Texas A&M Caps Enrollment Growth: What Prospective Students Should Know

By Adriel Morado

Published: January 28th, 2025

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Last week’s announcement by Texas A&M University (TAMU) President Mark Welsh regarding the pausing undergraduate enrollment growth for the next five to seven years is a major shift for the school and its prospective students. With the student body having increased by 30 percent over the past decade, TAMU is taking steps to “rightsize” its university, focusing on the quality of education and student experience rather than just expanding its numbers. Here's what this means:

Key Takeaways:

• New Enrollment Caps: TAMU is capping its annual undergraduate intake at 15,000 students—11,750 incoming freshmen and 3,250 transfers.
• Why the Pause?: The university’s rapid growth has strained student services, such as parking, transit, dining, affordable housing, and course availability. President Welsh emphasized that the goal is to improve the student experience by better-managing resources and focusing on long-term sustainability.
• Investment Propositions: To accommodate current and future students, TAMU plans to invest in 8-10 new buses, build new classrooms, expand dining facilities, and expand on-campus housing on the West Campus. Additionally, TAMU intends to invest $3 million annually in faculty salaries and benefits over the next five years.

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What Does This Mean for Prospective Students?

The shift will make the university’s application process more competitive, which means the acceptance rate is likely to drop. With the enrollment cap, students need to stand out more academically and demonstrate strong leadership and alignment with TAMU’s values.

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Advice for Students:

• Start Early: The admissions process will be more selective, so students should prepare their application materials as early as possible. TAMU operates on a rolling admissions basis, so the earlier you submit your application, the higher the chance you have of being accepted.
• Challenge Yourself: Texas students who rank in the top 10% of their class qualify for automatic admission at TAMU. Building a strong academic record, showcasing leadership in extracurricular activities, and writing a compelling personal statement will be key. Although TAMU is a test-optional university, we strongly encourage students to submit SAT/ACT scores.
• Be Proactive: Although TAMU may be your top-choice school, it’s important to prepare a well-rounded list of strong alternative schools that align with your academic ambitions and personal values.
• Demonstrate Interest: If you’re committed to attending TAMU, demonstrate your interest to the admissions officers. Take a campus tour, engage with current students in your desired program, and connect with TAMU professors and faculty. Thoroughly research the program you are interested in and demonstrate your knowledge within your application materials.
• Utilize Resources: Make the most of Cram Crew’s College Readiness Experience, which helps navigate the evolving admissions process.

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