A freshman applicant is a current high school student (with or without college credit) or a high school graduate with no college credit earned after high school graduation. 

Still exploring your college or career options? Visit My Texas Future to compare pathways and make informed decisions about your future.

When Can I Apply? 

SPRING
August 1 - December 1
DEADLINE: December 1

FALL
August 1 - May 1
DEADLINE:  May 1

  • The application deadline for Fall is May 1.
    • All other required documents will be accepted through May 15. 
  • Application dates differ for incoming International Freshman.
  • If the deadline falls on a weekend, the application will remain open until 11:59 PM (CST) on the following Monday. Additional required documents will be accepted until 5:00pm (CST) on that Monday.

Free Application Week is October 13-19, 2025. Texas residents can apply to any Texas public college or university for undergraduate admission without paying an application fee.

Application Acknowledgement Letter
Provides instructions on how to access our Applicant Information System (AIS) portal at applicanttamug.tamu.edu.

  • Please allow 2-4 business days to receive your letter. Be sure to monitor your email for this important communication. 

What Do I Need to Apply? 

Admissions Application
Admissions Application

Prospective students should apply using ApplyTexas. Only one application per student.

NOTE: Students should expect an application acknowledgement email from application@tamu.edu within 2-4 business days of submission. 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.

Essay
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!

REQUIRED Apply Texas: “Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?"

No additional essays will be reviewed.

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).

Non-Refundable Processing Fee
Non-Refundable Processing Fee

A non-refundable processing fee is required to complete your application.  This fee is $75 for domestic applicants and $90 for international applicants. 

Please note: When applying via ApplyTexas you will not be able to pay your fee within the application. You must follow the steps below.

  1. Watch your email for a message from Application@tamu.edu. This email will be sent 24-48 hours after you submit your application.

  2. Follow the directions in the email to access your UIN and activate your NetID.

  3. Login to applicanttamug.tamu.edu to pay or waive your fee.

For information on Application Fee Waivers, see our Document Submissions Page.
Official High School Transcript
Official High School Transcript

Texas A&M University at Galveston does not utilize the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System - STARS

  • If still in high school must submit a complete, official transcript through their junior year/6 semesters
  • If graduated from high school must submit an official transcript that also includes senior courses, a graduation plan and date of graduation
  • Home-schooled students must submit a complete, official transcript through their junior year/6 semesters which includes grades earned for all completed coursework.
  • If your school does not rank, a school profile from the high school must be provided along with your transcript and Texas A&M will assign a class rank based on reported GPA.
  • High schools designated by Texas A&M as non-ranking may provide a numeric class rank for students in the top 10% only. All other students will be assigned a ranking by Texas A&M. Please note: An applicant’s class rank assigned by Texas A&M may be different from the rank reported by the high school.
    • PREFERRED>>:  Electronic transcripts sent by TREx (available only to Texas high schools)
    • PREFERRED>>:  Upload a copy of current high school transcript in AIS (after you graduate, your final high school transcript cannot be uploaded through AIS; it must be mailed.)
    • OTHER METHOD>>:  Mail
    • Faxed or e-mailed copies will not be accepted.
If Applicable
If Applicable

High School Curriculum Requirement (Texas private high schools only)

Students who do not meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP) must provide Exemption Form 3.

Best Method: Upload in the Applicant Information System OR Mail

Permanent Resident Card or I-551

Students who are not U.S. citizens but are permanent residents (or have applied for permanent residency) need to provide a copy of the card.

For information about submitting the Permanent Residency Card, see the Document Submission Page.

Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit

Prospective students who are not currently permanent residents but intend to become permanent residents might have to fill out Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit

 

For information about submitting the Permanent Residency Card, see the Document Submission Page.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy - TM Application 

Cadets at Texas A&M Maritime Academy participate in one of three programs: U.S. Coast Guard License Program, NROTC, or Drill & Ceremonies. 

If you are applying as License Option, you must major in Marine Transportation, Marine Biology, Marine Engineering Technology or Marine Sciences.

Optional
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.

How to Be Admitted?

In-State Students 

Top 10% Admission
Top 10% Admission

Texas residents who rank in the top 10% of their graduating class qualify for automatic admission to any state school in Texas.

  • Attend a public or private high school in Texas
    AND
  • Rank in the top 10% of your graduating class on or before the application deadline
    AND
  • Provide a complete official high school transcript that includes a numeric rank.
    AND
  • Satisfy the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy
    AND
  • Make sure all required documents are received by the application deadline.

Texas residents completing high school in another state must submit a residency questionnaire to determine eligibility.

In accordance with Texas House Bill 3041, all public universities in Texas must assign rankings for the purpose of automatic admission to students who completed non-traditional schooling based on the median score on entrance exams of applicants from the previous admission cycle for those respective ranks. Texas A&M automatically admits all students in the top 10%. For applications for the 26/27 academic year, Texas resident students who completed non-traditional schooling will be ranked in the top 10% if they achieved a 28 on the ACT or a 1290 on the SAT.
Holistic Review
Holistic Review

If you do not qualify for top 10%, but meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy, your application file, which includes all factors you noted, will be reviewed in a holistic manner*.

  • Academic factors include all high school courses attempted and grades earned, rigor of coursework, GPA and class rank.
  • Non-academic factors include involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, leadership, employment and summer activities as well as extraordinary opportunities, challenges and hardships experienced during high school career.


Students applying for fall admission may receive a decision within a month of file completion. However, applying early does not guarantee an early decision. Please monitor your application status via the Applicant Information System

How to Be Admitted?

Non-Resident Students 

Out-of-State
Out-of-State
  • Most Out-of-State students are admitted through the holistic review process. Read holistic review qualifications in the In-State Student section above.
  • Texas residents completing high school in another state may qualify for Top 10% automatic admission. Submit a residency questionnaire to determine eligibility.
International
International

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)


Learn about your future as an International Freshman.

What Happens After I Apply?

Tracking Your Application Status
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) at the Howdy Student Portal via the Applicant tab. 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.

Notification of Decision
Notification of Decision

We make admission decisions on an ongoing basis throughout an admission cycle. Applying early does not guarantee an early decision. Once a decision is released it will be posted in the Applicant Information System.

Top 10%: Students who qualify for Top 10% admission will typically receive a decision within three weeks of completing their admission file.

Students in Holistic Review: All students applying for spring admission will receive a decision by early December. Most students applying for fall admission will receive a decision between January 1 and late March.

 

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.”
  • 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 July 1st.
  • You may only appeal once and the decision is final.

 

Basis for an Appeal:

  • Grade change — an inaccurate grade was reported on your 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

 

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 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.

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 June 1.

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 July 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.

What Happens If I Get In?

Admitted Students
Admitted Students
If you have received confirmation on your admittance to Texas A&M University at Galveston, make sure to check out what's next for Admitted Students!
Acts of Dishonesty
Acts of Dishonesty

 All students applying to Texas A&M University at Galveston are expected to follow the Aggie Code of Honor which states “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those who do.” Applicants found to have misrepresented themselves or submitted false information on the application will receive appropriate disciplinary action.


Pursuant to the current undergraduate catalog and 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

The submission of false information at the time of admission or readmission is grounds for rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, dismissal or other appropriate disciplinary action.