Union College is a private liberal arts college with a storied history stretching back centuries. Founded in 1795, Union is the second oldest college in New York State and one of the first schools to establish Greek societies on campus. Despite its long history, Union remains moderately selective, meaning students intent on taking part in the historic liberal arts tradition but unsure of how competitive of an applicant they’d be at a place like Vassar or Williams have a great shot of earning admission to Union.

However, as we’ll soon unpack in this blog, Union’s relatively high acceptance rates do not align with acceptance trends at other historic schools across the country. While it’s easier now than it has been in recent years to get into Union, this might spell trouble for the upstate New York-based school’s institutional longevity. Looking back through ten years of admissions cycles at Union, here’s what we’ve found:

Union College Acceptance Rate Over the Last Ten Years

Union College Class Year	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2029	Not Yet Released
Class of 2028	43.79%
Class of 2027	46.51%
Class of 2026	47.00%
Class of 2025	41.26%
Class of 2024	42.92%
Class of 2023	38.68%
Class of 2022	37.37%
Class of 2021	36.90%
Class of 2020	38.31%
Class of 2019	41.12%
Class of 2018	37.28%

Before the pandemic, Union had experienced the lowest acceptance rates in the school’s recent history. 37.28% of applicants to the Class of 2018 were granted admission, a figure which would remain relatively constant over the next four years. During the 2019-2020 admissions cycle, this rate would inch upwards to 42.92%; two years later, it would be 47%. In other words, at the same time as many schools of Union’s caliber experienced record-low acceptance rates and record-high application pools, Union was admitting a higher and higher proportion of its applicants. This unexpected trend isn’t good news for Union and might signify a tarnishing reputation.

Union leadership likely looks at this increasing acceptance rate and can’t help but feel a foreboding feeling. If you’ve had your doors open for over two hundred years and haven’t yet mastered the trick of getting enthusiastic students through your door, your school might be in trouble. On the other hand, prospective students should be encouraged by these statistics. It’s only getting easier to get into this highly prestigious school! Moreover, this underscores that not all schools are subject to the admissions rat race to a 0% acceptance rate.

That said, we at Ivy Coach would never advise anyone to make any assumptions about the elite college admissions process. For all we know, next year could bring about a reversal in current trends. Union College could skyrocket into popularity, and admissions rates could suddenly dip to record lows. Does Ivy Coach’s famously accurate crystal ball predict as much? It’s not likely, but you never know, do you?

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Union College Acceptance

The sheer unpredictability of acceptance rates is precisely why Ivy Coach’s clients choose to optimize their odds of admission with the help of our team of former elite college admissions officers. We will work with your child to help them develop a singular hook that stands out among all of the students who have opted for a misguided, well-rounded approach (which hasn’t worked since the 1980s!). 

Union College wants to admit students who will spend every day on campus participating in activities and pursuits that advance their specific cause, passion, or discipline. These students — those who apply with a singular hook — are set apart from the many students who think that dabbling in lots of different pursuits is the right way to go. All of Ivy Coach’s clients have singular hooks.

If you’re interested in having Ivy Coach help optimize your child’s odds of admission to Union College, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll contact you with an outline of our services.