I'm looking at Union College in NY as a possible transfer destination. What should I know about the admission process for international transfer students? Any insights on requirements or tips to improve my chances?
The application process for international transfer students looking to attend Union College follows similar steps to that of domestic students with some distinct elements.
First, you need to submit the necessary documentation. This entails completing the Common Application or the Coalition Application, which allows Union College to gather information about your background, academic record, and extra-curricular activities.
Secondly, Union College requires you to submit all college or university transcripts—not just the most recent. This means that if you've attended multiple institutions, you'll have to provide all of those transcripts.
For international students, Union College also requires the TOEFL or the IELTS if English is not your first language. The minimum required scores are 90 or higher for the TOEFL iBT and 7 or higher for the IELTS.
Equally important is the demonstration of your interest in the school. Have you researched the specific programs or aspects of Union College that appeal to you? Being able to articulate why Union is a good fit—for your academic goals, your extra-curricular interests, etc.—will be very valuable for your application, especially in your essays.
Please also prepare for the process of obtaining a student visa (F-1 or J-1 visa), as you'll need to demonstrate to Union College that you have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
Finally, remember to submit the College Official's Report Form, to be completed by the dean or academic advisor at your current institution, as well as the Professor Evaluation Form, to be completed by a professor who knows you well and can speak to your classroom performance.
In terms of tips to improve your chances, maintaining a high GPA and demonstrating a strong academic record can be beneficial, as can highlighting any particularly strong areas of accomplishment, whether that's in academic research, professional experience, or unique extracurricular pursuits.
Good luck with your application!
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