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.

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 have the opportunity to hear directly from current students, including the Student Body President. We 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 concludes with important (and accurate) information from an Admissions Advisor regarding the application process.

As high school students begin considering their next destination I hope that Texas A&M is on their list. I also hope that you will choose to spend a day in Aggieland getting to know the University and the Aggie Spirit that comes with it.

The hotel is located in the heart of the Texas A&M campus. Housed in a striking glass tower across from Kyle Field and the Memorial Student Center, the hotel provides comfortable, modern accommodations to former, current, and future Aggies and their families. 

Join up for an optional dinner to meet the rest of the group.

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.

Note: Parents are asked to allow the high school and college students to spend the first 45 minutes together on their own, and then parents are welcome to join the conversation for the last 15 minutes. This is a good time for the adults to check out of the hotel and load the car.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.