Jesse
In the smaller courses (such as senior level seminar courses), the professors are very familiar with you. As can be expected when you sit in a class with some 200-300 students it is almost impossible for the prof to know who you are.
The time spent studying depends on the course load and the content of the courses that the student is enrolled. There are many kinds of conversations held outside of class...some are actually intelligent while some are down-right stupid. The students are competitive in the more distinct fields of engineering, science, and government.
I am a History major and the most unique classes that I took dealt with the foreign policy ideals and beliefs of the US. The era of isolationism in the US between WWI and the Great Depression were extremely enlightening and the prof. teaching the class was superb.
I have spent time with the professors outside of class and some have been really interesting to talk to. TAMU academic requirements are similar to those of other big-name schools and at times, some of the requirements are more strict than one would expect, but that only adds to the credibility of this fine institution.
Parker
Some professors know your name if you make it a point for them to get to know you. Favorite class is History 106 (after the Civil War). Least favorite is Organic Chemistry and Molecular Cell Biology. Some students study more than others. It really depends on where you want to go in life. Class participation is not very common in my science classes because not many people actually understand what is going on. TAMU academic requirements are really good. Leads to more competition and brings the best out of the students. My education will lead me to a good job.
Charlie
this is a tough school, but, you will be one smart dude when you get out of here...your basic classes are huge (300+) students. but now that i'm in upper level, there is anywhere from 10-30 students in my classes now.
Rebecca
Class sizes at A&M are dependant on what class you take. Upper level classes are generally small, thus letting you have the chance to get to know your professor and other students. I personally have had amazing professors and met some wonderful people from classes alone. Being an English major at a university that is not known for its Liberal Arts college is interesting. The classes are wonderful because students and professors want to be there learning and discussing what we have read. My Medeval Literature professor used to be a child actor in a famous movie, however, he didn't like to discuss it very much. And it turns out that he knows my mom as well! College Station has this small town feel, and just happens to be a slightly large city. I believe that the education of students is geared at understanding the material and gaining something from the class. My Shakespeare professor told us after the first paper that he was more concerned about how we finish up in the class, how our writing has grown rather than how we are graded.