Issue date: 6/25/09 Section: Opinion

I agree that if you have the grades and the extra-curriculars you should be accepted into the university. That does not mean that you should get a free ride simply on those grounds alone if you don't have the money to attend. My family's financial situation in no way could have allowed me to attend any university, much less Texas A&M. I was aware of this and I worked my tail off in high school to get good grades and be involved in as much as possible. As a result, I have received enough scholarships to attend this University. That is what responsibility is all about. You recognize the realities of your situation and act accordingly. In my opinion, A&M would be an even greater institution if it scrapped the entire "Aggie Assurance" program and taught students this responsibility first-hand, instead of making other students pay for them to attend the university. Just because your parents make more than $60,000 per year, it in no way means that they are willing or able to fiscally support a college education. Their children have to find the means to pay for school themselves. It is not fair for them to also foot the bill for other students. A&M acceptance as well as aid should be entirely merit based, that is the true mark of the top institution in my eyes.

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