Admissions Office
Why did you choose Union?
I was unsure what college would best suit me until I started college visits in my junior year of high school. The moment we drove up to Union’s campus and saw the Nott Memorial, I felt such awe. It was rare to see a campus that looked as excellent in person as it did in the brochures. We had a fun and entertaining tour guide, who ran into at least five or six students he knew, who all said “hi” and were super friendly. This was also true for some of the staff and faculty that passed by. Union is small enough to feel like you know just about everyone here, without being so small that you feel like there’s nothing left to do. The campus felt friendly and warm to me from the beginning and like it could be a safe space for me. Besides a small student body and small class sizes, I knew I wanted a school with an excellent pre-med program and ample opportunities for extracurriculars, jobs, and internships. I loved the idea of Union’s Leadership in Medicine program, and I knew I had to apply! The last thing that made Union my top choice was when my tour guide told me about the National Health Systems study abroad program and the options for studying abroad in general.
How do you describe Union to your friends and family?
I would describe Union as a place where everyone is important, and everyone has an opportunity to have their voice heard. There are so many opportunities in clubs, teams, research, and more! Many small colleges don’t have the kind of variety that we experience at Union. Union embraces different cultures and diversity in general. During my time running Shakti and being a Bhangra Union member, I have noticed how many people genuinely appreciate South Asian culture. It’s cool that most of Shakti’s members aren’t from South Asia; instead, they are students who want to learn more about our dances, music, and food. This is one of my favorite things about Union: wherever you go, everyone is welcome!
What has been your favorite class assignment at Union?
My favorite class assignment was my capstone research report on the effects of various housing interventions on child health outcomes. As an aspiring pediatrician, the class and this assignment really amplified my interest in this field.
What is your favorite place off-campus in Schenectady?
I would say that my favorite place off-campus in Schenectady is The Whistling Kettle on Jay Street. The food, tea, and ambiance remind me of when I studied abroad and spent some time in London during the National Health Systems term.
