Admissions Office
Why did you choose Union?
Union’s charming campus and dynamic atmosphere captivated me during my tour of the school. I knew I wanted to enroll in a BS/MD program, and I was amazed to learn of the Leadership In Medicine program at Union College which boasted three degrees in eight years (BS/MBA/MD). When I learned of this, my sights were set on Union College as my dream school.
I was also excited to learn about the Shakti South Asian club and the Bhangra dance team. As a passionate dancer throughout my life, I was happy to hear that I could continue dancing in college as well as stay connected with my Indian heritage. I loved learning about the concept of Minerva houses. Having a small community of students with similar interests sounded like a warm and welcoming environment that fosters strong connections. Having lived in California for the majority of my life, moving to the opposite end of the country seemed like a fantastic opportunity to break out of my bubble and exchange comfort and routine for novel experiences in a new environment at Union.
How do you describe Union to your friends and family?
I describe Union as a home away from home. The size of the school is the same as my high school, so it feels very familiar and easy to navigate for me. Additionally, the tight knit communities formed among Minervas, the LIM program, my sorority, and small classes have made me feel very welcomed. I also tell people that Union has a plethora of opportunities available in terms of research, study abroad programs, internships, and club leadership positions. Furthermore, acquiring these opportunities is quite easy since the population of students is small. Additionally, Union is rich in history and everything from the buildings to the landscape remind me of how lucky I am to attend a college that was once attended by great figures in history. To me, Union is defined by the culture its students have fostered – which is largely centered around learning for the sake of learning and exploring one's interests both inside and outside the classroom.
What has been your favorite class assignment at Union?
My favorite class assignment was a virtual field trip to the Albany Pine Bush during my BIO 103 “Diversity of Life” course. During this time, students were remote due to the pandemic, however our professor still made an effort to show us the pine bush’s ecosystem through Zoom lecture. I really appreciated our professor’s commitment to giving us the best possible course experience.
What is your favorite place off-campus in Schenectady?
My favorite place not too far from campus is Plotter Kill Preserve. There is a beautiful hike through this nature reserve and the trail ends at an impressive waterfall.
