And this is exactly why my son isn't even applying to A&M. Other very good SEC schools want you to and help you succeed in your chosen major once you get accepted into school in the engineering program. Since he wants to do mechanical or aerospace, why take that chance at A&M. Plenty of other good schools out there without the arrogance of A&M.
ETAM
10,787 Views |
56 Replies |
Last: 1 mo ago by bmks270
The NCSU data you mention doesn't seem much different than the ETAM numbers posted. 74% first choice at TAMU vs 85% at NCSU? Does 10% change the stress level or desirability that much? Maybe it does but I'm also thinking TAMU is a better degree than NCSU in most fields also.
pocketrockets06 said:
The NCSU data you mention doesn't seem much different than the ETAM numbers posted. 74% first choice at TAMU vs 85% at NCSU? Does 10% change the stress level or desirability that much? Maybe it does but I'm also thinking TAMU is a better degree than NCSU in most fields also.
That's a very misleading stat though. NCSU has students declare an intent prior to acceptance so their first choice is truly their first choice and they do planning as a University to make sure they have enough spaces in those majors. They are very rigorous in who they accept into Engineering and which major to try and ensure a high rate of success. Students can also re-apply for CODA (their version of ETAM) and they have people who specifically work with those students to do everything they can to help come up with a plan for them to be able to get into the degree they desired. The only way a student doesn't get there is if they are truly struggling or just not putting in the effort.
A&M has a separate acceptance for Engineering but a lot of folks also come through the Engineering academies. They don't consider specialty at all and assume that people will naturally fall into the proportions they have available when obviously that isn't remotely the case as most people who want to be Engineering majors focus on the primary specialties (CS, Comp Eng/EE, Mech E, BME, Aero). Freshman know they have to make a 3.75 to get into those majors or have a really strong resume to have a chance and the school is clear about that. Thus it is a waste of time for a kid with a 3.0 to even bother for the most part and they don't list them as a choice even though often one of those majors were their first and often second or third choices originally.
It's a terrible and irresponsible practice by the school and I don't know of any other school in the country that does it this way to such an extreme (and I have looked). I want A&M to be successful. We aren't going to succeed though operating in a vacuum where we ignore what other schools do. We will continue to lose out on talent with other options and we will continue to have stories of students who have invested tens of thousands of dollars at A&M and then are forced to choose in majoring in different specialties than they intended or transferring to a new school. ETAM as a concept isn't terrible but the execution of it is and the way they are manipulating statistics to act as though a significant portion of students aren't able to remain in the major they intended isn't a big deal is not helping.
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Aggie_Boomin 21 said:
The answer to this I believe is due to how volume based A&M is when it comes to producing engineering graduates. They want to fill the less in demand majors with students they decide won't be the best in the more in demand majors.
ETAM really only sucks for a few of the majors, if you aren't planning on doing those (and there are many schools I would go to over A&M for CompSci specifically) then getting your first choice shouldn't be that hard.
What schools would you recommend for Comp Sci.
My kid is getting his cyber security certifications in HS and will likely go Computer Science.
No way he gets into A&M anyhow.
GoAgs92 said:Aggie_Boomin 21 said:
The answer to this I believe is due to how volume based A&M is when it comes to producing engineering graduates. They want to fill the less in demand majors with students they decide won't be the best in the more in demand majors.
ETAM really only sucks for a few of the majors, if you aren't planning on doing those (and there are many schools I would go to over A&M for CompSci specifically) then getting your first choice shouldn't be that hard.
What schools would you recommend for Comp Sci.
My kid is getting his cyber security certifications in HS and will likely go Computer Science.
No way he gets into A&M anyhow.
Check out UTSA or UTD. They both have respectable programs in the state of Texas.
Thx
GoAgs92 said:Aggie_Boomin 21 said:
The answer to this I believe is due to how volume based A&M is when it comes to producing engineering graduates. They want to fill the less in demand majors with students they decide won't be the best in the more in demand majors.
ETAM really only sucks for a few of the majors, if you aren't planning on doing those (and there are many schools I would go to over A&M for CompSci specifically) then getting your first choice shouldn't be that hard.
What schools would you recommend for Comp Sci.
My kid is getting his cyber security certifications in HS and will likely go Computer Science.
No way he gets into A&M anyhow.
Careful with Comp Sci, really oversaturated right now though cyber security is a good specialty. AI is going to hit that field hard. UTD is a solid choice but it's a different culture for sure, great for kids that love gaming and aren't into sports. It's a very good Comp Sci program though. I have a friend who has a son going to Alabama for Cybersecurity as they have a program there for it and got a lot of scholarship money even though he wasn't an exceptional student. All of the T25 Comp Sci programs are insanely competitive now but still worth checking out. Some others to look at are NC State, Colorado School of Mines, and Arizona State. All are well regarded.
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
I know you don't think he will get into TAMU but if he gets the Blinn TEAB option, it's worth a look. ETAM process is the same once you satisfy Blinn requirements and cheaper year 1. Everything else is just like an auto admin kid going full time to TAMU.
One thing worth considering is I'm guessing ETAM reduces the amount of major switching. You have a year in general to get a better feel for what route you want to do. But also who the heck knows as someone who got their first choice but ended up working in a very different type of engineering field. Unless you are doing something more specialized like computer science honestly most engineering degrees are good enough and you are going to learn specifics at the job depending on when you end up.
1Aggie99 said:
Maybe. However, you shouldn't be surprised. They post all of that info so if your first choice is the most competitive major then a 3.0 isn't going to cut it. Smart kid but the bar is set higher for some options. You can remove all doubt by getting the 3.75 or whatever to be guaranteed a slot.
The problem is, if they interview with me, I don't give a crap what their GPA is. I'm looking for problem solvers, not scantron bubblers.
94chem,
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
The other thing is, maybe consider science. You don't have to work at a nasty plant in BFE.
94chem,
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
Agreed... get in and then it's about life skills, communication skills, and having some common sense
1Aggie99 said:
I know you don't think he will get into TAMU but if he gets the Blinn TEAB option, it's worth a look. ETAM process is the same once you satisfy Blinn requirements and cheaper year 1. Everything else is just like an auto admin kid going full time to TAMU.
If I am reading the Computer Science ETAM stats correctly....357 Eligible Applicants...of those 188 were auto admit with 3.75 GPRs...164 non Auto Admits had CS as their first choice and got in
so 352 eligible applicants got their first choice of CS...so 98.6%?
That doesn't SEEM too difficult to make it. Whereas ME looks like 58.5%
357 Computer Science (CPSC-CS) 188 164 17 8 377
Sounds like Blinn Team is a viable option...hmm.
Good experience on our end but I'm sure there are others who have had different experiences. Worth speaking with an engineering counselor to better understand the process. We had a great experience working with Jay Haines prior to applying/acceptance. I believe that is her name anyway. Our current student does tours in Zachary for her if you have any questions. I'm sure he would be happy to chat. He's not Comp Sci but he can shed some light on the Blinn and overall engineering side.
We went on a tour of the Engineering Department today. We were told that a 3.75 would guarantee entry to any Engineering Major. However, the individual giving the tour said that some majors have a lower auto admit GPA requirement.
My son knew about ETAM and found it comforting to know that you could control your major selection by maintaining a 3.75.
They said 86% got first choice of major, 88% got either first or second, and 92% got into one of their top three choices of majors.
We felt better about the whole ETAM process after our tour. Our son feels pretty confident in his ability to get a 3.75.
My son knew about ETAM and found it comforting to know that you could control your major selection by maintaining a 3.75.
They said 86% got first choice of major, 88% got either first or second, and 92% got into one of their top three choices of majors.
We felt better about the whole ETAM process after our tour. Our son feels pretty confident in his ability to get a 3.75.
GoAgs92 said:1Aggie99 said:
I know you don't think he will get into TAMU but if he gets the Blinn TEAB option, it's worth a look. ETAM process is the same once you satisfy Blinn requirements and cheaper year 1. Everything else is just like an auto admin kid going full time to TAMU.
If I am reading the Computer Science ETAM stats correctly....357 Eligible Applicants...of those 188 were auto admit with 3.75 GPRs...164 non Auto Admits had CS as their first choice and got in
so 352 eligible applicants got their first choice of CS...so 98.6%?
That doesn't SEEM too difficult to make it. Whereas ME looks like 58.5%
357 Computer Science (CPSC-CS) 188 164 17 8 377
Sounds like Blinn Team is a viable option...hmm.
No, you are misreading it. That means that they only went to the first review and then after that it was filled, the less competitive has more 2nd and 3rd review. You can also look at who has the most or highest ratios of Auto admits. CS is one of the most competitive majors though it has dropped off some. It was almost all Auto admits a couple years ago. That said it's still very competitive.
The most competitive are (it has varied a bit year to year):
Computer Engineering
Mech E
Biomed E
Comp Sci
Aero E
Electrical E
Chem E
I read the ETAM results the same as you. It looks like 357 put it down for 1st choice. Then 188 were auto admit and 164 that put it down as 1st choice holistic got it. Then 17 kids that put it down as their 2nd choice got in and 8 kids that put it as their 3rd choice got it. If your first choice holistic passes on you then you go to your 2nd choice and if they pass on you it is looked at by your 3rd choice. They didn't accept a few that put it down 1st choice holistic and that could be for different reasons like grades were low or you don't have an "A" in a class that is critical for that type of engineering.
I have a senior mechanical engineering student and the year that he went through ETAM Computer Science was extremely popular and only 17 students got into it through holistic review as their first choice and most of those I believe were just below the 3.75. They didn't take any on 2nd or 3rd holistic review that year. However, with the current job market the number of students putting it as a 1st choice auto admit has decreased so more holistic reviews are now getting spots in it. So current trend says you don't have to be an auto admit to get computer science right now through ETAM.
I have a senior mechanical engineering student and the year that he went through ETAM Computer Science was extremely popular and only 17 students got into it through holistic review as their first choice and most of those I believe were just below the 3.75. They didn't take any on 2nd or 3rd holistic review that year. However, with the current job market the number of students putting it as a 1st choice auto admit has decreased so more holistic reviews are now getting spots in it. So current trend says you don't have to be an auto admit to get computer science right now through ETAM.
Thanks, that all makes sense.
There are a lot of vague references in this thread to similarly rated engineering schools that do things much better. Name them, please. I have a son who is interested in a few of the most popular engineering majors at A&M (CS, computer engineering or maybe an interdisciplinary program similar to "mechatronics") and should be very well qualified for acceptance into general engineering at A&M. His reach school is Rice and safety school is Rose Hulman. The only similarly rated alternative to A&M that arguably does things better (that we know of) might be School of Mines. Where else should he be looking?
Buck Turgidson said:
There are a lot of vague references in this thread to similarly rated engineering schools that do things much better. Name them, please. I have a son who is interested in a few of the most popular engineering majors at A&M (CS, computer engineering or maybe an interdisciplinary program similar to "mechatronics") and should be very well qualified for acceptance into general engineering at A&M. His reach school is Rice and safety school is Rose Hulman. The only similarly rated alternative to A&M that arguably does things better (that we know of) might be School of Mines. Where else should he be looking?
All these schools either admit direct to major or at least with intent and are well run and predictable. All are schools where the Engineering school is the feature though some have other departments that are of equal reputation.
My son is loving NC State. Very similar culture to A&M but about 40k students so big but not massive. 15 minutes from RDU Airport and Raleigh is a great town. The Engineering school has their own campus essentially and they have excellent facilities. Rising program with a strong alumni base as well. My son got a full ride but they are very competitive on scholarships.
Virginia Tech is in the same category. Gorgeous campus but more remote. Comparable engineering program. Very little scholarship availability.
Georgia Tech is fantastic but getting extremely difficult to get into, essentially Rice/Duke level for OOS. Very impressed with everything about the school though. If you can get in you have a shot at scholarships.
Clemson and Auburn are worth a look and have scholarship money, both have a lot in common with A&M culturally.
For all of the above schools they are in states that have a deliberate Engineering focused school and the Flagship school is more Liberal Arts/Business.
Mines is great, great little campus in Golden. Lots of scholarship money but hefty OOS price tag so you kind of need it.
Florida feels like a combo of A&M and Texas. Great engineering program and big school. Fairly generous with scholarships but not as much as they used to be as the school has gotten very popular.
Purdue certainly fits the mold and if you are looking at Rose it is in the same general region. Not much in terms of scholarship money.
Arizona and Arizona State are worth a look. Solid engineering and they are pretty generous on scholarships. ASU has a great Honors program.
Penn State and Ohio State may be worth looking at, really strong big schools but didn't look at either very closely because my son had no interest. Penn State has virtually no scholarship money for OOS, Ohio State has some.
Several NE Private schools you can look at. RPI, Rochester (RIT), WPI all have a similar feel to Rose but have a stronger reputation but are also more competitive. There are all the T20 type schools of course (Rice, Duke, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Vanderbilt, MIT, Ivies, etc). There are also the big name Publics (UC schools, Michigan, etc.)
I don't know if it has been mentioned already, but if a student is a National Merit Scholar (finalist or semi finalist) they can auto admit to the major of their choice even if they have a GPA below 3.75, assuming they have met all of the requirements.
The 3.75 GPA requirement filters for book worms with no other hobbies or obligation but studying.
Like another poster said, in my work, we want builders. At a lot of universities, freshman and sophomore engineers can get involved in engineering clubs like Formula SAE, or rocket club. A lot of officers in those clubs have lower GPAs because of club duties, but I assure you they have WAY more job opportunities and are better hires.
If you do that at A&M, get involved early, you you risk not getting your major.
At Texas A&M, Formula SAE is a senior elective. You get class credit. That's unusual. Most universities it's an all volunteer team and there is no way to hold members accountable except their own internal motivation, since they get nothing for it but the experience, no grade. Those hires are going to be the real go getters and builders from a hiring perspective.
And if you work your way through school?
Is it possible to transfer into your major from another university?
Kids work their ass off in high school and to have to go through a second admission process in year 2 seems like a really bad deal if you could get your major of choice right away at another university. And be free to engage in extracurriculars or a job without worrying about competing on keeping an ultra high GPA.
Getting your major of choice is more important than having Texas A&M on the degree.
Like another poster said, in my work, we want builders. At a lot of universities, freshman and sophomore engineers can get involved in engineering clubs like Formula SAE, or rocket club. A lot of officers in those clubs have lower GPAs because of club duties, but I assure you they have WAY more job opportunities and are better hires.
If you do that at A&M, get involved early, you you risk not getting your major.
At Texas A&M, Formula SAE is a senior elective. You get class credit. That's unusual. Most universities it's an all volunteer team and there is no way to hold members accountable except their own internal motivation, since they get nothing for it but the experience, no grade. Those hires are going to be the real go getters and builders from a hiring perspective.
And if you work your way through school?
Is it possible to transfer into your major from another university?
Kids work their ass off in high school and to have to go through a second admission process in year 2 seems like a really bad deal if you could get your major of choice right away at another university. And be free to engage in extracurriculars or a job without worrying about competing on keeping an ultra high GPA.
Getting your major of choice is more important than having Texas A&M on the degree.
Featured Stories
See All
2027 Cy Fall EDGE Kaden McCarty commits to Texas A&M
by Ryan Brauninger
5:40
9h ago
4.9k
In-Home Visit: Kaden McCarty picks A&M over other Lone Star finalists
by TexAgs Recruiting
Heightened focus required of Texas A&M given the urgency of CFP
by Olin Buchanan
54:17
15h ago
6.7k
4:46
8h ago
2.0k
Strong relationships led 2027 EDGE Kaden McCarty to A&M commitment
by Cade Draughon