See frequently asked questions about Texas A&M University, including our history, how we got our name, Aggie terminology, locations and admissions. If you can't find the answer to your question, please see our contact page.
Featured Questions
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What does “Gig ‘em” mean?
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Today, the phrase and thumbs-up gesture are a universal sign of approval for Aggies and Aggie fans. Gig ’em signals optimism, determination and loyalty.
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Is Texas A&M a military school?
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Not anymore. Texas A&M was established in 1876 as a military institution, but military service became voluntary in 1965.
Originally, "A&M" stood for Agricultural and Mechanical, but today the letters no longer officially stand for anything. When Texas A&M opened on Oct. 4, 1876, as the state's first public institution of higher education, it was called the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, or "A&M" for short. When the institution gained university status in 1963, the "A&M" representation was incorporated into the official name in honor of the institution's history.
Reveille X, a full-blooded collie, is our mascot. As the highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets, Reveille is part of a rich tradition. "Miss Rev," as cadets address her, is popular and can be seen around campus, in class or attending events.
Texas A&M's official colors are maroon and white. The colors are such a prominent part of Texas A&M that they are referred to in "The Spirit of Aggieland," our alma mater, written in 1925. For official color values, take a look at our brand guide.
Texas A&M's flagship campus is located in College Station, Texas. Home to a community of about 212,000 residents, the twin cities of Bryan and College Station are centrally located — only a short drive from Austin, Dallas and Houston. Texas A&M also has two branch campuses in Galveston, Texas, and Doha, Qatar. We also have a law school in Fort Worth, Texas, the Higher Education Center at McAllen, Texas, and Texas A&M Health locations across the state.
Texas A&M was established in 1876 as a military institution, and the Corps of Cadets has played an important part in our history and development. While membership is now voluntary, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets form the largest uniformed body of students outside of U.S. military academies.
An Aggie is a student at Texas A&M. In the early 1900s, our students were called "Farmers." The term Aggie — reflecting our agricultural roots — was first used in the 1920s, and in 1949, the yearbook changed its name from The Longhorn to Aggieland. At that point, Aggie became the official student body nickname.
The 12th Man is the entire student body — past and present. The term began in 1922. Aggie student E. King Gill was in the stands as our football team faced top-ranked Centre College. With nearly all players injured, Coach Dana X. Bible called Gill down to the sideline. Gill suited up and stood ready to play throughout the game, forever becoming “the 12th Man.” Inspired by Gill's selfless gesture, the tradition embodies our core values. Students still show the 12th Man spirit at each athletic event. And during football games, they stand for the entire event, ready to go into the game if needed.
The application process is determined by your application type, including freshman, transfer, graduate and international. Prospective students can submit their applications through ApplyTexas or Common App. The application site you choose will not affect your admission process.
Admissions application deadlines depend on which semester you want to start at Texas A&M. See our how to apply page for more information.
Our locations are:
College Station - College Station is home to our flagship campus. Here, you’ll build lasting relationships with friends and professors, honor Aggie traditions and earn an education that will put you at the top of every recruiter’s hiring list. Watch Aggie stories.
Galveston - Texas A&M University at Galveston is our island campus focusing on all things ocean-oriented. It offers a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation.
A $75 non-refundable processing fee is required to complete your application. The application fee can be paid through ApplyTexas or Common App. Or, to pay with a credit card by phone, call 979-458-5155.
Dining Dollars are a $1 for $1 currency accepted at our dining locations on campus, including the food trucks and market stores.
Meal plans can be broken into four basic parts: meal swipes, retail swipes, Dining Dollars and guest meals. All parts of the meal plan are loaded onto your Aggie ID.
You can choose from various meal plan options with different amounts of meal swipes, retail swipes, Dining Dollars and/or guest meals.
With a meal plan, a student's ID works like a debit card. When swiped, the meal swipes/retail swipes or Dining Dollars are automatically deducted from the plan.
There are several places to get food and drinks across campus, such as dining halls, food trucks and Starbucks. For more information, see dining hours on campus.
Texas A&M uses the Code Maroon emergency notification system to alert the campus community of possible emergency situations.
We send emergency alerts to anyone using the Code Maroon mobile app. You can also subscribe to text message alerts, access the Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed or follow the Code Maroon X account.
Students, faculty and staff with a Texas A&M or Blinn College ID card and members of the general public with a Brazos Transit District ID may ride both on- and off-campus bus routes. All riders should be ready to show their ID to the driver when boarding. Individuals without an ID will be allowed to ride but will be provided information on how to obtain an ID.
View real-time bus locations on the Transportation Services bus routes page or the Texas A&M app. You can also download the AggieBus: TAMU Bus Routes app for live updates.
Transit Service: During the fall and spring semesters, Night Service runs Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Find more information on our bus service page.
Corps Security Escorts:The Corps of Cadets provides safety escorts to students and employees from 6 p.m.-7 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends during the fall and spring semesters. Escorts can walk you to and from libraries, classroom buildings, parking areas, residence halls and other campus locations. To request a safety escort, call 979-845-6789.
CARPOOL:CARPOOL is a student-run organization serving the Bryan-College Station community with free rides home. Drivers operate every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the spring and fall semesters.