Admissions Office

First-Year

We hope you apply to Union College. Union offers three rounds for applying – Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision.

Early Action (EA) allows students to apply and learn of their decision early without committing to enroll. EA applications are due on November 1 and applicants will be notified of a decision in late December, but have until May 1 to choose Union. The acceptance rate for EA is similar to the rate for Regular Decision. Early Decision (ED) is binding and, if admitted, ED candidates must attend Union. We appreciate the commitment of students applying ED and favor these applicants in the process. ED has a higher rate of acceptance. ED I applications are due on November 1 and ED II applications are due on January 15, with decision notification occurring approximately one month after the deadline. Learn more about applying ED here.

Regular Decision (RD) is the third option for applying to Union and, like EA, is not binding. Applications are due on January 15 and decisions are released in late March. Applicants have until May 1 to enroll at Union.

We also offer the opportunity to apply for the eight-year Leadership in Medicine-Health Management program (deadline: Nov 1) and the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program (deadline: Jan 15).

Deadlines

Application Plan Admissions Application Deadline Admissions Document Deadline Financial Aid Deadline Decision Notification
Early Decision I November 1 November 8 November 1 December 5
Early Action November 1 November 8 November 1 December 19
Leadership in Medicine November 1 November 8 November 1 March
Early Decision II January 15 January 22 January 15 February
Regular Decision January 15 January 22 January 15 March 16-30
3+3 Accelerated Law January 15 January 22 January 15 March 16-30

Applying

We advise prospective students to visit our campus for a tour and personal interview. Your personal interview with one of our Admissions counselors or highly trained senior interns is a way for you to round out your profile and let us learn more about your college interests and goals. We'll also be able to discuss any questions you have about Union.

To be considered for admission, please submit the following:

  • Common Application or the Coalition Application. There is a $60 application fee for domestic students. Fee waivers are available to eligible students and can be requested as you fill out the application. Your school counselor will also be asked to complete the Fee Waiver Form as part of the Common Application.
  • Personal essay. The Common App and Coalition App essay prompts are provided below, and Union does not require any additional essays.
  • Official high school transcript(s)
  • First quarter or first trimester senior grades (additional senior grades may be requested)
  • Counselor letter of recommendation
  • Teacher letter of recommendation
  • Financial aid forms (if applicable)
  • Standardized Testing (optional, except for homeschooled students and those applying for the Leadership in Medicine program or the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program). Our school code for the SAT is 2920 and for the ACT our code is 2970. Self reported scores are accepted for applicants. Official score reports are required for all enrolling students. Student's may submit self reported scores through the Common App. These scores will not show on the Common App "preview" screen but we will still receive them if you want your scores considered.

    For Early Action, Leadership in Medicine and Early Decision I applicants, the last date to submit testing is 11/30. For Regular Decision, 3+3 Accelerated Law and Early Decision II, the last date to submit testing is 1/15.

    Please note: For applicants who select to have their SAT or ACT scores considered during the review process, the writing section is not required.

What we look for

We seek students with excellent grades and look favorably on applicants who exceed the minimum number of high school courses required. Honors, advanced, and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses are strongly encouraged. Your secondary school recommendations are also important. Beyond academic excellence, we look for personal responsibility and integrity and carefully review your talents and background. In particular, we look for students who can participate enthusiastically and constructively in the life of the College. The Admissions Committee will also carefully consider applications from students whose preparation is unusual and who, for good reasons, do not meet the norms above.

Union has a longstanding commitment to admitting an economically diverse student body. We meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. In order to meet this commitment, we are need aware in the admissions process.

Optional Supplemental Essay Question

Students may choose to answer one of these questions in 100-250 words:

  • At Union College, we strive to enhance our vibrant learning community by promoting a sense of belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Leading with wisdom, empathy and courage, we share the responsibility of creating a welcoming environment where each and every person at Union is respected and valued. What does belonging mean to you, and how will you contribute to building community as a Union student?
  • The Union College Challenge calls for members of the community to commit to trying new things, exploring new ideas or seeking new experiences - whether big or small - and sharing their personal challenges. Describe an experience that pushed you out of your comfort zone. What did that experience teach you about yourself or others, and how will it influence your time at Union?

Arts portfolio

We value students with special talents in music, visual arts, theater and dance. To have your skills considered in the admissions process, please submit your work online through the Common Application or on Union SlideRoom. We only evaluate work submitted through this website.

All students who apply Early Action or Early Decision I to Union or to the Leadership in Medicine Program (deadline November 1) should have their SlideRoom Arts supplement submitted by November 1 for evaluation.

All Students who apply Early Decision II or Regular Decision to Union (deadline January 15) should have their SlideRoom Arts supplement submitted by January 15 for evaluation.

Please note Union's SlideRoom will close on January 31. We are unable to accept late submissions after this date.

Common Application essay prompts

The choices are as follows:

  • Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  • Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  • Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  • Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  • Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  • Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Coalition Application essay prompts

  • Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
  • What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?
  • What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?
  • Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?
  • Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?
  • Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.