PREP – Progressively Reaching Excellence in Professionalism

Why apply to PREP?

PREP (Progressively Reaching Excellence in Professionalism) is a FLO (Freshmen Leadership Organization) at Texas A&M University that is committed to providing a community that allows freshmen to navigate the complexities of their first year in college through both professional and social development. As a freshman at Texas A&M, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of organizations, each with its own set of opportunities. What sets PREP apart as a FLO is the emphasis on becoming a more well-rounded individual. Close-knit socials and a highly developed committee structure enable members to develop valuable leadership skills while forging relationships with their peers and serving the community. PREP’s mission is to give freshmen the opportunity to interact with each other and learn the essentials of professional etiquette and decorum as they establish themselves as both leaders and people of exceptional character at Texas A&M. Whether it is through leadership in committee work, giving back at the Big Event, developing professional speaking skills in a case competition, or just having fun at a winter retreat, PREP uniquely offers opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Fall Application & Informational Schedule

About PREP

To provide a glimpse into what the experience of being in PREP looks like, the FLO’s student leaders completed an assessment of their previous year. The following should be used as information to help you make an informed decision about being a member of PREP, but please note that your experience may look different.

What does a “week in PREP” look like?

We offer the following opportunities for development in PREP:

Every day we have events that are planned by the Committee of Internal Affairs. These events are open to freshmen and are not necessarily required.

Monday: Social event (MSC Monday typically)
Tuesday: Social event (i.e., Gumby’s or BJ’s)
Wednesday: General Committee Meeting & Committee Meetings
Thursday: Social event (with social families)
Friday: Service event (with philanthropy)
Saturday: Social event
Sunday: Study Sunday (social event is at a library)

What did the remote experience look like due to COVID-19?

We hosted weekly Zoom calls, had daily game nights, Netflix parties, and ended the year with a banquet. The executives (counselors) often reached out to the committees and socials, encouraging everyone to join social events.

On the professional side, we promoted online virtual workshops that occurred in Mays and other schools. During finals, we held study sessions over Zoom and kept them open for freshmen.

Organization Size

Position	*Freshmen*	*Counselors*	*Executives*
# Students	54	12	4

Being involved with PREP I can expect to pay…

Dues & Known Costs

· Fall Semester: $170

Financial Aid

(if available)

We are in the process of implementing a scholarship program for our freshmen. We also allow payment plans for freshmen who are unable to pay upfront.

Does PREP have a Big/Little Program?

Yes

What does the Big/Little Experience entail?

Freshmen have several meet-and-greets to meet PREP Bigs. The Bigs and Littles pref each other and are placed in families. We require Big/Little families to meet at least bi-weekly. We also host our annual Big/Little Family Competition Event and Alumni Tailgate.

Want to learn more?

Attend the FLAC Coordinated livestreams, informationals, and reach out to the student leaders using the contact information available on this page. Find the full recruitment schedule here.

FLO Evaluation

FLOs are evaluated yearly based on several factors. Three of these factors are Leadership, Service, and Social. Here is what last year’s members experienced in these areas:

Leadership

Freshmen are challenged to plan many PREP events, including running part of general committee meetings, case competitions, FLO Cup, Spring Retreat, Etiquette Dinner, social competitions and hangouts, profit shares, and fundraising events.
Guest speakers are invited to general committee meetings to speak on a variety of leadership-focused topics. Some highlights have included: passion and career, career advice, Coca-Cola: Brand creation and management, Aggieland Outfitters: small business ownership, Capital One: interview prep and LinkedIn profiles, CIA, College Station Mayor (career in-office and intentional growth), as well as a number of Mays Business School professors.
PREP freshmen are also provided a number of workshop opportunities such as mock interviews, case competitions, LinkedIn, HireAggies, career fair, and more.

Service

PREP participation in service events includes: Canned food drive, Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley, Wienerspiel, Kyle Field Day, Backpack Coalition, Letters to veterans, Shack-a-thon, Aggie Dance Marathon.
PREP also expects 6 service hours per freshman.

Social

FLO Cup, Co-FLO collaboration on professional development opportunities, Fall Retreat, Winter Retreat, Spring Retreat.
PREP offers some type of social event every day.