How to strengthen your Union College application

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What Union College weights most

Union weights demonstrated interest and fit heavily—this is a school where ED commitment and campus visits matter, partly because yield is a concern. Engineering applicants have a clearer admissions advantage here than at typical LACs; if you're STEM-focused, lean into it hard. They're notably more flexible on GPA (mid-50% floor is 3.4) than peer schools at this selectivity tier, suggesting they value intellectual curiosity and narrative over pure transcript perfection—but SAT scores (1310-1480) are non-negotiable.

Supplemental essay strategy

Use your "why Union" essay to demonstrate specific knowledge of their dual-identity as both LAC and engineering school; generic "I want a small school" won't land. If you're engineering, reference their particular programs (biomedical, mechanical, etc.) and how their integrated liberal-arts curriculum fits your goals differently than a pure engineering school would. If non-STEM, avoid seeming like Union is your safety—instead, explain why their *particular* combination of resources (Minerva schools network, undergraduate research, interdisciplinary opportunities) aligns with your actual interests, ideally with a concrete course or professor reference pulled from their website.

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Where to focus next

If you only have time for one thing this month, do this:

1. Read 2 admitted-student essays from Union College (search official admissions site or Reddit r/unioncollege). Notice the level of specificity — that's the bar.
2. Write the ‘why this school’ supplement first, before anything else. If you can't fill 250 words with school-specific reasons, pick a different school.
3. Find one current student to ask about their experience — admissions offices often connect prospective applicants with current students. The follow-up email becomes specific essay material.