Hi @midclassdad your son has strong stats (on UT board) for an engineering major. You may want to contact admissions and see if they can make the switch over the next few weeks as kids accept/decline offers.
Texas A&M is a strong engineering school with more possibility of scholarships than UT for their strong students (even OOS). A&M is also strong in Petroleum and Chemical engineering. With your son’s stats you will most likely get Engineering Honors with benefits like early registration, scholarships, research and advising. UT offers very few Engineering Honors spots.
There is a difference in campus feel. As you may remember I have a son at UT Engineering. I find that campus to be high energy, efficient, busy. Everyone goes about their business. My older son likes it that way.
When we visited Texas A&M, we noticed that the campus had a very friendly and welcoming feel. The strong engineering programs combined with the core Aggie values to build character make A&M a strong contender. Besides we have heard of the strong Aggie Network that is a connection for life. It’s almost like being part of a family. I don’t have a kid at A&M, but the school is a top choice for my younger son.