Back in 1997, the Texas State Government passed Texas House Bill 588, commonly known now as the “Top 10 Percent Law.” The original purpose of HB588 was to increase diversity within and improve access to Texas state schools, including flagship universities like Texas A&M University.
The big question you might be wondering is “How does this law affect me now?” For prospective freshman applicants to Texas A&M, there are two ways for you to be admitted: Top 10% Auto-Admission and Holistic Review.
This blog post will speak specifically to Texas A&M’s admissions process — make sure to double-check the requirements of each school you are applying to.
How do I know if I’m eligible for 10% Automatic Admission?
By law, all high school freshmen and their parents must be informed of the qualifications for HB588. That being said, by the time you get to senior year, you might not know if you qualify yet. In order to be eligible for HB588, you must:
If you meet all these requirements, you will be admitted to Texas A&M University barring any extenuating circumstances. Texas residents completing high school in another state must submit a residency questionnaire to determine eligibility.
Knowing whether or not you’re eligible for automatic admission can be difficult, so make sure to reach out to your college advisors for as much information and assistance as possible.
So what if I don’t qualify for HB588?
If you do not qualify for Top 10% admission, your Texas A&M application file will be reviewed holistically by the Office of Admissions. The main factors that Texas A&M looks at include:
Texas A&M University wants to provide as many students the opportunity to become a Fightin’ Texas Aggie as possible. That being said, our admission standards favor well-rounded, diligent students. Be sure to fill out your application completely, answer all short-answer questions presented to you and take every opportunity to share your story. Make sure to read our essay tips and application tips before applying.
Note: All applicants to the College of Engineering will be reviewed for placement into General Engineering including students who qualify for Top 10% automatic admission.
When should I hear back after submitting my application?
Top 10% applicants will typically hear back within two weeks of submitting the application; holistic review applicants will typically hear back by mid-March. You will be able to track your admission status within the Applicant Information Systems.
The big question you might be wondering is “How does this law affect me now?” For prospective freshman applicants to Texas A&M, there are two ways for you to be admitted: Top 10% Auto-Admission and Holistic Review.
This blog post will speak specifically to Texas A&M’s admissions process — make sure to double-check the requirements of each school you are applying to.
How do I know if I’m eligible for 10% Automatic Admission?
By law, all high school freshmen and their parents must be informed of the qualifications for HB588. That being said, by the time you get to senior year, you might not know if you qualify yet. In order to be eligible for HB588, you must:
- Attend a public or private high school in Texas
- Rank in the top 10% of your graduating class on or before the application deadline
- Apply to a state school in Texas
- Satisfy the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy
- Complete the new foundation plan with the Distinguished Level of Achievement.
- Make sure all required documents are received by the application deadline.
If you meet all these requirements, you will be admitted to Texas A&M University barring any extenuating circumstances. Texas residents completing high school in another state must submit a residency questionnaire to determine eligibility.
Knowing whether or not you’re eligible for automatic admission can be difficult, so make sure to reach out to your college advisors for as much information and assistance as possible.
So what if I don’t qualify for HB588?
If you do not qualify for Top 10% admission, your Texas A&M application file will be reviewed holistically by the Office of Admissions. The main factors that Texas A&M looks at include:
- Academic factors: GPA, class rank, rigor of classes (including AP, IB and dual-credit courses) and grades earned
- Non-academic factors: Extracurricular activities, Community service, Employment, Summer activities
- Opportunities, Hardships or Challenges faced
Texas A&M University wants to provide as many students the opportunity to become a Fightin’ Texas Aggie as possible. That being said, our admission standards favor well-rounded, diligent students. Be sure to fill out your application completely, answer all short-answer questions presented to you and take every opportunity to share your story. Make sure to read our essay tips and application tips before applying.
Note: All applicants to the College of Engineering will be reviewed for placement into General Engineering including students who qualify for Top 10% automatic admission.
When should I hear back after submitting my application?
Top 10% applicants will typically hear back within two weeks of submitting the application; holistic review applicants will typically hear back by mid-March. You will be able to track your admission status within the Applicant Information Systems.