Is Texas A&M University a Good School

  • Context: Schools 
  • Thread starter Thread starter claytonh4
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    School University
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perception of Texas A&M University as a reputable institution for higher education, particularly in the context of pursuing degrees in fields like biology and physics. Participants explore the implications of attending A&M versus more prestigious schools like Harvard, MIT, or CalTech, and the potential for success in graduate school or medical school following an A&M education.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about feeling inadequate for not attending an Ivy League school despite having strong academic credentials.
  • Another participant argues that Texas A&M is a good school, emphasizing its rigor and the value of the education received there compared to Ivy League institutions.
  • Some participants highlight that A&M is particularly strong in engineering and that success in college is determined by personal effort rather than the prestige of the institution.
  • A later reply reassures that many successful individuals do not come from Ivy League schools and that the quality of education and personal accomplishments matter more than the school's name on a diploma.
  • There is a recurring theme that college is what students make of it, and that academic diversity at A&M can provide valuable opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Texas A&M is a reputable institution and that success is achievable regardless of the school's prestige. However, there are differing views on the importance of attending an Ivy League school versus a strong state university like A&M.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference preconceived notions about educational prestige and success, indicating that these beliefs may influence perceptions of A&M's value. There is also an acknowledgment of the subjective nature of measuring success in college.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students considering their college options, particularly those interested in STEM fields, as well as individuals evaluating the importance of university prestige in career success.

claytonh4
Messages
79
Reaction score
0
Is Texas A&M University a "Good School"

Hi everyone, I'm going to be a senior in high school this year and will probably be attending Texas A&M pursuing a major in bio or physics the year after that when I go to college. I'm kind of upset that I feel like I've "wasted" my time in high school so I won't be able to go to a really good school like Harvard, MIT, CalTech, etc. I mean my grades are really good- all A's all AP classes, 4.6 GPA, number 11 in my class of 500, but I def. don't have the credentials, extra curriculars, or the test scores (I'm not great with standardized testing) to go to my dream school- Harvard. So anyway, I'm going to go to A&M and I was wondering if someone could sort of let me know, or reassure me as to whether or not A&M is a fine school and if it's OK to get a degree from a university like that rather than a big Ivy League school, and still get into a great med. school or grad. school a few years down the line.
Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


No, you might as well give up if you don't go to Harvard. (Oh the arrogance!)

I'm a 'horn, so I'm obligated to say that Aggies are dumb, stupid, and smell like sardines too, but the fact is Texas A&M is a good school, nice and rigorous. One thing's for sure, though - you might want to button your whole "wasted time" shtick. When you go to a school like A&M, you should feel like you've accomplished something. It's certainly not worse than Harvard in any respect (and frankly I'd argue it's better in some ways), and you'll have significantly less debt to show for your contrived piece of paper at the end of it.
 


A&M is one of the best schools in the country for engineering. Also college is what you make of it and your measure of success ought to be how you feel about your accomplishments and not preconcieved notions of others.
 


Thanks for your replies! I know that you don't have to go to Harvard to be successful in your field, I guess I just kinda got into my head that you got to be the best to succeed, but like you both said, I should pursue the great amount of opportunities that A&M has to offer and try to be the best in that respect- what I actually accomplish, not what name ends up on the top of my diploma. Thanks again guys, I feel a lot better.
 


I like that attitude! Get Results!
Also, I forgot to mention that since Texas is a HUGE school you will have quite a bit of academic diversity at your disposal.
 


Aero51 said:
A&M is one of the best schools in the country for engineering. Also college is what you make of it and your measure of success ought to be how you feel about your accomplishments and not preconcieved notions of others.

Woah there! Don't go too far now!

But yes, Texas A&M is an excellent school. And for undergraduate, what matters is a "good enough" school that gives you a solid grounding. No one cares where you did your undergrad once you finished you PhD (assuming you want one).

College is what you make of it. Excellent, excellent advice. Seize it!
 

Similar threads

Schools How good and well-known is the physics program at RPI?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
997
Schools What are the best Colleges for Astrophysics?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Other How much does GPA and Prestigious school indicate success?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Other How to Afford Moving to Another State For Grad School?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Admissions What are my chances of being admitted into good graduate schools?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Schools Which Canadian university should I go to for physics undergrad?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Schools Question About Relevance of a HBSc degree at UofT Compared to US Universities
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Schools Can I still be competitive at a small school?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions Do I have a good shot at CalTech/MIT's graduate program for physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K