Summer Writing Program: Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take this class?
The class is designed for graduating and rising high school seniors.

Is there a creative writing aspect to this course?
No. The course focuses on academic writing of the kind required in introductory humanities and social sciences classes.

I am a non-native English speaker. Can I take this course?
This course is not designed as an ESOL course. However, if your high school was taught in English and you meet the other criteria, you are welcome to register for this course.

My parents want me to take this course, but humanities and social science courses usually bore me.
Our experienced teachers love teaching writing and have developed ways to talk about it that are clear and interesting. You’ll be challenged, not bored.

Is there only one session of this class or will it be offered again later in the summer?
There is only one session, held in July. See the facts table for exact dates. 

Who will the teachers be?
Our instructors all have extensive experience in both the classroom and in working one-on-one with students to improve their writing.

Is there an application form? Do my H.S. grades matter? Do I need recommendations?
No special application form is needed, only the information requested on the website. You don’t need recommendations. All students interested in working on the writing and reading skills needed for college-level writing are welcome; grades are not a factor. 

I am thinking of applying to Cooper Union. Will taking this course help?
Admissions to the Cooper Union are based on criteria established by the college's three Schools (Art, Architecture, and Engineering). Taking this course will not have an effect on your application.

Is college credit available for the course?
No. However, the skills you learn in the course will serve you in all college writing and writing-intensive courses.

Will there be homework?
Yes. While a good deal of writing will be done in class, you will also have reading and writing assignments to do at home.

When is the registration deadline?
June 30th.

Are there additional costs for books or materials?
No. You will need to download and print the assigned readings. 

Is a deposit required to hold my space?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required by June 15th. See the Registration & Payment page.

When is full payment due?
Full payment is due by June 25th. Students who pay in full by June 1st will save 10% on tuition. See the Registration & Payment page.

Is tuition refundable?
Students who withdraw at least seven days prior to the first day of class will receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable $500 deposit.

Do you offer financial aid?
The Cooper Union does not provide financial aid for this program.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.