Texas A&M University, a highly rated public university, maintains specific expectations and standards for their prospective applicants. In this article, we will dive into Texas A&M ACT scores and requirements, providing a comprehensive overview. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Texas A&M’s SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at Texas A&M?
In keeping with its reputation of academic excellence, Texas A&M’s average composite ACT score falls around a 28, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is notably higher than the national average of about 21.
Meanwhile, 25th percentile score at Texas A&M is a 25, and the 75th percentile was a composite score of 31. This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 25 or below. Further, the highest 25% of scorers had a 31 or above. These numbers demonstrate the high standards Texas A&M holds for its students. However, the range also shows that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average ACT English score at Texas A&M?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here, we will break down the Texas A&M ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at Texas A&M is a 23. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score hits 28 and the 75th percentile score reaches an impressive 33. Overall, Texas A&M students perform well on the English section of the ACT. The top 25% of admitted students likely include quite a few perfect scorers as well. That said, there is no minimum score required for admission.
What is the average ACT Math score at Texas A&M?
The average ACT Math score among admitted students is a 27. In addition, the 25th percentile sits at 24 and the 75th percentile at 30. Therefore, an ACT Math score of 27 or 28 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at Texas A&M. These statistics indicate that 25% of admitted students scored a 24 or below. Another 25% scored a 30 or above on their ACT Math section.
These scores are quite high when compared to the national averages. But, as with the other sections, there is no one particular benchmark that applicants must meet. Now, let’s look at the specific Texas A&M ACT requirements.
What are Texas A&M’s ACT requirements?
For the foreseeable future, Texas A&M will not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. This test-optional policy means that applicants are not required to provide SAT or ACT scores as part of their admission file. However, students are still welcome and encouraged to submit any materials they feel will help their application. Of course, this includes standardized test scores.
Texas A&M requires that test scores be sent directly from the testing agency to be considered official. While the writing section of the ACT is not required, students are welcome to submit their writing section scores if they feel it will strengthen their application.
More details about the Texas A&M ACT requirements can be found on their Freshman webpage.
What percent of Texas A&M applicants submit the ACT?
Among Texas A&M students who submitted standardized test scores, 22% submitted ACT scores. Meanwhile, 78% chose to submit the SAT. While the SAT remains a popular standardized test for admitted Texas A&M applicants, there is no benefit or advantage to taking one test over the other apart from individual circumstances and preferences. Read more about freshman admissions to Texas A&M here.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive college like Texas A&M. We recommend that any student with the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT. A competitive score will boost your application, and if not, you can choose to omit the score on your Texas A&M application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well will only help, and poor scores can always be left off of a Texas A&M application without penalty.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school. Texas A&M’s ACT score statistics are detailed in this article. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they may be worth submitting. Again, sending in a strong score will boost your application. Still, choosing not to do so will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does Texas A&M superscore the ACT?
Texas A&M considers a student’s highest total score from a single test date. This means that while Texas A&M encourages students to send their test scores, they will only take the best overall score from one sitting into account. This policy benefits students who may have had a strong performance on one particular test date. That said, this policy differs from some other schools, where students are evaluated on their highest section scores from different test dates.
What’s a good ACT score for Texas A&M?
Texas A&M does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs. However, they do encourage applicants to submit their scores if they feel it will benefit their application. The average ACT score at Texas A&M is around 28. Thus, aiming for a score at or above this average would put you in a good position.
Meanwhile, the upper 25% of Texas A&M students scored a composite 31 or higher. Therefore, a score of 31 or higher would be a strong score in the context of these percentiles. If your score exceeds 31, then your application will be well-positioned for success. That said, there is no guarantee of admission no matter your SAT score, unless you are in the top 10% of your graduating class and a resident of Texas, among other restrictions. Read more about top 10% admission on Texas A&M’s Freshman webpage.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 25 | 28 | 31 |
| English | 23 | 28 | 33 |
| Math | 24 | 27 | 30 |
Can I get into Texas A&M with a low ACT?
Getting into Texas A&M with a low ACT score is not impossible, especially since Texas A&M is now test-optional. An ACT score on the lower end of Texas A&M’s score range will still be quite high: the lowest quarter of Texas A&M scorers still achieved up to a 25. With this in mind, it would be in the applicant’s best interest to aim for at least the lower quartile score of 25, if not higher.
Even with a score below Texas A&M’s average, doing well in the application ring is not impossible. Academic and extracurricular achievements play an important role in the judgment of applications, and essays are weighted heavily. A student with a low ACT score who omits to submit their scores and instead uses their Texas A&M application to highlight extracurricular strengths may fare better than an applicant with a 31 on the ACT but little else to recommend them.
Therefore, while standardized testing can be an important tool in the application process, it is not the only thing a student should focus on. Devoting time and energy to extracurricular projects and interests, as well as classes and schoolwork, is arguably more important for test-optional applications like Texas A&M’s. Learn more about Texas A&M’s application expectations here.
When should I take the ACT for Texas A&M?
The junior spring of high school preceding college application deadlines is often referred to as an ideal time to take standardized tests for college admissions. The ACT administration recommends taking the exam at least two months before the application deadlines for the colleges you plan to send scores to. Texas A&M specifically asks that students submit their results for receipt by December 15.
Regular Decision applicants should aim to submit test results as early as possible, ideally before the end of November to facilitate an early start to the application evaluation process. The very last ACT date that Texas A&M will accept scores from is the December sitting, as specified on their Application Timeline.
What is Texas A&M’s ACT code?
Texas A&M’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 4198.
While Texas A&M no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our Texas A&M SAT Breakdown!
