How does A&M rank for first-year experience and study abroad?

[Parker]

Beyond the WSJ rankings, I saw that Texas A&M also ranked No. 1 in Texas in a U.S. News category for how well universities "support students in their transition to college life" . They were specifically recognized for excellence in first-year experience and study abroad. That's huge for me.

I'm nervous about the jump to a huge university, so knowing they have strong programs to help freshmen adjust is a big plus. Also, study abroad is something I really want to do. A&M also made the top 10 lists for its engineering and business programs . For anyone who goes there, are these rankings just fluff, or can you actually feel the support and opportunities on campus?

 

[Amanda]

I'm gonna give you the honest Aggie take:

First-year experience: 9/10. Fish Camp is weird but works. The dorms force interaction. There's always something happening. You won't be lonely unless you try to be.

Study abroad: 8/10. Huge variety of programs. Faculty-led trips, exchanges, summer options. But here's the thing — engineering and business students struggle to fit study abroad in because the degree plans are so rigid. You might need to do a summer program or take a whole semester off-sequence. Plan ahead.

Bottom line: Rankings are accurate but not magic. You get what you put in. Gig 'em.