Texas A & M University - College Station

However, if you're from out-of-state, keep these things in mind: there are 2 predominating schools of thought on the school.

The students are extremely friendly, and school spirit is almost non-escapable. Smiles and "howdy"s are abundant. The alumni networking is strong as school loyalty and pride is very pervasive.

Indeed, for 90% of the students, the student body of 45,000 feels like a big family. For the other 10%, it is a cult. It seems like like every student is made from the same mold, as they are almost all caucasian, conservative, and harbor the same close-mindedness. Just consider this: up until late 1960s, the school was an all-male military school. And today the so-called "cadets" are still the most visible group on campus with an undeniable presence.

There are no cheerleaders, instead, they have male "yell-leaders". Attractive, isn't it? The university have made a baby-step forward by finally allowing a cheerleading squad in 2000.... to the protest of MANY students who claim that it "ruins the Aggie tradition and spirit". That's something to think about.

If you follow all the rules like a good little piggy, you'll be a top Aggie in their eyes. If you wear a hat in the Memorial building, you'll be faced with violent opposition from the dear cadets (yes, it has happened, NUMEROUS times). the traditions, as you may have heard, are strong, however rediculous they are; take the burning of thousands of logs in the giant Bonfire, for example. Do not dare speaking up against it. Homosexual? forget about going to this school.

It seems backwards as students typically become more independent in college, but A&M is all about the majority. Either you love it or you hate it.