Texas A&M Builds On Top 10 Success Enrolling National Merit Scholars

Texas A&M University is stepping up its efforts to enroll even more National Merit Scholars and other high-achieving students, building on its success in this year joining the “top 10” ranks in attracting new National Merit Scholars – and placing second nationally among public universities.

More than 250 high-achieving high school students are attending Texas A&M’s National Scholars Invitational this summer, a program designed to offer select academically-gifted students the opportunity to experience both the academic and student life aspects of the university, officials note. That experience includes meeting with members of the faculty to explore fields of study and future career possibilities. Student leaders also meet with the students to explain various aspects of campus life—including numerous opportunities to hone leadership skills and related attributes that will serve them well during their college careers and beyond.

They note the university had “extraordinary success” during the current academic year in attracting new National Merit Scholars, according to tabulations compiled from listings in the most recent annual report of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The tabulations show Texas A&M, in placing 10th, to have enrolled 162 National Merit Scholars during the most recent admissions session, which equates to freshman enrollment for the 2014-15 academic year, the officials note. Texas A&M enrolled 150 new National Merit Scholars the previous year.

“Texas A&M is known for providing exceptionally high-quality academic opportunities, alongside leadership development through participation in any of our over 1,000 student-run organizations. Great students understand this, and that understanding is reflected in their decision to come here,” said Texas A&M President Michael K. Young. “We warmly welcome them and know they will have an extraordinary, truly transformative educational experience.”

The 162 noted National Merit Scholars are those new to Texas A&M. Overall, the university has 583 National Merit Scholars enrolled, according to the university’s latest tabulations.

“Our office and the campus community devote a large amount of time and effort to showcase the amazing academic and leadership opportunities available at Texas A&M for National Scholars. Feedback from students as well as the overall rankings shows that it is making a difference,” said Assistant Vice President of Academic Services and Director of Admissions Scott McDonald.

Not only do such student scholars have access to exclusive scholarship packages, they are also invited to attend specialized fall and spring programs hosted by the Office of Admissions, McDonald explained. Each program is tailored to the students attending, ensuring that their experiences encompass all that Texas A&M affords high-achieving students. Visiting the campus, getting to know current students and faculty and learning of the variety of student life opportunities are contributing factors in the high enrollment this year, McDonald added.

“We all see the incredible talent and knowledge these students possess, and we want these scholars to bring their skill set to Texas A&M,” said Senior Admissions Counseling Advisor Kati Clark, who leads Texas A&M National Scholar programming.

The other top 10 institutions in enrollment of new National Merit Scholars are (in order): University of Oklahoma (313—only other public university among the top 10), University of Chicago (299), Harvard (240), Vanderbilt (237), Southern California (235), Northwestern (216), Washington University (212), Stanford (188) and Yale (180).

The enrollment figures were derived from listings in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s 2014 annual report.