Union College International Students Brochure

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Founded in 1795, Union College was named to reflect the founders’ desire to create a welcoming academic community open to all religions and nationalities.

Union was the first liberal arts college to offer an engineering degree. This academic integration continues today as engineering, sciences, economics, social sciences, humanities and the arts go hand-in-hand. Students merge their interests through creative and innovative research that is woven into the curriculum. All year round, they work closely with their professors, delving into topics that intrigue and challenge them. During the annual Steinmetz Symposium, some 500 students present their research projects.

Our top-notch academic facilities are designed to support students’ endeavors and spark their passion for exploration and discovery. As a Union student, you will study, learn, experiment, create and investigate in a number of inspired spaces, including the Integrated Science and Engineering Complex, Feigenbaum Center for Visual Arts, Taylor Music Center, Henle Dance Pavilion and Peter Irving Wold Center, an interdisciplinary hub. In addition to conducting vibrant research, Union students think and act locally and globally through fellowships, community service and study abroad.

Best National Liberal Arts Colleges

Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs

accredited by ABET

U.S. News & World Report

Best Science Labs

Best Value

Liberal Arts Colleges

Most Accessible Professors

Princeton Review

WHY I CHOSE UNION

Chitungwiza,

Gloucester, England

Electrical Engineering Major

• Data Analytics Minor • Club

Soccer • African Students Association Vice President

• Resident Advisor • Chemistry

Summer Research • Davis Projects for Peace Winner • Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering Tutor

Union College quickly emerged as the ideal choice for me, with its robust engineering department, exceptional research opportunities and emphasis on undergraduate students. At Union, I’ve been encouraged to get involved with research and more— like the Davis Projects for Peace grant, which I used to build restrooms at a rural school in Zimbabwe for students with disabilities.”

Biochemistry Major • Psychology

Minor • NIH-Funded Summer Research at The Mayo Clinic •

Women’s Varsity Tennis Team

• Pre-Health Society • Delta Phi

Epsilon Sorority Vice President

• The Garnet Society Student

Alumni Association • Health and Us Fundraising Chair • Phi Beta

Kappa Honor Society • Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society

As a recruited athlete, I was talking to coaches from colleges across the United States, and Union stood out because it is a small school with a strong and inclusive community. Without the connections I’ve made through athletics, academics and Greek life, I would likely not have been introduced to several opportunities that have shaped my Union experience.”

Delvin Marimo ’24

Zimbabwe

Grace Nicol ’24

Economics and Computer Science Double Major • The Garnet Society Student Alumni Association • Student Investment

Fund

• Admissions Ambassador

• Fly Fishing, Ski and Tennis Clubs • Japan Club Founding

Member

• Language Center

Tutor • Sorum (Minerva House)

Representative • Klemm Fellow

Union is a place where ‘immersive learning’ takes on a whole new meaning. I’ve had three study abroad experiences, which have opened my eyes to the world and left me with a newfound perspective. And thanks to Union’s flexible curriculum, I am able to achieve my goals without making sacrifices and while staying on track.”

French and Economics Double Major • Gamma Phi Beta Sorority

• French Club • Economics Club • Women’s Union • Resident Advisor

I chose Union for its academic prestige and community-centered environment. I am really involved with Women’s Union and with my sorority. Both groups support the empowerment of women on and off campus, which is really important to me. Overall, this is a lovely community where you can participate in anything. Union has been my second home and I’ve developed both academically and individually during my time here.”

Lahore, Pakistan

Biomedical Engineering and Biochemistry Double Major • Admissions Tour Guide • Class of 2025 Vice President • Astronomy Research • Biomechanics and Chemistry Summer Research

• Supplemental Instruction Leader for Cell Biology

The reason I chose Union was its strong engineering program within a broad interdisciplinary curriculum. The best things about my experience at Union have been the individualized attention I have received from faculty across departments and the opportunity to be involved with so many research projects, from biomechanics to chemistry to astronomy.”

19% OF INCOMING FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS ARE INTERNATIONAL, DUAL CITIZENS OR PERMANENT RESIDENTS.

Ryo Hashimoto ’24

Tsukuba, Japan

Shams Qureshi ’25

Veronica Missura ’25

Quito, Ecuador

YOU? SO WHAT INTRIGUES

2,100 STUDENTS

75% OF STUDENTS COMBINE DISCIPLINES

24 STUDENTS IN AVERAGE INTRODUCTORY COURSE

9:1 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

80% OF STUDENTS COMPLETE FACULTY-MENTORED RESEARCH

14 STUDENTS IN AVERAGE UPPER LEVEL COURSE

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

> Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees, with options to double major and combine majors and minors

> Interdepartmental and interdisciplinary programs

> Organizing Theme major: Study a theme across multiple disciplines by designing your own program

> 3+3 Accelerated Law Program (B.A. plus J.D.) with Albany Law School

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

MAJORS & MINORS

Africana Studies

American Studies

Anthropology

Art History

Asian Studies

Astronomy

Biochemistry*

Biological Sciences

Biomedical Engineering

Chemistry

Chinese

Civil Engineering*

Classics

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Economics

Electrical Engineering

English

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Policy

Environmental Science

French and Francophone Studies

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies

ADDITIONAL MINORS

Astrophysics

Dance

Data Analytics

Digital Media

Digital Studies

Energy Studies

Film Studies

Financial and Actuarial Mathematics

Global and Popular Musics

Geosciences

German Studies

History

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Managerial Economics*

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Music

Neuroscience

Organizing Theme (Self-Designed)

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Psychology

Religious Studies

Russian and East European Studies

Science, Technology and Society

Sociology

Spanish and Hispanic Studies

Studio Fine Arts

Theater

* MAJOR ONLY

Greek

Japanese

Jewish Studies

Latin

Law and Humanities

Music Technology

Nanotechnology

Public History Statistics

CULTURAL CLUBS, INCLUDING: 22

> African Student Association

> Asian Student Union

> AUM Hindu Association

> Bhangra Union

> Black Student Union

> Campus Protestant Ministry

> Caribbean Student Association

> Catholic Student Association

> Chabad

> Chinese Students and Scholars Association

> French Club

> German Club

> Hillel

> InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

> Japanese Club

> Kpop Club

> Latin American Student Organization

> Muslim Student Association

> Russian and Eastern European Culture Club

> Shakti

> Spanish Club

> World Around U — International Students Association

HUNDREDS OF WAYS

TO FIND YOUR NICHE

130 STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING: Baja SAE Club, Beekeeping Club, Colleges Against Cancer, Concordiensis (student newspaper), Economics Club, Model United Nations, Outing Club, Robotics Club, Union Pride, Women’s Union and many other academic, cultural and religious, international, political interest and service groups

14 PEFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS STUDENT GROUPS, INCLUDING: A Capella clubs; Anime Club; African, Asian, Bhangra, Hip Hop and LatinX dance clubs; Ceramics Club; Concert Club; Film Committee; Mountebanks drama society; and Pep Band

40 STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS IN: 30 countries, from Argentina to Vietnam. 60% of Union students go on a term or mini-term abroad.

13 THEME HOUSES, DEVOTED TO: Arts, a balanced lifestyle, community service, dance, film, gaming, the LGBTQ+ community, literature, the maker culture, multi-culturalism, political discourse, sustainability and technology

26 VARSITY TEAMS, FEATURING: 24 athletic teams in Division III, and both men’s and women’s ice hockey in Division I

30+ INTRAMURALS AND CLUB SPORTS, INCLUDING: Badminton, equestrian, fencing, golf, hockey (ice, roller, street), kickball, lacrosse, rugby, ski and snowboard, soccer, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga

30+ STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS, INCLUDING: Best Buddies, Big Brothers Big Sisters, COCOA House, Empty Bowls Project, Habitat for Humanity, John Calvin Toll Day of Service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, MEDLIFE, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), U-Care Community Carnival Day

7 MINERVA HOUSES

No matter what else you get involved in, you’ll be a member of one of our seven innovative Minervas. Located throughout campus, these houses bring together students and faculty for hundreds of events each year, from game nights and guest lectures to language tables and theater outings. Each house has its own student-run governing council, and some students live on the residential floors above the common areas. All houses feature great rooms, seminar rooms and full kitchens. As your home away from home, your Minerva is the perfect place to gather, read, bake, barbecue or relax on the overstuffed couches and colorful Adirondack chairs.

WHERE A UNION EDUCATION CAN TAKE YOU

Union students land great internships at 500+ companies and organizations worldwide.

85% of students pursue an internship.

Within six months of graduating, 97% of alumni are employed full-time or pursuing advanced degrees, fellowships or public service opportunities.

WHERE SOME OF OUR RECENT GRADS HAVE HEADED:

Employment

> Albany Medical Center

> Amazon

> Boston Children’s Hospital

> Estée Lauder Companies

> Fidelity Investments

> Goldman Sachs & Co.

> IBM

> JPMorgan Chase & Co.

> Massachusetts General Hospital

> McKinsey & Company

> Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

> Morgan Stanley

> New England Center for Children

> Northwell Health

> NYC Department of Education

> PwC

> Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

> Thermo Fisher Scientific

> Toast, Inc.

> Wayfair LLC

> WeWork

> Vanderweil Engineers

Graduate programs

> Albany Medical College

> Boston University

> Columbia Business School

> Columbia Teachers College

> Cornell University

> Duke Pratt School of Engineering

> Emory School of Medicine

> Fashion Institute of Technology

> Fordham University

> Georgetown University Law Center

> Harvard Graduate School of Education

> The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

> Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering

> Northeastern University

> Northwestern University

> NYU School of Law

> NYU Stern School of Business

> Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

> Rhode Island School of Design

> Syracuse University

> Texas A&M University School of Law

> Tufts University

> University of California San Diego School of Medicine

> University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

> University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

> Yale University

> Wake Forest Law

> Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Bogota, Colombia

Chengdu, China

Gurgaon, India

AFTER UNION

Data Scientist

Sensitech

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

STUDIED

Physics (major) + Astronomy and Chinese (minors)

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

• Society of Physics Students

• Summer Research Program

• World Around U

THE UNION DIFFERENCE

The best thing about Union was discovering the infinite amount of possibilities the school offers. From doing research while learning American politics on the Washington, D.C., term to taking a self-designed term in Chile to observing and doing research at a state-ofthe-art radio telescope as part of my summer research program, Union gave me the opportunity to dream big and speak my mind.

AFTER UNION

Director of Project Management

Rocket Software

Boston, Mass.

STUDIED

Electrical Engineering (major) + Music (minor)

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

• Engineering Ambassador

• Sigma Delta Tau

• Society of Women Engineers

• Union College Chorale

THE UNION DIFFERENCE

Union is a great school for curious minds. I loved the cross-disciplinary curriculum, creative projects, unlimited support from friends and professors, and open discussions about current issues. As an engineering major at a liberal arts school, I enjoyed the best of both worlds. My problem-solving skills came not only from engineering theories and practices, but also from music, history and political science. I was always encouraged to explore beyond convention.

AFTER UNION

Strategy & Operations Manager

DoorDash

San Francisco, Calif.

STUDIED

Mathematics + Economics (majors)

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

• Student Investment Fund

• Economics Club

• Entrepreneurship Club

• Math Club

THE UNION DIFFERENCE

I chose Union for its proficient faculty, low student-to-faculty ratio and small community. My expectations were surpassed. The liberal arts experience was inclusive and research-intensive, with small classes taught exclusively by professors. They fostered intellectual curiosity, communication and teamwork. Professors were easily accessible, so a fair share of learning took place outside the classroom.

Ana Mikler ’12

Dani Liu ’15

Aman Adil ’16

Schenectady

> 66,000 metro population (and 900,000 total Capital Region population)

> 50+ restaurants / 12 bakeries and cafés within 3km

> 1 of the region’s best farmer’s markets

> 1 km from campus to Proctors theater, home to Broadway blockbusters, and to Bowtie Cinema, which features first-run movies

Our region

> The campus is a short walk to the heart of downtown and close to major ski areas, parks, rivers, hiking and biking trails, and rural areas.

> New York City, Boston and Montreal are all accessible by bus, train or car.

> Albany International Airport is 20 minutes away by car and offers connecting or direct flights to major cities worldwide.

> An Amtrak station, part of our national railroad system, is a 10-minute walk from campus.

> Many taxi and rideshare services provide local transport, and both Greyhound and Megabus offer regional bus transportation to and from metropolitan locations.

Health and safety campus resources

> Our gym, fitness center and dance studio offer everything from spinning to yoga classes.

> The Wicker Wellness Center provides a comprehensive array of services run by a medical staff and individual counselors.

> Union’s own safety personnel patrol the campus 24/7.

> Students have access to an emergency blue light system, keypad locks, trolley service and walking escorts.

> Everyone is linked to a campus-wide emergency notification system.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Application Deadlines

Early Action: Nov. 1 / Early Decision I: Nov. 1

Early Decision II: Jan. 15 / Regular Decision: Jan. 15

All materials must be submitted electronically or postmarked by these dates.

Interviews

As a community of scholars dedicated to leadership and service, we are interested in far more than your test scores. We strongly recommend international applicants submit IntialView or Vericant interviews. Limited interviews with a Union College representative are available after application.

Cost to attend

The comprehensive fee for 2023-2024 is $82,665. This includes tuition, room, board and mandatory activity fees.

Required admissions materials

> Common Application or Coalition Application

> Official secondary school transcript(s) and official exam scores, where applicable

> Personal essay

> Counselor letter of recommendation

> Teacher letter of recommendation

> CSS Profile and supporting financial documents, if applicable

> Union is SAT/ACT optional.

> Our school code for the SAT is 2920. Our code for the ACT is 2970.

> TOEFL (iBT), IELTS or Duolingo English Test (DET) is required for all international applicants whose first language is not English.. Only in very rare circumstances do we waive this requirement. The following scores are most competitive for admission: 90 or higher for TOEFL, 7.0 for IELTS and 120 for DET.

All documents in a language other than English must include a certified English translation.

Financial aid

> Nearly $15 million in need-based financial aid is offered to admitted international students.

> Union College is need-aware in the admissions process, which means that your financial information is considered along with the other components of your application during the admission evaluation.

> Average student contribution by aid recipients is $32,000 (annual expectation).

> Typically, 75% of our international aid budget is awarded in the two Early Decision rounds.

> The CSS Profile is used exclusively to determine financial need. We do not provide waivers.

> Financial aid packages typically consist of a grant and work-study opportunity.

> Students seeking financial assistance must apply for aid at the time they apply for admission and by the deadlines indicated.

Scholarships

Merit scholarships are awarded to select international students each year. No separate applications are required.

BANGLADESH

BOLIVIA

BRAZIL

BULGARIA

CAMBODIA

CANADA

CHILE

CHINA

COSTA RICA

ECUADOR

FINLAND

FRANCE

GEORGIA

GERMANY

GUINEA-BISSAU

GREECE

GUATEMALA

HONG KONG S.A.R.

INDIA

JAPAN

KAZAKHSTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

MAURITIUS

MEXICO

MONGOLIA

MONTENEGRO

MOROCCO

MYANMAR

NEPAL

NETHERLANDS

NEW ZEALAND

NICARAGUA

NIGERIA

OMAN

PAKISTAN

PALESTINE

PERU

PHILIPPINES

PORTUGAL

QATAR

RUSSIA

RWANDA

SOUTH KOREA

SPAIN

SWITZERLAND

TAJIKISTAN

THAILAND

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

TURKEY

UGANDA

UKRAINE

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

UNITED KINGDOM

U.S.A.

VENEZUELA

VIETNAM

ZIMBABWE