How to

Apply as a Freshman

At Texas A&M University, we foster lifelong success with a premiere multidisciplinary education and academic support programs. And with more than 140 undergraduate programs offered at several locations, you have many options for beginning your college career. If you’re considering joining us as a freshman, view our application information to get started.

What Does 'Freshman' Mean?

Freshman applicants are current high school students (with or without college credits) or high school graduates who haven’t earned any college credits since high school graduation.

Freshman Admission Cycles

If you’re applying as a freshman to Texas A&M, find the dates when you can apply for each semester and location.

College Station

College Station Spring 2027 The application period is Aug. 1, 2026 - Oct. 15, 2026
If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Common Application and ApplyTexas will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.
College Station Fall 2027The application period is Aug. 1, 2026 – Dec. 1, 2026

All additional required documents are due by Dec. 15, 2026.

If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Common Application and ApplyTexas will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.

Galveston

Galveston Spring 2027 The application period is Aug. 1, 2026 – Dec. 1, 2026

Spring application dates differ for incoming international freshmen.

If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Common Application and ApplyTexas will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.

NOTE: On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor your email address that you provided on the application for the Application Acknowledgement communication.

Galveston Fall 2027The application period is Aug. 1, 2026 - May 1, 2027

The application deadline for fall is May 1, 2027.

All other required documents will be accepted through May 15, 2027.

If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Common Application and ApplyTexas will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.

NOTE: On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor your email address that you provided on the application for the Application Acknowledgement communication.

Higher Education Center at McAllen

Higher Education Center at McAllen Spring 2027The application period is Aug. 1, 2026 - Oct. 14, 2026
If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Common Application and ApplyTexas will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.
Higher Education Center at McAllen Fall 2027The application period is Aug. 1, 2026 - March 1, 2027
If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Texas A&M Application will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.

Application Materials for Freshman Applicants

Required Online Application

Prospective students can submit their applications through Common App or ApplyTexas. The application you choose will not affect your admission decision.

Processing Time

On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor the email address that you provided on the application for the application acknowledgment communication.

Required Application Fee

A $75 nonrefundable application fee is required to complete your application. The application fee can be paid online through Common App or ApplyTexas, or by calling 979-458-5155.

See the “application fee” section of our undergraduate document submission page to learn about fee waivers.

Required Essay

Submit the required essay with your application. You can submit your essay as part of your application or upload it to the Applicant Information System.

This 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!

See essay tips on our college readiness resources page.

Required Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record

A Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) replaces high school transcripts during the initial admission process in most cases.

STARS Record frequently asked questions
Circumstantial Other Materials to Include with your Application

In some circumstances, you may need to submit a high school transcript or an official GED transcript.

Depending on your residency status, you may need to submit additional documents.

You can also choose to submit official test scores, a résumé and up to two letters of recommendation.

Learn more about what you need to apply

Choose Which Location You Want to Attend

Admission deadlines and processes can vary depending on which campus you are applying to. Explore our locations and the application information for each one.

Aerial view of the Texas A&M University administration building at the heart of campus

College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University’s main campus in College Station is located in the heart of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle. Here, you’ll build lasting relationships with friends and professors. You’ll also find out about the traditions that bind all Aggies together and make this university so special. Not only that, you’ll receive a top-quality education that will prepare you for any career path you choose.

the Higher Education Center at McAllen campus

McAllen, Texas

One of our newest facilities is the Higher Education Center at McAllen, which opened in fall 2018. The center serves students in the Rio Grande Valley by providing access to top-tier academic programs close to home. Degree programs range from agricultural economics and engineering to public health and construction science.

Texas A&M Galveston campus sign

Galveston, Texas

Texas A&M University at Galveston, known as the island campus, is leading the development of the blue economy in the Gulf of Mexico. This branch campus offers a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation.

Finding Out if You're Admitted

We begin making admissions decisions in late September. See the “What happens after I apply?” section of our freshman application page to learn about tracking your application status or about admission decision appeals.

See next steps for admitted students
An academic advisor meets with two students.

Connect with an Advisor

Texas A&M University offers prospective students their own advisors, specific to where they call home. If you have questions about the application and admissions process, connect with the advisor closest to you.

Find an advisor near you