Howdy!

My name is David Mebane and both my wife and I graduated from Texas A&M (Class of ‘98), and our son is Class of '28.

I am thrilled that you have chosen to spend a day in Aggieland getting to know the University and the Aggie Spirit that comes with it.

Several years ago I began hosting prospective students and their parents on a 24-hour experience that I think highlights the uniqueness of Texas A&M.

During our visit we will have the opportunity to hear directly from current students, including the Student Body President. We will visit a variety of dorm configurations, the Rec Center, the Memorial Student Center, and numerous places on campus to learn about the most special Texas A&M traditions. Our day will conclude with important (and accurate) information from an Admissions Advisor regarding the application process.

It's going to be a fun 24 hours in Aggieland!

Breakaway is the largest on-campus worship service in the world, and it is special to see thousands of university students seeking God together in a college environment.

If you're running behind, we will be in the reserved seats at the bottom of Section #.

The hotel has a restaurant and a coffee shop in the lobby.

Gather together in front of the hotel with your bikes and locks, and be ready to roll.

With over 500,000 square feet, the flagship facility has something for everyone including a weights and exercise room, climbing wall, pools, basketball, indoor soccer, boxing, outdoor gear rental, racquet ball courts, indoor track, bouldering area, and more!

This is a highlight for the high school students because they learn what Aggieland is really like directly from current Aggies. It's the perfect opportunity to ask their questions about the next chapter of their lives.

The Memorial Student Center (MSC) is the hub of Main Campus, and was dedicated on Muster Day 1951 to all Aggies that have given their lives in service of our country. Inside the MSC are restaurants, the campus bookstore, art galleries, lounge areas, the Flag Room, and individual memorials to all Aggies that have received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

At Mays Business School, "Bigger Than Business" means leading with integrity, advancing ideas that serve others, and creating impact that reaches further than ourselves. We’re not just shaping careers. We’re shaping a world that needs what we stand for: in classrooms, in boardrooms, in communities — together as a force for good. At Mays, it’s not just about what you do. It’s about how you show up. And the leader you become in the process. Because here, business isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning of something… bigger.

Catch a glimpse of what college dorm life is like. Visit five residence hall styles in Northside Hullabaloo Hall.  

Note: Each student should sign up for the 11am 'Residence Hall Tour at Hullabaloo Hall on Wednesday, October 14th by clicking here. This will enable the University to have record of your visit to campus.

Visit the memorial on the site of the Aggie Bonfire that collapsed at 2:42am on November 18, 1999, claiming the lives of 12 Aggies and injuring 27.

Enjoy burgers and fries in Century Plaza, a great food and shopping area in College Station.

Note: Please order your meal in advance for the 12:45pm - 1pm time slot by clicking here.

Texas A&M is famous for its traditions, many of which are unique to the University. Learn about the Aggie Ring, Muster, Silver Taps, RELLIS, and more.

If you want to know which six A&M students are the most visible on campus, look no further than either the SBP office or the sidelines of an Aggie football game to find these students leading the stadium in the Aggie yells. This is always a highlight to hear from one of the most visible students on campus.

What are the scores, rankings, service hours, extra curricular activities... that a student should seek before applying to Texas A&M? What is Texas A&M looking for in future students? Avoid rumor and hearsay, and instead get these answers and more directly from a Freshman Admissions Advisor.

At this meeting the University will provide letters for you to submit to your high school for attendance records.

Here is a Google Doc of notes that I have taken from past meetings. It would be beneficial to review in advance of our visit.

Details

• Tuesday, October 13 - Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

• Begins with an optional dinner and Breakaway on Tuesday and ends ~3:45pm on Wednesday.

• $150 per person (all students and adults).

There are no refunds as this trip sells out quickly with many people turned away. Please be sure you are able to attend before booking.

If you are not able to attend your scheduled trip, your payment/credit does not transfer to a future trip. Payment will be required again if you want to rebook on a future trip.

Is this experience for parents too, or just students?

Parents are absolutely welcome and encouraged to join their child(ren). All students must have an adult, although not necessarily their parent, join them on the tour. One adult can represent and be responsible for multiple students.

Are bikes required?

Texas A&M has perhaps the largest geographical footprint of any campus in the USA and we are going to use bikes as our transportation. We’ll get to see so much more and it will be a lot more fun. It is critical that you have a bike that is in working condition for Wednesday. Please ensure all tires are pumped and the bike works in advance of leaving for College Station. Discovering that your bike doesn’t work on Wednesday morning is not a good idea.

Will Texas A&M have record of our campus visit?

Yes, I will provide each student's name to the University, and each student will receive documentation to provide to their high school for an excused absence.

Where do we stay Tuesday night?

I reserve a block of hotel rooms and provide you with the access code to make your reservation. We receive a group discount and free parking with our bookings.

What is the dress code?

On Tuesday night casual is appropriate for our optional dinner and Breakaway. On Wednesday comfortable biking attire, but no t-shirts please since we will be meeting with faculty and Student Government.

Who are the current students we will meet?

Over coffee we will meet a group of male and female students. The men are members of Aggie Men’s Club and the ladies are members of a variety of organizations on campus. In the afternoon we generally meet with the Student Body President and/or a member of the Yell Leaders.  I have selected these students because of their amazing and outgoing personalities as well as their involvement around Aggieland. They are wonderful examples of what life as an A&M student could be like.

What is Breakaway?

Breakaway is an on-campus Christian praise service and message. It will begin with music and will be followed by a message appropriate for the lives of college students.

Will I have time to buy Aggie merch?

Absolutely! We will have some time in the bookstore inside the MSC.

How quickly do I need to sign up for this tour?

The tour always sells out, so the sooner the better.

Can I invite friends and other families?

Yes, of course. Be sure they sign up quickly though or we might not have space for them.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, please reach out to Program Director Claire Raabe at honors@mays.tamu.edu to schedule an appointment.

My name is David Mebane and I am a lifelong traveler that experienced my first international trip as a 2nd grader, and I haven’t stopped since. I founded Fat Tire Tours in Paris, France in 1999 and love showing people around the City of Light. That passion has grown to include other incredible destinations around the globe, and is the genesis for Kairos Tours. I don't know every destination on the globe, but I do know several well, and I love to take people with me to create experiences and memories that last a lifetime. 

I live in Austin, Texas with my wife Kelly and our son Weston and daughter Caroline. However, we spend as much time as we can elsewhere since there is nothing better than an adventure with family and friends.

I also love French wine and import it to the USA via David's Wine Cellar.