Texas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005 Edition

Lowry Mays College and Graduate School of Business

International Admission Criteria

Transcripts/Examination Results

Official academic records (transcripts, marksheets, etc.) are required for all secondary and any university work completed. Records should include all courses taken in high school and every college or university the applicant has attended.

Official records require the original seal or signature of the registrar, principal, headmaster or director of student records. Official records should be mailed from the school directly to Texas A&M University, Office of Admissions and Records. Examination results should be sent directly from the examination agency. In addition to the original records in a language other than English, Texas A&M requires official translations in English. Translations sent directly from the institution attended or from a recognized translator will be accepted. For students enrolled in the United States, we will accept copies of official transcripts from other countries that are on file and verified by the U.S. institution. Unofficial photocopies, fax copies, notarized copies of records, examination results or translations will not be accepted.

International applicants are normally expected to complete an educational program that would permit them to be considered for admission to a university in their home country. Examples would include the completion of grade 13, Form 6 or three A-level examinations following O-levels. A-level examination results should be received before the application deadline.

Admission Criteria for U.S. Based Credentials

The admission criteria for Freshman or Transfer International applicants with U.S. based credentials are presented on the Freshman Admissions through Notification of Admission Decisions section of this catalog.

Admission Criteria for Foreign Credentials

Admissions decisions for Freshman and Transfer applicants with foreign credentials are based on:

1. Academic Achievement

International applicants are expected to complete an educational program that will permit them to be considered for admission to a university in their home country. Examples include the completion of Grade 13, Form 6 or 3A-level exams following O-levels. A-level exam results must be received by the application closing date.
Successful applicants will rank near the top of their country's educational system (B average or better) and score well above average on national exams.
Secondary school courses: Appropriate college preparatory course work is required.

2. Testing

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit

TOEFL score of 550 or higher (computer-based score: 213) or
SAT Verbal of 480 or ACT English of 19 (required if attending a U.S. based high school).

3. Individual Achievement and Recognition

Leadership positions held
Honors/awards received
Major national, state or Texas A&M scholarships received

Unofficial photocopies, fax copies and notarized copies of records, examination results or translations will not be accepted.

Additional Requirements for International Admits

If admitted, international applicants must fulfill the following additional requirements before enrollment:

1. Declaration and Certification of Finances and Foreign Student Advisor's Report

A Financial Resource Statement is sent with a letter of acceptance. This form must be completed and returned to Texas A&M University before the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) is issued. The Foreign Student Advisor's Report is also mailed with the acceptance letter to all international applicants who are attending a school in the United States.

2. Advance Deposit

Because of monetary restrictions in some countries, a full year's expenses may be required as a deposit from some accepted applicants. When the student enrolls, the deposit is applied to the first semester expenses. The deposit is refunded to admitted applicants who do not attend Texas A&M.

3. English Verification/Certification

Texas A&M requires International undergraduate students to demonstrate the ability to speak, write and understand the English language. Undergraduate students may meet this requirement in one of four ways:

A. official TOEFL score of 600 or higher (computer-based score: 250);

B. have an official SAT Verbal of 480 (400 prior to April 1, 1995 testing), or ACT English of 19 and attended grades nine through twelve of U.S. secondary education and graduate from a U.S. high school;

C. transfer from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education with at least 30 semester credit hours, including the equivalent to Texas A&M ENGL 104; or

D. achieve English Language Proficiency Verification by taking the English Language Proficiency Examination (ELPE) prior to registration for the first semester at Texas A&M University. If remedial English classes are necessary, it will extend the time required to complete a degree.

Scholarship Information for International Students

Texas laws allows a limited number of admitted applicants who are citizens of Mexico and who can document financial need to receive an award which allows them to pay the same tuition as residents of the State of Texas. Other scholarships are not available for first-time international students. International students may apply for a limited number of scholarships after the completion of one academic year at Texas A&M. Additional information and application forms are available from:

International Student Services
Texas A&M University
1226 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1226
(979) 845-1825
iss@tamu.edu
iss.tamu.edu

For additional information, please contact:

International Admissions
Texas A&M University
P. O. Box 40002
College Station, TX 77842-4002
(979) 845-1071
international-admission@tamu.edu