Position Paper 1

Texas A&M University and Harvard University are two well-known American schools, but they use public relations (PR), social media, and internet videos in very different ways to attract international students. Both schools want to show why they are good choices, but they focus on different messages, audiences, and styles. Texas A&M often highlights student life, traditions, and community, while Harvard focuses more on reputation, academics, and global impact. These differences show how each school tries to persuade students from around the world to apply.

Texas A&M uses a very personal and welcoming approach in its PR. The school creates videos that show real students talking about their experiences on campus. For example, Texas A&M has a series of online college tour videos where students talk about traditions, residence life, and opportunities on campus. These videos help future students imagine what it would be like to actually live and study there. Instead of just giving facts, they focus on emotions and belonging. The videos show large dorms, campus events, and how students support each other. This helps international students feel like they could be part of a strong community.

Texas A&M also uses social media to show school pride and energy. Their content often includes sports events, traditions, and student stories. This type of PR works well because it makes the university feel friendly and exciting. International students who may feel nervous about moving to another country can see that there is a strong support system. The school is not just selling education, but also a lifestyle and culture.

A&M’s strategy is very centered around student life. They want people to see that they will not only learn but also make friends, join organizations, and feel connected. Many of their videos include real student voices, which makes the message feel more honest and relatable. This helps build trust. When international students see someone like them sharing their experience, it can make the school feel less intimidating.

Harvard, on the other hand, uses a different type of PR. Their messaging focuses more on excellence, history, and success. Harvard is already one of the most famous universities in the world, so their social media and online videos often highlight achievements, research, and global leadership. Instead of mainly showing campus fun, they show the impact their students and professors have on the world.

Harvard also benefits from strong online attention and viral moments. Videos of students celebrating getting accepted into Harvard often spread quickly on social media, showing how meaningful it is to attend the school. These emotional moments create a powerful image of Harvard as a dream opportunity and a life-changing achievement. This kind of publicity builds the school’s brand without needing to directly advertise as much.

Another big difference is how each school presents its identity. Texas A&M focuses on being welcoming and community-driven. They show traditions, school spirit, and a sense of belonging. Harvard focuses on being elite and globally respected. They highlight success stories, academic strength, and the idea that attending Harvard can open doors all over the world.

Social media also plays an important role in both schools’ PR. Many students today watch YouTube videos to learn about colleges. Some students even prefer watching “day in the life” videos made by other students because they feel more real and less like advertisements. This shows how powerful video content is for influencing decisions.

Texas A&M benefits from this by sharing lots of student-focused content. Their approach makes them feel down-to-earth and relatable. Harvard’s content, however, often feels more professional and focused on success. This can attract students who care deeply about academics, research, and prestige.

When comparing the two, both universities are strong in their own way. Texas A&M persuades students by showing what everyday life feels like and how supportive the environment is. Harvard persuades students by showing what they can achieve and how respected the school is around the world.

In simple terms, Texas A&M sells the experience, while Harvard sells the reputation. A&M wants students to imagine themselves enjoying campus life and being part of a big family. Harvard wants students to imagine their future success and the doors that could open after graduation.

For international students, both styles can be effective. Some students may prefer a friendly and welcoming environment where they feel at home, which Texas A&M shows very well. Others may be more focused on academic prestige and global recognition, which Harvard strongly represents.

In the end, both universities use PR, social media, and videos to tell powerful stories. They just tell different kinds of stories. Texas A&M focuses on connection, tradition, and student life. Harvard focuses on excellence, achievement, and global influence. Together, these approaches show how colleges use modern media to reach students all over the world and help them imagine their future.