At The Cooper Union, each school has its own high school graduation requirements for applicants. You can find the requirements for the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, the School of Art, and the Albert Nerken School of Engineering below. More information is available in our Course Catalog.

Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture

High school records must show graduation with a minimum of 19 units* before July 15 of the year for which admission is sought with required and elective subjects as follows:

Calculus is a required first-year course for all architecture students. Entering first-year students must have completed Mathematics (including Trigonometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus). Any student who has not completed Pre-Calculus in high school must do so during the summer before enrollment and must submit an official transcript documenting successful completion of the course. A math course credit is offered upon request and evaluation: policy for ARCH 103, Calculus & Analytic Geometry.

School of Art

High school records must show graduation with a minimum of 16 units* before July 15 of the year for which admissions is sought with required and elective subjects as follows:

Students who apply while attending high school will be expected to supply transcripts of subjects studied during the first three years of high school (Grades 9, 10, and 11). High school graduates must supply the full four-year record. High school transcripts should be sent during the fall and winter months but no later than January 18 if supporting a first-year application.

Each candidate should make certain that the high school subjects required for his or her major are completed prior to graduation since The Cooper Union will not be able to verify his or her senior program until final transcripts arrive in June or July. This is too late to make up a missing required subject or to make plans for admission to another college. Students who have not fulfilled their application requirements may have their offer of admission rescinded.

Albert Nerken School of Engineering

High school records must show the following:

Students in high school will be expected to supply transcripts covering subjects taken during the first three years of high school (Grades 9, 10, and 11). High school graduates must supply the full four-year record. High school transcripts should be sent during the fall and winter months but no later than January 18 if supporting a first-year application.

Each candidate should make certain that the high school subjects required for his or her major are completed prior to graduation since The Cooper Union will not be able to verify his or her senior program until final transcripts arrive in June or July. This is too late to make up a missing required subject or to make plans for admission to another college. Students who have not fulfilled their application requirements may have their offer of admission rescinded.

In the area of Mathematics, candidates may offer somewhat different patterns of preparation provided they will be ready for the intensive study of Calculus at college. Preparation beyond the listed minimum in Mathematics is highly recommended. College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Mathematics are suitable courses for such further preparation.

*A unit represents a year's study in a subject with classes meeting at least four times a week in a secondary school.

Information specific to homeschooled applicants can be found HERE.