November 22, 2006 
(Via electronic mail) 

MEMORANDUM 

TO: Texas County-based Agents and staff 
Research and Extension Faculty and Staff located at Research/Extension Centers 

SUBJECT: AFrequently Asked Questions@regarding Freshman Admissions to Texas A&M University 

To countless youth, parents, community leaders, industry representatives and Texans, you represent the 
A&M System family and serve as the gateway to many of our teaching, research and extension programs. In this role, 
you are likely called upon daily to represent your agency, respond to inquiries or concerns, and encourage high school 
students to pursue a college degree. On behalf of Texas A&M and the A&M System family, I sincerely thank you for 
your willingness to serve in this advocacy role. 

Over the past several years, college admission requirements have changed dramatically. As a result, you may 
have specific questions regarding admission requirements to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and other 
colleges of study at Texas A&M. This College and the University seek a broader representation of student applications 
from throughout Texas, and we are working closely with the Admissions Office on this effort. The attached letter from 
Dr. Alice Reinarz, Assistant Provost for Enrollment, outlines the University=s commitment to providing Texas high 
school graduates with quality higher education opportunities. Also attached is a 2-page document which outlines 
AFrequently Asked Questions@ regarding the Texas A&M admissions process and entrance requirements. I trust you 
will find this information to be helpful, and I encourage you to reproduce and distribute this FAQ sheet to prospective 
students, parents, Aggie friends, former students and high school counselors within your communities. 

Texas A&M University is committed to statewide representation in its student body. Increases in 
underrepresented minority students in the freshman class are one marker of the University=s investment in recruitment 
and matriculation of students across Texas. Between 2003 and 2006, the number of African American freshmen 
increased 77% and the number of Hispanic freshmen increased 58%. It is also important to note that the geographic 
diversity of the freshman class has increased. In 1999, there were fewer than 900 Texas high schools represented in the 
freshman class, and in 2006, there were more than 1000. During this time of change, Texas A&M has remained true to 
its land grant mission with 25-28% of the freshman class in recent years being first generation college students! 

Our efforts are working, but we need your help and support in recruiting students to A&M, especially to our 
college! College prep begins in junior high and continues through high school as students enroll in the required 
English, math and science courses and take advanced placement and honors classes, as well as extra electives. 
Involvement in high school and community activities are strongly encouraged. The application process for Fall, 2007 
admission to Texas A&M is well underway, with early applications recommended before the February 1 deadline. 

As Vice Chancellor, it gives me great pleasure to know that we can engage our agencies to help recruit the 

leaders of tomorrow to our great university! Thanks for your assistance and gig >em! 
Elsa A. Murano 
Vice Chancellor and Dean 
Agriculture and Life Sciences 
Director, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station 
Attachments [2] 
xc: Vice Chancellor=s Cabinet Vice Chancellor=s Staff 
COALS Department Heads TAMUS Council of Agricultural Administrators