Union College in Schenectady, New York, lists November 15 as its Early Decision I deadline, and its eight-year Leadership in Medicine program requires applications by November 15 regardless of the round. Irvine seniors interested in medicine have 9 days until the deadline.
Who Is Affected by the Union College Early Decision and Medicine Deadlines
Union College accepts the Common App or the Coalition Application, charges no application fee, and is test optional. The rounds are as follows:
| Round | Application deadline | Document deadline | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | November 20 | Weekly on a rolling basis starting in November |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | January 20 | Weekly on a rolling basis starting in January |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | January 20 | Mid-March |
Students who apply by December 1 receive priority scholarship consideration, and Regular Decision applicants can switch to Early Decision II by February 15. The college states that it favors Early Decision applicants, that Early Decision has a higher acceptance rate, and that 40% of incoming students applied early.
Leadership in Medicine is jointly sponsored by Union College, Clarkson University, and Albany Medical College and combines bachelor’s, master’s, and medical degrees. The program accepts only United States citizens and permanent residents. For fall 2026 entry, 400 students applied, 150 were forwarded to Albany Medical College, 85 were offered interviews, 22 were offered admission, and 15 enrolled.
What Union College Applicants Should Do Now
Medicine program applicants should check the firm requirements first. The SAT or ACT is required, with an SAT score of at least 1410 or an ACT score of at least 30. Self-reported scores are accepted, October of senior year is the last month to test, and scores are due November 15. Clinical or volunteer service in medicine is required and must be listed in the application’s activities section, along with a program essay of 200 words or less. Students may apply to only one of Albany Medical College’s three combined degree programs.
Understand the binding commitment of Early Decision. A student who applies to the medicine program through Early Decision must attend Union College if admitted, even if the medicine program does not admit the student. Families seeking aid must submit financial aid materials by the application deadline, and the college meets the full demonstrated need of admitted students who submit all materials on time.
Prepare the standard materials. The personal essay uses the Common App or Coalition Application prompts, and applicants also submit transcripts, a counselor recommendation, and one teacher recommendation. The college strongly encourages interviews.
For help with early application strategy and a medicine-focused college list, see the EDUBUS College Planning service. Students who miss the first round can review Early Decision II: How to Use January Binding Deadlines.
Sources
- Union College: How to Apply (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Union College: First-Year Apply to Union (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Union College: Early Decision at Union (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Union College: Leadership in Medicine (accessed November 6, 2026)
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