<p>My son is WL at top choice, so now he's seriously considering one of his safety schools-A&M. I'm seeing odd comments about A&M on other threads, but nothing specific. Everyone is being too diplomatic, and we need advice before May. I've never even been to Texas---- HELP!</p>
<p>Do NOT let your son enroll at TAMU unless he has visited the campus and is absolutely sure that he would be comfortable there. Although the school offers top-quality academics for some majors (especially engineering and business), it has a very unusual vibe that is not for everyone. Very conservative, rah-rah school spirit, pro-military and wave-the-flag patriotism. </p>
<p>I went to TAMU for graduate school. I was a Yankee from NY (having never been west of the Catskills) so it was a very big adjustment for me. That being said, I had a wonderful time and made many friends there. But it is definitely different -- so be forewarned!!!!</p>
<p>A friend's daughter is going there and her son will be next year. The grandfather was an alum. They brought a video of their campus visit to our house. I was in shock. It was like watching a throwback from the 60s. Very conservative, very pro-military, very patriotic. Definitely not for everyone but for the right kid apparently a great school. Friend's daughter will be a junior next year and wouldn't dream of being anywhere else.</p>
<p>The city is relatively small (around 60,000 people, 120,000 if you include the twin city), which means that there's not always a lot to do. Many Aggies seem to spend every weekend at the Dixie Chicken and various other bars near campus. The school is huge, so students do not receive as much personal attention as they might at smaller universities. As has been stated before, quite conservative (although there is certainly a liberal sector of the population), which can be a big negative for some and a positive for others.</p>