<p>Is it a lot harder to get accepted to Texas A&M without qualifying for one of the automatic admission categories? </p>
<p>The process for review admits are so different to the auto admits. A top 10% admit only has to get minimal scores (especially comparative to their ability ). An academic admit has to get both GPA rank & scores but no EC are needed or great essays. A review admit can slip slightly on either (or both) rank & scores but has to write great essays, be involved with EC, show interest, etc.</p>
<p>For everyone what is considered easy will be based on what was difficult for you to accomplish. The auto admits only compete against themselves in a very well defined parameter, the review admits are subject to each year’s admission pool and thus fluctuating standards. IMO that is the most difficult part, not knowing where you stand as a review admit & the long wait to discover your fate.</p>
<p>Much harder. Many applicants with much better stats than those of the automatics (especially the top 10%) get turned down. </p>
<p>It is much harder, but if you are VERY CLOSE to academic admit you have a much better chance (SAT of 1290 instead of 1300 for example). My first daughter was in review like this 2 years ago, but did get accepted in October. Many Review applicants don’t hear until March.</p>