Options for applying to Union
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Early Decision (ED)
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.
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Early Action (EA)
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 January, but have until May 1 to choose Union. The acceptance rate for EA is similar to the rate for Regular Decision.
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Regular Decision (RD)
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.
Combined Programs
We also offer the opportunity to apply for:
Deadlines
Applying
To be considered for admission, please submit the following:
- Common Application or the Coalition Application.
- There is a $60 application fee for domestic students. There is no application fee for students applying Early Decision. Fee waivers are also 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. Union uses the Common App essay prompts or Coalition App essay prompts. We do 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.
Additional Information for:
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.
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.
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.
Academic Opportunity Programs (AOP/HEOP)
The AOP/HEOP programs at Union serve talented students who might otherwise not attend college. These programs are designed to assist students in fulfilling their dreams of gaining a successful college experience by providing individualized academic, personal and financial support.
When applying to Union's AOP/HEOP programs, prospective students must complete Union College's admissions process. Students do not need to mark AOP or HEOP interest on their application. Eligibility information is available through Union's AOP/HEOP office.
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.
Homeschooled students
For homeschooled students planning to apply to Union, please review the information below. If you have any questions, please email admissions@union.edu.
- As part of an application to Union, homeschooled students may be asked to provide more details about their high school work. This may include:
- classes taken
- class location (at home, online, with a homeschool consortium, at a local community college )
- books used
- method of evaluation
- final grade earned
- Homeschooled students are required to submit an SAT or ACT official score report.
We also strongly encourage homeschooled students to complete a personal interview with us.