Apply to the
Cooper Union

School of Architecture First-Year Application Process

Students and Faculty in the Studio

Students and Faculty in the Studio

Our fall 2026 application is live!
 

Dates and Deadlines

Early Decision
  • Application Deadline: December 1
  • Studio Test Live: Monday, December 8
  • Studio Test Submission Deadline: Monday, January 5
    (both physical and digital submissions are required)
  • Decision Notification: February 1
Regular Decision
  • Application Deadline: January 5
  • Studio Test Live: Monday, January 12
  • Studio Test Submission Deadline: Monday, February 9
    (both physical and digital submissions are required)
  • Decision Notification: April 1 

Application Instructions

These application instructions are for first-year applicants only. There are alternate instructions for transfer students.

Application Steps

 

  • A completed application which includes a writing section, the Common Application (for first-year applicants), the Cooper Application (for transfer applicants)
  • Letters of recommendation (one for first-year applicants, two for transfer applicants)
  • Official high school transcript or GED certificate (include mid-year report if currently enrolled in school)
  • Official college transcripts for ALL schools attended, sent directly from the college or university
  • SAT/ACT (test optional)
  • English language proficiency test (if applicable)
  • $75 application fee or fee waiver (if applicable)
Required Supplemental Materials: Studio Test
  • The Studio Test is a required part of your application to The Cooper Union Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture. This creative assessment is a cornerstone of our long-standing admissions process, designed to show the admissions committee your creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how effectively you can follow directions and manage your time.
  • Each year, the Studio Test features a set of visual and written prompts. These are thoughtfully developed by our core faculty and in collaboration with students. You will have approximately one month to complete and submit the test. No prior experience in architecture is required.
  • Detailed instructions will be available in your applicant portal within one week of the application deadline. You will also receive an email with clear guidance on how to complete and submit the Studio Test.
  • Please note: Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants receive different Studio Tests.
     
International Student Requirements 

International Student Requirements   
 

High School Graduation Requirements

High School Graduation Requirements

If you have questions about our undergraduate application process, please attend an info session, check out our FAQs, or email us at admissions@cooper.edu.

  • 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.