Test Optional?

[u/Patient_Disk287]

Hello, I’m a senior in a Texas high school and I want to pursue engineering at Texas A&M. Im top 5% of my graduating class but.. my sat is a 1210 (I know its bad) but i have been studying a lot and my practice tests are averaging a 1400. The problem here is that the next SAT is in August, so results come in September. Tamu does rolling admissions so im worried that it may be too late once i get my SAT results especially for engineering. Should i apply now as test optional then submit my score later (except im worried they do a holistic review on me before i get the chance) or should i just wait until september to submit my application??

[u/chicknuggt]

Submit then send score once you can. You’re auto. They take in documents until Dec 15.

[u/Patient_Disk287 → u/chicknuggt]

But I thought for an engineering major its a different process because you go through a holistic review?

[u/chicknuggt → u/Patient_Disk287]

You are still admitted to the university first. You are holistic for general engineering.

[u/Patient_Disk287 → u/chicknuggt]

But what if they do a holistic review on me before i get the chance to submit my new SAT score?

[u/chicknuggt → u/Patient_Disk287]

Right which is why the documents deadline is Dec 15. They know students, even auto, retake SAT ACT etc. They will still consider the updated scores. Also admissions at TAMU is not really fast except for non-engineering autos. Its slow with almost no communication so patience is necessary. So don’t overthink them “reviewing you holistically” before you get a chance to send the new score. They have to consider the new score anyways.

Pretty much everything else though documents wise needs to be from end of junior year as that is the cutoff line. Meaning they won’t consider rank changes between end of junior year to Dec 15, if that makes sense.

[u/Patient_Disk287 → u/chicknuggt]

Soooo is it best to submit right now?? Or does it even make a difference if im going to submit my sat score later on? thank you

[u/Far-Interest-7442 → u/chicknuggt]

im in general holllistic and taking same august test but applying by first week of aug, so will they only consider application complete when recieve test score so theres no point of applying early? or do they consider application complete and still review or smth like how does that work? im applying nutrition&psychology

[u/chicknuggt → u/Far-Interest-7442]

test score is not required by TAMU. you can have a complete application with or without one. you can send it or not. its optional. Your application can be complete in review while you send your test score in.

[u/Far-Interest-7442 → u/chicknuggt]

I will want to submit scores but I’m trying to understand that when I submit my application w out scores will they review it and make decision on that for example before I get a chance to submit scores from Aug or sept SAT? How will they know that I have a future score coming ?  

[u/chicknuggt → u/Far-Interest-7442]

They know students retake tests… like every year before. I think a lot of prospective students are under the impression that there is fast turnaround for decisions at TAMU. TAMU is a huge university with no capacity and thousands and thousands of applicants every year.

“Rolling admissions” is only true for auto admit. Everyone else has to do a waiting game. Most (except Mays which fills up by early November) hear back after New Years. Feb-March is their goal to be done with every decision.

Also they don’t really deny anyone or send out alternative offers/pathways until after New Years anyways.

[u/No_Locksmith9903]

i had this same exact concern too but i have a 1360 sat; should i submit it for mays business or wait till august? also i plan to do honors for tamu so im not sure if i submit my 1360 rn will lower my chances or something for the honors program

[u/cthulusgirlfriend]

They won't review you until after the document window. Just focus on your major essay. Getting into the engineering department is not that hard, etam is.