Aggie Eagle Program Overview
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The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets–The BSA Eagle Scouts–
Two Groups–Same Character
Aggie Eagle Program – September 19 – 20, 2008
WHAT IS THE AGGIE EAGLE PROGRAM (AEP)?
It is a recruiting program for the Corps of Cadets of Texas A&M University which is held once each fall and spring semester. Traditionally, the Corps has 300+ members who hold the BSA Eagle Scout rank or the GSUSA Gold Award. The AEP recognizes that the same traits that motivate a youngster to join scouts also encourage them, as collegians, to join the Corps.
WHEN DOES THE NEXT AEP TAKE PLACE?
The next event will be held September 19 – 20, 2008 at Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas. The program will include the Miami (Fla) vs. Texas A&M football game. (SEE DRAFT AGENDA HERE)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All attending scouts must be juniors or seniors in high school. They must be Eagle Scouts or Gold Award Recipients. However, if they are still actively involved in Scouting as juniors and seniors, they will be deemed eligible for the AEP. Thus, Life, Venture and Sea Scouts are eligible.
ARE THERE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?
The AEP does have certain standards that attendees must meet. These are the program's minimums. They do not guarantee admission to TAMU.
Juniors must meet either one of the criteria below:
- Be in the top ¼ of their class, and have either a 1050 SAT score or a105 PSAT score (combination of math/critical reading sections only) or
- Be in the top ½ of their class, and have either a 1150 SAT score or a 115 PSAT score (combination of math/critical reading sections only)
Note: Juniors who are in the top ¼ of their class but do not meet these requirements may seek a waiver by contacting the Program Director, Joe G. Bax at joegbax@yahoo.com or 936-851-2576 and by explaining their situation that would support a waiver. The Program Director will then forward the information to the Deputy Commandant for a decision.
Seniors must meet any one of the four criteria below:
- Be in the Top 10% of their class, or
- Be considered an 'Academic Admit'
-- Top ¼ of class and either a minimum 1300 SAT (at least 600 on both critical reading and math components) or 30 ACT (minimum 27 in ACT English and ACT Math) or - Be in the top ¼ of their class and have either a minimum 1050 SAT score (combination of math/critical reading sections only) or 23 ACT score, or
- Be in the top ½ of their class and have either a minimum 1150 SAT score (combination of math/critical reading sections only) or 25 ACT score
Note: Seniors who do not meet these should look into the Galveston option. If they are willing to consider the Galveston Option, then they may proceed to the registration page and register for the AEP.
WHY ATTEND?
The Program will provide the scouts with a unique opportunity to see Texas A&M and to become familiar with the Aggie Corps of Cadets while in the company of their fellow scouts. When possible, Scouts will be paired with Cadets who were also scouts. Attendees will be housed in the Corps dorms. It is an official campus visit sponsored by the Office of the Commandant of the Corps. Thus, it is an excused absence in most school districts. Scouts will be counseled on the admission process and will receive valuable information regarding loans, scholarships and ROTC Programs. Attendees will be eligible for Corps Scholarships. Corps scholarships do not require military service, and may be used in conjunction with other scholarships.
WHAT IS THE COST?
$35 per scout (non-refundable). After registering on-line, the scout will be contacted. Assuming they meet the qualifications for attending, a confirmation packet will be mailed to the scout. Certain forms and the non-refundable $35 fee will have to be returned to the Corps Center. The scouts registration is not reserved until the forms and the payment are received. The number of attendees is limited. Prompt return of the forms is encouraged--forms must be returned no later than September 12th, 2008 to be considered for the program.
When making travel arrangements, if traveling by bus or plane, please make your arrival/departure destination Bryan, Texas (Bus) or College Station, Texas (air). Texas A&M will provide transportation to and from ONLY the Bryan Bus Station or the College Station airport (Easterwood Field). If you are traveling by bus or air, please make that known as early as possible so we can be sure to plan for your arrival and departure.
MAY PARENTS ATTEND?
Yes, parents are encouraged to attend. Most of the Parent events are held on Friday of the AEP. Near the time of the event, a schedule will be posted on the Corps website. Sessions that parents may attend will be identified. Parents generally enjoy the Recognition Banquet. Scouts will attend a football game for the fall event, a basketball game during the spring. The Corps will provide the ticket for the scout’s admission. Parents will have to purchase their own ticket through the athletic department or the 12th Man Foundation. A special parent’s session will be conducted. While the scouts will be housed with the Corps, parents will have to provide their own accommodations.
WHERE SHOULD PARENTS STAY?
Hotels/motels in the Bryan/College Station may fill up during football weekends. Parents should make reservations as soon as possible. More on possible locations can be found here: http://www.bryan-collegestation.org/
OUT OF STATE SCOUTS
All qualified scouts attending the Aggie Eagle Program will be considered for a Corps Scholarship. Corps Scholarships do not require military service. They may be used in conjunction with other scholarships, e.g. University, home town, Kiwanis etc. If a Corps Scholarship is awarded to a scout who is not a resident of Texas, the recipient may qualify for in-state tuition. This is a tuition reduction of approximately $30,000 over four years.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
You may register here: Register Online Now or by selecting the 'Register Online Now' link in the top right-hand column of this page and provide the requested information. If you have any questions you may call Joe G. Bax '01, 936-851-2576, joegbax@yahoo.com, or call Ms Erin Steffey or Ms. Theresa Becka at 1-800-TAMUAGS.
