch your email for a message from Application@tamu.edu. This email will be sent 24-48 hours after you submit your application.
- Follow the directions in the email to access your UIN and activate your NetID.
- Login to applicant.tamu.edu to pay or waive your fee.
Fee waivers are not available for international applicants.
Proof of English Proficiency
If your native language is not English, you are required to submit proof of English proficiency. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will be exempt from the English proficiency requirement for admission and considered English Language Proficiency (ELP) Verified:
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English proficiency can also be demonstrated by:
- Minimum TOEFL i-BT score of 80 (in person or Home Edition) from a test date within two years (Texas A&M University does not accept the MyBest TOEFL score)
- Minimum TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5 from a test date within two years (Texas A&M University does not accept the MyBest TOEFL score)
- Minimum SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 560
- Minimum ACT English score of 21
- Minimum IELTS Academic test score of 6.0 overall band from a test date within two years (Texas A&M University does not accept the IELTS General test)
- Completing all four years in a high school within the U.S.
\ Texas A&M University institutional codes and information on submitting test scores, can be found on the Document Submission Page.
Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)
All freshmen applicants must complete a Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) except for GED graduates. The STARS Record replaces the high school transcripts used by the Office of Admissions during the initial admission process in most cases. Applicants create the STARS Record using their official high school transcript, listing courses and associated grades that have been completed or will be completed for high school and/or college credit. The STARS Record can take anywhere from 2-6 hours to complete depending on your classwork, so make sure to give yourself ample time to complete it.\ \ The STARS Record cannot be submitted prior to the application but you can and should work on it as soon as possible. It must be submitted and linked with your application by December 15.\ \ Detailed information regarding the submission of the STARS Record can be found on the Document Submissions Page.\
If you need help, see our STARS FAQs.
The following applicants are required to submit a high school transcript:
- Texas residents reporting a Top 10% ranking must submit the STARS Record with their rank and also provide verification of ranking by submitting an official high school transcript with a relative numeric ranking via TREx or the upload feature in AIS.If no Top 10% rank is reported on the STARS Record automatic admission will be delayed. (This only applies to Texas residents ranked within the Top 10% of their senior class.)
- Applicants who have already graduated high school must submit a STARS Record and a final high school transcript. Details available on the document submissions page.
- GED graduates will not submit a STARS Record but must submit their official GED transcript along with official partial high school transcript(s). The original certificate and transcript(s) may be sent by mail or hand delivered to Aggie One Stop.
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Note: If a rank is not provided by the high school for students to enter on their STARS Record, a rank will be assigned.
Official High School Transcript (If Applicable)
If you attended secondary school outside the United States and have already graduated,official transcripts are requiredto complete your application. If you have not graduated yet and are still currently enrolled,use your transcripts to complete your STARS Record; your actual transcript is not required to complete your application.
To be considered official:
- Your transcript(s) must have an original signature of a school official (Registrar, Principal, Controller of Examinations or the Ministry of Education), an original school seal, or be received in a sealed school envelope
All academic records not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Detailed information on submitting official transcripts, can be found on the Document Submission Page.
Optional
Resumes
Resumes should only be used if you run out of space on the application. If you've accomplished so much your application can't handle it, this is what a resume is for. Struggling to figure out what belongs? We've got you covered with Accomplishment Tips.
Upload in the Applicant Information System
Official Test Scores
Texas A&M University is test optional and will not require ACT or SAT scores for freshman applicants. We encourage students who have test scores to send them. The submission of test scores will not create any unfair advantage or disadvantage for those students who provide them.
For additional information regarding test scores, read our FAQs under "Test-Optional Admissions".
- You must send your scores through the testing agency.
- Your highest total score from a single test date will be considered for admission.
- SAT and ACT scores expire after five years.
- Optional essay/writing portion is not required.
- Allow 2-4 weeks for scores to be received.\ \
Letters of Recommendation
Once submitted, you will not be able to see your letters of recommendation. We will consider the first two letters received as part of your admission file. Letters of recommendation should be uploaded via the Applicant Information System or sent through the mail.
When can I apply?
\ Spring 2026*\ August 1, 2025\ Deadline: October 15, 2025\ \ Fall 2026*\ August 1, 2025\ Deadline: December 1, 2025\ All additional required documents, excluding the application, are due by December 15.\ \ *Students who apply within the first 10 business days of the application opening should expect an application acknowledgement email from application@tamu.edu by mid-August. \ \ If the deadline falls on a weekend, the application will remain open until 11:59 p.m. (Central Standard Time) on the following Monday. \ \ NOTE: On average, it takes 3-5 business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor your email address which you provided on the application for the Application Acknowledgement communication.\ \ \
What happens after I apply?
Holistic Review
Your complete admission file will be reviewed holistically based on:
- your application and essay
- class rank
- SAT and/or ACT scores (Optional and not required to complete your admission file.)
- extracurricular activities, community service, leadership, employment and summer activities
- talents, awards and honors
*All applicants to the College of Engineering will be reviewed for placement into General Engineering including students who qualify for automatic admission.
Notification of Decision
We make decisions throughout the year. All decisions for spring will be posted by December and fall by late March in the Applicant Information System.
Admissions Decision Appeals
Every applicant who was not admitted through automatic admission criteria to Texas A&M University has had their application file considered through an extensive holistic review that considers both academic and non-academic factors. The review process is very thorough — therefore, it is unusual for an admission decision to be reversed.\ For an appeal to have merit, it must bring to light new and compelling academic and/or personal information as well as details pertaining to extenuating circumstances that were not addressed in the original application. The appeals process is not a re-review of an existing applicant file and appeals will not be considered from applicants who are not submitting new information.\ Guidelines for Submitting an Appeal:\
- You are required to speak with an admissions representative to have your appeal option “enabled.”
- You must submit the appeal by April 1. Appeals from parents/guardians or high school officials will not be accepted.
- Your appeal must be submitted in AIS. Emails or mailed materials will not be accepted.
- Your appeal must present new and compelling information not included in your original application.
- Your appeal should include an explanation of why the new information was not submitted in your original application.
- Your appeal should include supporting documentation.
- You will be notified of your appeal decision in AIS no later than May 1st.
- You may only appeal once and the decision is final.
\ Basis for an Appeal:\
- Grade change — an inaccurate grade was reported on your Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STAR) or transcript thus impacting your GPA and class rank
- Medical condition — you failed to report a medical condition, illness or surgery which negatively impacted your academics and/or personal achievements
- Extenuating life circumstance — you failed to report a life-changing circumstance (such as the death of a parent or financial hardship) that negatively impacted your academics and/or personal achievements
\ Supporting Documentation:\
- High school transcript showing grade change
- Documented letter from high school counselor referencing grade change
- Documented evidence from health care provider referencing medical condition, illness or surgery which shows the compelling reason why your academics and/or personal achievements were affected
\ Information Not Considered:\
- Interest in attending Texas A&M
- Grades earned after admission decision or admission deadline
- Test scores received after admission decision or admission deadline
- Recent personal achievements, awards, honors etc.
- Interviews with admission representatives
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FAQs
Who is eligible to submit an appeal?\ Any student who has received an admission decision from Texas A&M and can present new and compelling academic and/or personal information, including extenuating circumstances, that were not addressed in the original application.\ \ How do I submit an appeal?\ Appeals are submitted in AIS — however, you must first contact an admissions representative at a Prospective Student Center here to activate the appeal option. You will be asked to answer a series of questions to qualify your appeal. If you present information that qualifies for an appeal as outlined above, the admissions representative will then enable your appeal. You will be required to submit your appeal along with any supporting documents through AIS. All documents should be submitted at the same time.\ \ What kind of situations can someone appeal?\ You may appeal about a variety of things, including significant academic or personal achievements that were not disclosed with the original application. For an appeal to have merit there must be new and compelling information such as a grade change, medical condition or extenuating life circumstance. You are encouraged to submit any supporting information you feel will help the committee make an informed decision.\ \ Can I appeal if I was offered to participate inTEAM,PSA or Engineering options?\ You may appeal any admission decision if you meet the criteria to do so — however, since it may take some time for a final decision to be reached, it is not a good idea to put off any required paperwork necessary to participate in TEAM, PSA or Engineering options if these are in any way a possibility you would consider.\ \ I have been admitted to another university. Should I wait for my appeal decision before accepting the other offer?\ Since there is no guarantee that your appeal will be granted, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan. Most universities require students to accept their admission offer by May 1. \ \ How long do I have to submit an appeal?\ Appeals must be submitted by April 1st.\ \ What happens after I submit an appeal?\ After submitting your appeal, the committee will consider all new information and make a decision about your request. It’s important to remember that only new information will be considered. The appeals process is not a re-review of an existing file. Once a decision has been made, it is final.\ \ How long will it take to receive a decision?\ The time it takes for a decision to be made can vary. In some cases, a decision may be reached within a couple of weeks. In other cases, decisions may involve questions that are more complex and so it may take longer. All students will be notified of a decision no later than May 1. Appeal decisions will be posted in AIS.\ \ Who will make the decision?\ All appeals are reviewed by an Admissions Decisions Appeals Committee which is comprised of representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid and the academic colleges. The committee will meet weekly or more often if deemed necessary.\ \ May I speak with someone on the Admissions Appeals Committee?\ No, members of the Admissions Appeals Committee are not available to speak with applicants by phone or in person.\ \ Can someone submit an appeal on my behalf?\ Appeals will only be accepted from the student, not a parent/guardian, teacher or alumni.\ \ What is the likelihood that my appeal will be granted?\ Historically, few admission decisions have been changed through the appeals process. There is no guarantee that any appeal will be approved or that any specific factor will increase the odds for an appeal to be approved. Appeals are considered on a case- by case basis.\ \
Tracking Your Application Status
After you submit your application you will receive an email with your Universal Identification Number (UIN) and instructions to access the Applicant Information System (AIS) via the Applicant tab applicant.tamu.edu. Check regularly to make sure all your documents have been received.
- Allow 2-3 weeks to process each document you submit.
- Documents you submit within one month of the deadline may not appear on your AIS checklist until after the deadline.
- Please bring any questions about your file to our attention immediately by clicking "Contact Us" in AIS.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have not received a decision by now does it mean I am getting denied?
No, we must closely monitor our class size to determine how many students from holistic review may be admitted and when. The goal is for all students applying for the fall semester to have a decision by the end of March.
Can I send new information to help with the decision-making process?
Yes — Texas A&M will consider any documents received by the admission deadline.
Is there a problem if I applied in July but AIS says I am still in review?
No, students will remain "in review" until a decision is made.
What happens if I’m admitted?
\ Visit the Admitted Students page to learn the next steps to becoming a Fightin’ Texas Aggie!\ \ \
Aggie Code of Honor
Acts of Dishonesty
"An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those who do."
The Aggie Code of Honor is a way of life and a tool our admissions team uses to judge prospective students. Those who have lived the Aggie Code of Honor long before they knew it was the Aggie Code of Honor will fit in perfectly at Texas A&M. Applicants found to have misrepresented themselves or submitted false information on the application will receive appropriate disciplinary action.
In accordance with Texas A&M student rule 24.4.1, acts of dishonesty include but are not limited to:
- Withholding material information from the University, misrepresenting the truth during a University investigation or student conduct conference, and/or making false statements to any University official.
- Furnishing false information to and/or withholding information from any University official, faculty member, or office.
- Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification.
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The submission of false information at the time of admission or readmission is ground for rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, dismissal or other appropriate disciplinary action.
International Freshman
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