engineering essay texas a&m

Texas A&M University Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Texas A&M essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Texas A&M application essays will breakdown the Texas A&M essay requirements and show you exactly how to write engaging Texas A&M essays to maximize your chances of admission. If you need help answering the Texas A&M essay prompts, create your free or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Texas A&M Essay Guide Quick Facts

• Acceptance rate of 63.0%— U.S. News ranks Texas A&M as a more selective school. 
• Every student must submit a Texas A&M essay through ApplyTexas or The Coalition Application . If you are applying as an engineer, you must write an additional Texas A&M essay.

Does Texas A&M have any supplemental essays?

Yes, there are two Texas A&M application essays. The Essay tab of Admission’s Freshman Application Page , lists the Texas A&M essay requirements. You’ll find both Texas A&M essay prompts there. In the first essay, you’ll share a bit about your high school career. The second, is an engineering-specific short answer question.

Does Texas A&M require a supplemental essay?

Yes, the Texas A&M requirements require all applicants to write Texas A&M application essays. While there are two Texas A&M essay prompts, there is only one required Texas A&M essay. Only students applying to the College of Engineering need to answer both Texas A&M essay prompts. 

To summarize, students applying as engineers will write two Texas A&M admissions essays. All other non-engineering students will write one Texas A&M essay. Now that we have established the Texas A&M essay requirements, let’s write those Texas A&M admissions essays!

How do I write my Texas A&M supplemental essay?

After you’ve reviewed the Texas A&M essay requirements, you can begin brainstorming topics for your Texas A&M essays.  Remember, there isn’t a perfect topic or a formulaic approach to writing your essay. Your Texas A&M admissions essays are an opportunity to infuse your application with your life, personality, and voice. Rather than trying to impress Admissions with your Texas A&M essays, go for honesty! That means being true to yourself and your experiences. 

No matter what topic you end up choosing to write about in your Texas A&M essays, it is important you remember your audience. Your Texas A&M application essays are part of an application, so you need to appeal to the needs of your reader: the Admissions team. They are looking to get a sense of who you are and how you’ll add to the vibrancy of their student body.

Here are three questions you should keep in mind when writing each of your Texas A&M admissions essays:

• Have I answered the prompt in my Texas A&M essay?
• Does my Texas A&M essay reflect who I am?
• Do I show how I will be an asset to the school’s community in my Texas A&M essay?

Now that we have our essay goals in mind, let’s move on to the first step: brainstorming. We have provided the 2021-2022 Texas A&M essay prompts below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each question, as well as tips for writing Texas A&M application essays that will help you stand out in admissions. 

Texas A&M essay – Question 1 (Required)

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? (no word limit).

The Texas A&M essay prompts do not have specified word limits. Because there is only one required Texas A&M essay and this prompt is open-ended, we suggest sticking between approximately 500-700 words. Remember, if your essay is too short, you may not be telling a complete or detailed story. Too long, and you may not keep your reader’s attention.

Generate ideas

This Texas A&M essay is going to be about cause and effect. As you brainstorm , split your page into two columns: “Opportunities/Challenges” and “How I Was Affected.” The first column addresses the “what” part of your Texas A&M essay. The prompt asks about plural opportunities or challenges. Therefore, it is important you write down as many memories you can think of, as you’ll likely be picking more than one to include in your Texas A&M essay. Also, this prompt specifically asks about your high school career . Restrict your brainstorming to high school memories. 

The second column will be the “why” of your Texas A&M essay. Why is it important for the admissions team to hear this story? For each opportunity or challenge, write a corresponding bullet point that summarizes what you learned, how you grew, why you were proud of yourself, or why it was important to you.

Look for patterns

Once you’ve completed your brainstorm, start looking for patterns or ways to group your experiences. Was there a particular class you grew in? Perhaps there was a challenge that later reappeared as an opportunity. Or maybe there’s an aspect of your personality that shined through in multiple situations.

Whatever you settle on, be sure to refer to the three objectives before you start drafting your Texas A&M essay. This breakdown has already helped you be sure you are responding to the prompt, so you need to be sure the story you’ve outlined will reflect something about who you are and how you might positively impact Texas A&M’s community.

Tell your story

All that’s left to do is tell your story. As you begin drafting your Texas A&M application essays, be sure you aren’t simply listing facts or details. Instead, string them together with your thoughts, feelings, and interpretations. Even if the events on paper are simple, your voice is what makes will make you stand out .

Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your Texas A&M essay tell a story about opportunities or challenges you faced in high school? 
• Did you show how your experiences helped shape who you are?
• Does your Texas A&M essay have a point of view?

Texas A&M essay – Question 2 (Required for Engineering Applicants)

Describe your academic and career goals in the broad field of engineering (including computer science, industrial distribution, and engineering technology). What and/or who has influenced you either inside or outside the classroom that contributed to these goals? (no word limit).

According to the Texas A&M essay requirements, all applicants to the School of Engineering must respond to a second prompt and write a total of two Texas A&M admissions essays. Neither of the Texas A&M essay prompts has word counts, so there is no specific word limit for your Texas A&M essays. Because this question is more straightforward, we suggest keeping your second Texas A&M essay between 300-500 words.

Although the topics are different, both Texas A&M essay prompts are cause & effect questions. For this brainstorm, split your page into two columns: “Academic and Career Goals” and “Who/What Inspires Me.” List out what you hope to learn and the kind of work and research you might want to do at college as well as the kind of positions or work you’d like to hold or be involved in post-graduation (including grad school if you’re already thinking of attending). Remember, whatever you include on your inspiration list needs to have “contributed to these goals,” so as you list people, topics, or events, also write down how they helped lead you to your goals. 

Focus on what’s important

Once you have all the information and details you’d like to include, all you need to do is write about them in a way that shows who you are and what is important to you. For example, if you already know the kind of job you’d like to have one day, you could start with your academic goals, reflect upon your inspirations, and end with your career aspirations. Or if there was one pivotal moment that has defined your path, maybe start with that moment and tell the story of how that has led you to have the goals you have today.

Everyone’s goals and inspirations will be specific to them. However, a strong Texas A&M essay should focus on your passion for engineering. Let that passion shine through in your writing, and you’ll be sure to have Texas A&M application essays that will blow the admissions team away. 

• Did you describe your academic and career goals in your Texas A&M essay? 
• Have you shown what has inspired you to reach for these goals?
• Does your Texas A&M essay reflect your passion?

What does Texas A&M look for in essays?

To begin, you should think of the Texas A&M essays as a chance to introduce yourself. They’re also an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Therefore, you’ll want to write your Texas A&M application essays in your own voice and show how your unique experiences have impacted how you view the world. The admissions team cares about more than just your grades and test scores; they care about the person behind the numbers.

Although it is not specifically mentioned in the Texas A&M essay requirements, it is expected your essays have the correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. In addition to telling your story, the admissions department is looking for Texas A&M admissions essays that are clear and polished. Excellent editing and proofreading are a must. The less distracted your reader is by little mistakes, the easier it will be to focus on the story your Texas A&M essays are telling.  

Tips for writing Texas A&M essays

In addition to providing the Texas A&M essay requirements, the university has a College Readiness page with resources and tips to help you through the application process. Be sure to review these tips on the website or below.  Approaching the Texas A&M application essays can be daunting. CollegeAdvisor offers 39 Essay Tips from Admissions Experts that will you navigate the writing process.

Answer the question

Our guide has already broken down the Texas A&M essay prompts to be sure you’ve answered the question completely. As you settle on a topic, be sure to use your Texas A&M admissions essays as an opportunity to touch on something not mentioned anywhere else in your application. Although the Texas A&M essay requirements don’t specifically tell you to, providing new information will help give the admissions team a full picture of who you are and the experiences that have prepared you for college.

Be authentic

We’ve said to “use your voice,” which is just another way to say be authentic. While it is important you keep your audience in mind (and specifically use language appropriate to the formality of a college application), it is also important you stay true to who you are. There’s no need to try to sound smarter or funnier or more serious in your Texas A&M essays than you do in real life – Admissions wants you to be yourself. 

Focus on details

The details you include will make your Texas A&M application essays stand out from the rest. Even if your circumstances or experiences seem like everybody else’s, your experience of them is what makes them special and unique to you. Being specific will also help bring your story to life and help drop your reader into your shoes so they can better understand who you are and what you bring to the table. 

Proofread your essay

Proofread, proofread, proofread! Grammar or spelling mistakes aren’t the end of the world. However, they do distract your reader from what is important: your story. Whether or not you are a strong proofreader, have a second pair of eyes on your Texas A&M essays. A teacher, counselor, or guardian is a great place to start. Even a fellow peer can be a good resource. Most importantly, your reader should give feedback on both grammar and story. This will ensure your final draft is as polished as it can be. 

As you begin compiling all the information you’ll need for your application, check out the Admissions blog for prospective students. Additionally, if you’d like more tips from Texas A&M’s undergraduate admissions team on approaching your essays, check out this video on telling your story!

Texas A&M Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

If the essay requirements seem daunting to you, remember that the admissions team wants to be impressed by you. There are so many types of students and people in the world. It is impossible to know who a person is by their grades and test scores alone. Consequently, the admissions teams reads the Texas A&M admissions essays to get a better understanding of each candidate as a person. Unlike the other aspects of your application, you have complete control over your Texas A&M application essays. Take that freedom and use your Texas A&M essays to show them your best, most curious self. Start early. Then, you’ll have time to brainstorm, draft, edit, rewrite, and proofread. With a little preparation, your Texas A&M application essays can wow the admissions team.

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Texas A&M was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Texas A&M, click here . Want help crafting your Texas A&M admissions essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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How to Write the Texas A&M University Essays 2021-2022

Texas A&M University is a large public research institution and one of the biggest attractions in the city of College Station. As the flagship university of the Texas A&M University system, the school is one of the business, agriculture, and engineering giants of the South.

With a total undergraduate population of over 50,000, Texas A&M’s size has created the famous Aggie Network, otherwise known as the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M. This organization of over 640,000 Texas A&M alumni opens up a host of post-grad job opportunities through an extensive network of alumni known for sporting the golden Aggie Ring.

Long-held traditions further strengthen Aggie Pride. In accordance with their saying: “If it happens twice, it’s tradition!” come customs like the Midnight Yell, a gathering held the midnight before each home game, and the 12th Man, in which all spectators are expected to stand throughout football games.

Its 5 8% acceptance rate makes the university selective, though Texas students whose GPAs are at the top 10% of their high school class receive automatic admission. The rest of the student body must show that they have what it takes to be an Aggie through writing fantastic supplemental essays. Want to know your chances at Texas A&M? Calculate them for free right now !

Want to learn what Texas A&M will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Texas A&M needs to know.

Texas A&M Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants , tell us your story. what unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today (unspecified word count, so we recommend responding within 1.5 pages or between 500-750 words), applicants to the college of engineering:, describe your academic and career goals in the broad field of engineering (including computer science, industrial distribution, and engineering technology). what and/or who has influenced you either inside or outside the classroom that contributed to these goals (no word count was specified, so we recommend aiming for ~500 words).

Notice how you are encouraged to speak about an opportunity or a challenge. Many students believe that they must talk about a tragedy in order to grab the attention of admissions officers, but this isn’t true. An essay can easily be thoughtful, insightful, and an engaging read without utilizing this specific emotional appeal.

Still, stories about difficult circumstances are often memorable. They are most effective when focused primarily on the student’s journey of working through the challenge instead of the challenge itself. Check out Collegevine’s article if you would like more tips on writing about challenges .

You’re trying to stand out, so beware of overused tropes like the following:

• Mental illness: It takes enormous strength to heal from and learn to manage a mental illness. Still, they may be tricky to write about. Read our article for more information on covering mental illness and disabilities within your application .
• Getting a bad grade in a class but then working hard to raise it.
• Sports stories such as winning/losing the “big game” or getting injured.
• Death of a pet or family member.
• Mission trip which made you realize how lucky and privileged you are.

Side note : Sometimes students face challenges that are outside of their control and which have negatively impacted their academic and/or extracurricular performance. If this has been your experience, and you don’t plan to explain them within this essay response, you may ask one of your recommenders to do so through their letter of recommendation.

Now, there’s no such thing as a “bad” or “good” essay topic; students have gotten into top schools with essays about Costco, pizza deliveries, and sparkling water. It often matters less so what you write about than how you write about it! 

These common essay topics are only doable when well-written, specific, and featuring a fresh take. The story of how fixing your Calculus grade taught you the value of hard work is not nearly as interesting as that of a student who is diagnosed with dyscalculia—a disability which creates a difficulty in understanding and working with math and numbers—and then opens up a dyscalculia awareness club with plans to become a special education teacher. The latter story would demonstrate the student’s ability to turn preconceived weaknesses into strengths, and admissions officers will quickly see that though he may initially struggle with long division, this student is nonetheless a creative problem-solver.

Please be aware that although it is possible to make a “common” topic interesting, it is easier to write about a situation that is unique to begin with. Also, don’t feel pressured to write about a challenge, especially if the situation has happened so recently that you haven’t fully finished processing or growing from it.

With all of this in mind, let’s get into brainstorming! Many people begin their ideation process through writing long lists or even talking into their phones in an untethered stream-of-consciousness. Do whatever it takes to get your creative juices flowing! 

As you reflect, you may consider these questions:

• Which values and skills do you hold closest to your heart? Honesty? Hard work? Clear communication? Diversity? Environmental stewardship? Activism? Where did these priorities come from?
• What are you most grateful for? What are you most proud of? What risks have you taken which have paid off?
• What do you like to do? When and how did you get into it?
• How would your family and friends say you have changed for the better over the years, and why?
• Look back at your list of extracurricular activities. Which ones were challenging and/or special opportunities? When have you tried something new?

Practice self-compassion while considering topics, and know that none are too big or too small. You can write about anything from taking a summer math class (even though you’re more of an English person) to being a camp counselor to giving your first speech in front of a crowd.

Overall, the admissions officers are looking for growth. They want to see the circumstances you turned into opportunities for improvement. You may even reflect upon a situation that initially seemed like an unpleasant challenge but later revealed itself as a hidden opportunity. For example, you may have reluctantly let your friend drag you to a business club meeting before discovering a passion for economics and rising as a club leader.

Ideally, your story will be unique and offer a fresh perspective. Be specific about the challenge or opportunity you were presented with, and think about how it changed you for the better. 

Remember, they are literally asking for you to “tell [them] your story,” so consider using a narrative format, especially if storytelling is a talent of yours. 

Here’s a general outline: 

• If you choose to go with a traditional storytelling format, we recommend beginning with a vivid anecdote featuring rich imagery to draw the reader in or an unexpected premise which makes one have to read on in order to fully understand. 
• From there, you may dive into who you were at the time, how you felt and how you acted, before moving towards your turning point—the challenge or opportunity—from which you decided to grow. 
• Explain how, exactly, the turning point influenced you. Ask yourself: How did it make you feel? Excited and ready for more, or initially anxious? How did it impact you? Perhaps you learned something new about yourself, or maybe now you’re kinder, more confident, or a harder worker. 
• To mix it up a bit, you could even play with sequencing, perhaps starting with a moment of success before reflecting on all of the growth you had to complete to get to that point.

Finally, you are human, so you don’t have to portray yourself as perfect in the end. You are using this essay to talk about what may be one of your greatest strengths or sources of pride, but make sure to stay balanced with a humble tone.

This prompt is your opportunity to show Texas A&M you are a good fit for both the university and its programs. You are asked to cover a lot of ground here, so it is important to be specific throughout your essay. Use precise wording and double-check that each word, phrase, and detail has a place in your piece.

Let’s start by breaking down the academic and career goal components of this prompt. If you don’t have a clear plan for your future, don’t worry; most high schoolers don’t! Also, you aren’t tied down to whichever path you decide to write about, so feel free to get specific.

If it helps, think of the research you will perform for this prompt as an exercise in thinking about your future. Follow your natural curiosity while reading about the academics within the College of Engineering and the careers graduated Aggies often pursue. Hone in on the programs and opportunities which appeal to you most, many of which are featured on Texas A&M’s website .

Academic goals aren’t limited to getting good grades in school. These accomplishments may take many forms, including the following:

• Research opportunities! These are readily available to undergraduates, especially through the competitive Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Texas A&M offers potential research goals through independent research-based courses, employment, summer programs, special honors and awards, and more. Check out current research programs and see which professors and projects you resonate with most. 
• Graduating with a specific major(s)/minor(s)
• Continuing to a graduate school or program
• Receiving specific academic honors or scholarships 
• Entering the Honors Program, which will create special opportunities that are in line with your academic and personal priorities.

A solid engineering degree such as the one you will receive at Texas A&M will likely open up to a fascinating and challenging career within any of a multitude of given specialties. The engineering umbrella is broad, but you have to pick one to focus on for this prompt when describing your career interests. What’s your dream engineering job, or your target field? What type of engineering most interests you and why?

When discussing your aspirations both within your career and academic world, directly connect them to opportunities offered by Texas A&M to demonstrate that you’re a strong fit. Don’t just say that you would like to perform research; say that as a prospective aerospace engineering major and computer science minor, you hope to join Professor Jacques Richard in his aero-propulsion studies under the Aero-U program. Due to circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic, some opportunities may be delayed, canceled, or altered, so be aware of this and look deeply into each option.

Now that we’ve covered which goals you would like to pursue, let’s get into explaining why these goals matter to you. Instead of focusing on relatively superficial aspects of your aspirations, like prestige and pay, think about what makes it interesting, worthwhile, or personally fulfilling. This may be linked to your description of the “whats or whos” which have influenced you to pursue these goals. 

Finding a “who” to write about is relatively straightforward, as many of us can point to the people in our lives who have pushed us in the right direction. Think back on your family members, friends, mentors, and teachers who believed in your ability to succeed academically or in the general world of engineering. This could be anyone, but most importantly, this person somehow pushed you to work harder or simply led by example.

For example, having a mechanic as a father may have sparked your fascination with deconstructing and reconstructing mechanical systems for maximum efficiency, leading you to a path in manufacturing and mechanical engineering. 

The “What,” our second potential motivator, is much more open-ended. Yours may be an event, background, special interest, closely-held value, childhood fascination turned adult aspiration, or even an innate personality trait. 

For example, your childhood fascinations with puzzles and remote-controlled robots, followed by your later software position with your high school’s Robotics Team, may all be indicative of your inclination towards problem-solving, which influenced your decision to major in Computer Science.

As you’re tying all the aforementioned aspects of your response together, make sure to maintain cohesive links between all of them. Your academic and career goals should be aligned with your professed personal qualities as well as the influences you claim the people and things in your life have had on you. Through writing clearly and concisely, you’ll paint a compelling portrait of your character as someone with direction, drive, and a future as a fantastic asset to Texas A&M’s vibrant community. 

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Writing a Standout Response to Texas A&M's Engineering Application Prompt

A&m requires 3 short answer prompts this year - learn the k eys to writing them here ..

The Texas A&M University College of Engineering is the biggest college at the university and one of the largest engineering schools in the country, with more than 20,000 students across 14 departments. According to the American Society for Engineering Education, it ranks second in undergraduate enrollment and eighth in graduate enrollment.

As part of the application to A&M’s College of Engineering, students are asked to write a short answer to the following prompt.

Texas A&M Engineering Short-answer prompt

Describe your academic and career goals in the broad field of engineering (including computer science, industrial distribution, and engineering technology). What and/or who has influenced you either inside or outside the classroom that contributed to these goals?

How to approach this question

In responding to the prompt, the students’ goal should be to communicate to the admissions committee what makes their proposed field of study engaging and exciting to them. The committee doesn’t expect students to be an expert in the field, or to have their career mapped out in advance. What it does want is to understand why students want to pursue studies in the field—and to see that they’ve thought carefully about academic and career goals and are prepared to devote four or more years to studying engineering.

• To stand out, students’ responses should demonstrate the following: They’ve already begun exploring their proposed field of study, either through independent study or through organized opportunities like classes, summer programs, and internships.
• They have a sense of purpose about becoming an engineer and can articulate how their interest in engineering has grown over time and the program they’re applying to will help them meet long-term career goals.
• They’ve thought about what makes Texas A&M the right place to pursue their proposed field of study.

Remember: Students should show how and why they, specifically, are eager to take advantage of the opportunities that A&M offers, not about what some generic student might get from A&M.

Questions for reflection and freewriting

It’s not enough to answer this prompt with a list of classes, extracurriculars, and awards pulled straight from a resume. Instead, students should identify two or three experiences that have been especially meaningful for them, and reflect on how those experiences helped inspire and shape their interest in engineering. 

How did these experiences shape your interest in the field of study you want to pursue? Did they expose you to issues or problems that you hadn’t been aware of, or help you gain new perspective on your life, culture, or community? Did they help you learn new skills or approaches to solving problems?

How did you grow through these experiences? Did they help you understand something important, or spark you to take action of some kind? Clarify or deepen existing interests? Open doors to careers or fields of study you hadn’t previously considered?

Personalizing your answer

Students who haven’t participated in summer programs or taken directly relevant courses might need to get a little more creative here. Remember: learning experiences take place in all areas of life, not just in formal classroom settings. If students have taken the initiative to explore a topic independently, it can demonstrate that they’re self-motivated and intellectually curious—just the type of applicants that Texas A&M is looking to admit. Here are some ways that students may have independently explored their interests:

• Reading books or other publications
• Watching lectures on YouTube
• Listening to podcasts
• Having conversations about what they’re learning with friends, family, or classmates
• Finding ways to incorporate their interests into school assignments 
• Applying classroom knowledge or practical skills from one area of life to solve problems or tackle challenges in other areas
• Talking with teachers or reaching out to professionals in their field of interest
• Gathering information from real-world experiences, even if they don’t seem directly connected to students’ field of interest

Bottom line: For a student’s application to stand out from others in the stack that the admission committee will be reviewing, his or her answer to this prompt can’t just regurgitate information from a resume or personal essay. Instead, students should focus on and offer new insight into their connection with and passion for engineering. 

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School of Engineering Medicine | Texas A&M University

Inside Second Look Day at Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine  

May 13, 2024 By Krystel Johnson

Welcome to Second Look Day at EnMed, where the future of engineering medicine becomes real before the eyes of potential students. Second Look Day isn’t just another campus tour; it’s a deeper understanding of engineering medicine and a chance for potential students to see what makes EnMed unique. For many, Second Look Day is the start of a lifelong dream and a meaningful step toward their calling as future physicianeers.  

For this year’s event, Alyssa and her team curated an exciting lineup, aiming to engage attendees in the dynamic world of EnMed. “We wanted to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience that helps prospective students make informed decisions about their medical education journey and excite them about becoming a physicianeer,” she explains.  

The agenda was thoughtfully prepared to showcase the diverse opportunities awaiting future physicianeers. “We included tours of EnMed Tower, the Houston Methodist Research Institute, and Houston Methodist Hospital,” Alyssa elaborates. “Also, hands-on simulations in our CLRC, a mock lecture from our very own Dr. Rhome Hughes, and dedicated sessions with program faculty and staff allowed attendees to receive enrollment information and answers to all their questions.”  

Second Look Day allows prospective students to experience firsthand the EnMed community and curriculum that defines our unique program. Furthermore, dedicated sessions with program faculty and staff provided attendees with valuable enrollment information and answers to all their questions, ensuring each person who came left feeling empowered and informed.

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Marine Engineering Technology Makes Innovations In Training    

May 13, 2024

By Taylor Bounds, Division of Marketing and Communications

The Department of Marine Engineering Technology at Texas A&M University at Galveston is leading the industry's future with new opportunities for hands-on education. With over 90% of everything we eat, wear or use traveling across oceans and inland waterways, the department is helping to meet the maritime industry's need for skilled engineers with the knowledge and technical skills to keep the maritime sector afloat.

The department hosts the Marine Simulation Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a realistic and immersive training environment. Boasting both ship's engine and bridge simulations, they can be run individually or as a comprehensive unit, with each side communicating with and impacting what happens in the other. Running off of a complex computer program with 3D renderings of a variety of engine rooms, students can navigate the simulation from either a computer monitor or virtual reality headset, functioning similarly to a multiplayer video game, allowing students to interact with each other.

The engine simulator, which opened in the fall of 2023, replicates the operations of a ship's engine room, providing practical experience in managing and troubleshooting various types of marine engines. Instructors can introduce different elements, such as stress or efficiency, in real-time, preparing students to respond to the variables of a ship's engine room. These experiences are fundamental in teaching students about fuel management, engine maintenance and emergency procedures.

The new Damage Control Flooding Trainer arrived in late March. This one-of-a-kind, custom trainer is a physical structure, approximately 20 feet x 10 feet x 8 feet, used to train students to respond to different potential flooding casualties. Its design is a collaboration with the trainer's builder, G&M Welding, and the Marine Engineering Technology faculty.

Key upgrades between the old and the new include double doors that serve as primary and secondary flooding boundaries, flooding bulkheads and decks, a sprung hatch, a mock electrical shutoff panel and an overhead “blackout” covering that can be used to simulate blackout ship conditions. Similar to the Propulsion Simulation Laboratory, the Damage Control Flooding Trainer is used to train both marine engineering technology and marine transportation students, as well as non-academic programs like NROTC.

When the double doors are secure and the students are ready, the simulator floods,  creating a high-stress but low-stakes situation; students are pressured to use their critical thinking skills to respond to an emergency, but do so in a safe and controlled environment.

These simulators work alongside other labs on campus,   giving marine engineering technology students a well-rounded, practical and comprehensive academic experience. One such lab is the newly created Rapid Prototyping Laboratory, which offers students new capabilities in transforming their designs into physical models. With several 3D printers and water jet cutting equipment, this laboratory is extensively used in senior capstone courses. In addition, last year the department acquired a state-of-the-art universal testing machine in the Strength of Materials Laboratory to replace the previous 60-year-old machine. This equipment is capable of tensile, compression, flex, friction, and shear tests and can handle loads up to 300 Kilogram Newtons.

Paired with additional training opportunities students can pursue through the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, Galveston Aggies are positioned to lead and shape the future of the maritime industry.

"Our training capabilities are great assets to our program, the university, and the maritime industry as a whole," said Dr. Alok Verma, department head and professor in the Department of Marine Engineering Technology. "I'm proud of our faculty's work to make these spaces a reality. They've not only created a training facility, but also a gateway to safer and more efficient maritime operations. During the last four years, the department has been able to upgrade most laboratories, thanks to the financial support from upper administration."

More: Read more about TAMUG Research Read more about Marine Engineering Technology Read more about Student Life

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Texas A&M University at Galveston is the marine and maritime branch campus of Texas A&M University which educates nearly 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation. It is driving the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region and is a critical contributor to Texas A&M's rare land-, sea-, space-grant mission with nearly $10 million in research expenditures.

Texas A&M-Galveston is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of six state maritime academies and the only one in the southern United States, which trains over 400 cadets annually for maritime service and employment around the world.

Texas A&M-Galveston is located in Galveston, Texas on the Gulf Coast where it is surrounded by industry, environment and programs essential to fulfilling its special-purpose mission. Aggies are known for their deep commitment to the success of each other and their strong desire to serve.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, texas a&m statement of purpose examples.

Hey everyone! I'm applying to Texas A&M and I need to write a statement of purpose essay. I'm feeling kinda lost on how to approach it. Can anyone share some examples or tips to write an effective statement of purpose? Thank you!

Hey there! Writing a statement of purpose can indeed be a daunting task, but worry not, I'm here to help you out. Your statement of purpose should primarily focus on your motivation for choosing Texas A&M and your desired major, your academic and extracurricular background, and how all of this ties into your future goals. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling statement of purpose:

1. Start by introducing your interest in Texas A&M and your intended major: Explain what specifically draws you to the university and your field of study. For example, you might mention Texas A&M's strong engineering program, the prevalence of cutting-edge research, or the unique campus atmosphere.

2. Elaborate on your academic background: Mention any relevant coursework, research experiences, internships, or projects you've completed, and how they've prepared you for success in your chosen major at Texas A&M. For instance, if you have taken advanced math and science courses, participated in a research project, or interned at an engineering firm, you could discuss how these experiences have helped you develop crucial skills.

3. Discuss your extracurricular involvement: Highlight the activities you've been involved in that demonstrate your dedication to your intended major, your leadership qualities, and your ability to contribute to Texas A&M's community. This could include clubs, sports, volunteer work, or any other initiatives you've been a part of.

4. Connect your background and goals: Explain the connection between your educational and extracurricular experiences, your intended major, and your future career aspirations. For example, if you're interested in aerospace engineering, talk about how the foundation you've built through relevant courses, internships, and research projects will help you excel at Texas A&M and, eventually, work in the aerospace industry.

5. Conclude by reaffirming your commitment and excitement: Wrap up your statement of purpose by emphasizing your enthusiasm for Texas A&M and your intended major, and how you're eager to make the most of the opportunities available to you as a student there.

Here are some examples of shorter Texas A&M essays that aren't the statement of purpose, but still can give you a good idea of what colleges are looking for: https://blog.collegevine.com/texas-am-essay-examples

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Texas A&M McAllen Graduate Will Continue Her Engineering Family’s Legacy

May 15, 2024 By Yahaira Hernandez

Paloma Lyke ’24, of McAllen, Texas, enrolled at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen in 2019, just one year after its doors opened. On May 10, 2024, Lyke graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary engineering and a minor in electrical engineering. Her goal has always been to become an engineering professional, an occupation that her father and forefathers have practiced since the 1800s.

“My family legacy inspired me to go into engineering. My great-grandfather worked as a train engineer, my grandfather worked as a weapons engineer in New Mexico in the 1950s, and my dad was an engineer that worked with computers and manufacturing,” Lyke said. 

Lyke’s family on her father’s side is originally from Spring Valley, Minnesota. “My great-grandfather, Byron A. Lyke worked as an engineer from the 1890s until World War II on commercial and industrial steam engines. As conventional steam technology gave way to combustion engines, he worked with the modernization and automation of telephone equipment, particularly automatic dialing and switching. His career spanned from trains and telegraph to planes and satellite communications,” Lyke said.

Byron's son (Paloma’s grandfather), James E. Lyke, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Northwestern Electronics Institute. He later attained certifications from the Weapons School and Nuclear Physics and Radiological Defense School in Sandia Base, New Mexico. He worked in the radiological defense office where he maintained the fire control system on nuclear weapons, including radar and barometric equipment.

“He instructed personnel in the assembly and disassembly of nuclear weapons and also researched and tested nuclear and radiological warfare at White Sands and Dugway proving grounds,” Lyke said.

In the 1970s, James moved his family to the Rio Grande Valley. His son, Chris B. Lyke followed in his father's footsteps and studied electronics and electrical engineering at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. After graduating, he worked in electronics manufacturing and circuit board assembly and testing. He later became the process engineer at Kimball Electronics and then joined the IT team as a network and systems engineer.

Chris’ career inspired his daughter Paloma to pursue a similar path, further solidifying her family’s engineering legacy.

From a young age, Paloma felt a strong connection to engineering and all the creativity and innovation that it comes with. Once Paloma joins the industry, she will proudly become the first Latina engineer in her family.

“I have always had a passion for math, drawing and design. I’m so excited to become the first Latina engineer in my family. Now that I’ve graduated, my goal is to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and become a licensed engineer in the Rio Grande Valley,” Lyke said.

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AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife's digital magazine and newsroom

Buser named Endowed Chair in Cotton Engineering

Faculty position to bolster department of biological and agricultural engineering engagement with industry.

March 18, 2024 - by Adam Russell

Michael Buser, Ph.D., is far from retirement, but he feels his career has brought him full circle.

Buser was recently appointed the Endowed Chair in Cotton Engineering, Ginning and Mechanization for the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences .

Buser called the appointment “something really special,” in part because his doctorate advisor Calvin Parnell, Ph.D., professor emeritus, was the first endowed Cotton Engineering chair.

“It feels like my career has brought me right back to where I started,” Buser said. “Dr. Parnell created an incredibly collaborative program that led to ag engineering research projects across the country and innovations that addressed challenges for industry.”

Connecting the cotton engineering community

Buser said, like Parnell, he wants to build a community that connects the cotton industry, federal cotton researchers and other university researchers with Texas A&M faculty and students in a way that provides opportunities for cutting-edge research and learning opportunities while also providing engineering solutions for industry from “dirt to shirt.”

Patricia Smith, Ph.D., Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering head, said the department was happy to have someone with Buser’s more than 25 years of agricultural engineering experience as a new faculty member. She said his role is a critical position for engagement and collaboration to support one of the most important agricultural industries in the state – cotton.

Texas cotton production contributes $2.4 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economic report. From 2019 to 2021, Texas cotton producers averaged 6.2 million bales of cotton on 4.6 million harvested acres, generating $2.1 billion in production value. The Texas cotton industry supports more than 40,000 jobs statewide and $1.55 billion in annual labor income.

“Dr. Buser’s expertise and background uniquely position him to create collaborative teams to pursue some of the biggest challenges in agriculture today,” Smith said. “The cotton industry, which endowed the chair, is thrilled to see someone of Dr. Buser’s caliber representing their priorities both in the state of Texas and across the Cotton Belt.”

Creating opportunities through collaboration, engagement

Buser’s short-term goal is to strengthen the department’s position with cotton industry stakeholders and develop cotton-related opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Dr. Parnell created a mutually beneficial networking and collaborative powerhouse with stakeholders, and I want to reestablish those relationships,” he said. “Building relationships and community is what will drive the success of our program.”

Building a strong collaborative network will also include engagement with state and federal agencies like the Texas Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture , USDA, as well as other academic institutions.

Buser said collaborations with various stakeholders will create research, teaching and outreach opportunities for faculty and students within the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, the College and beyond.

One of the benchmarks for success, he said, will be producing students who are prepared to contribute to the industry. Their ability to provide innovative, economically viable and sustainable engineering solutions to present and future challenges in agricultural systems will support industry goals while also reinforcing the department’s strong reputation in cotton and agricultural engineering.

Although Buser said preparing students begins in the classroom, labs and field, he also stressed the importance of connecting undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities like internships within the cotton industry as well as identifying ways for students to network with industry members, including industry events.

“This type of engagement helps students identify career paths and employers identify students with talent, expertise and intangible qualities their operations need,” he said.

Championing cotton engineering research, education and outreach

Buser hopes to champion improvements and enhancements to the program’s infrastructure, including lab facilities and technology within the department, to support faculty recruitment and student development. The goal is for the program’s facilities to support faculty’s ability to provide cutting-edge instruction in fields related to prescription agriculture, like automation; alternative energy, including agrivoltaics and bioenergy; data analytics, like artificial intelligence and decision support tools; and machinery design and development.

“It is a lofty goal, but we want students learning on the newest tech and in an environment that inspires innovation,” he said. “Hands-on teaching benefits the students, but it also benefits industry to have them ready to contribute and succeed. I’m optimistic that mutually beneficial industry partnerships alongside grants and other funding streams can turn this vision into a reality.”

Buser said the Chair in Cotton Engineering, Ginning and Mechanization has an outstanding advisory council that includes ginners, producers, cotton associations and equipment manufacturers members. This council also includes members who were key leaders within the industry before their retirement.

The advisory council has also embraced the current vision for the department’s cotton program because they were involved in identifying key pillars for the next five, 10 and 15 years of the program’s vision, Buser said.  

Buser said all agree the path forward includes expansion through collaboration. This initiative includes expanding the advisory council membership and developing a strong network of non-council partnerships that include other Texas A&M University departments, Texas A&M AgriLife centers, USDA Agricultural Research Service units and other universities, state and federal agencies, and information technology and agricultural industries.

“For me, this is the dream team,” Buser said. “It is really exciting to see some of our expansion efforts coming to life already. Our cotton program is very fortunate to have such highly engaged and amazing council members.”

Motivation to make a mentor proud

Buser said he hopes his career path and established relationships lend well to our vision for the program. He received his biosystems engineering bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University and his doctorate at Texas A&M University under Parnell’s supervision.

He’s spent the past 26 years in agricultural engineering, including as a research engineer for USDA Agricultural Research Service and a professor at Oklahoma State University. Most recently, Buser served as the inaugural national program leader for engineering at the USDA Agricultural Research Service.  

“It’s an exciting challenge,” he said. “It feels surreal to come into this office, and not be the student pestering Dr. Parnell, but stepping into my mentor’s shoes. What an incredible opportunity and blessing. I cannot wait to see what our cotton engineering, ginning and mechanization teams achieve.”

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