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Frequently Asked Questions

Life in the Residence Hall

Life in the Residence Hall

If you do not see an answer to your question, please reach out to us at admissions@cooper.edu or chat with one of our student or staff ambassadors.

 

General Information

How many students attend The Cooper Union?
  • Approximately 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students. For more information, please visit our Cooper Facts webpage.
What is the size of a freshman class?
  • 226 students: 30 in the School of Architecture, 74 in the School of Art, and 122 in the School of Engineering
What is Cooper's acceptance rate?
  • Our acceptance rate for academic year 2024-2025 was 13%. This rate varies for each program: 4% architecture; 9% art; and 23% engineering. 
When can I visit The Cooper Union?
  • Plan your visit here. 
 Does Cooper Union have a virtual tour?
Does Cooper Union have a Residence Hall/Dorm?
  • Yes. The Cooper Union Residence Hall offers apartment-style housing. Each apartment is composed of a kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Learn more.
What percentage of the class is admitted through Early Decision?
  • The percentage of students admitted through Early Decision varies each year. Early Decision is binding, meaning if you receive an offer of admission, you will be expected to decline all other offers from other schools. 
What classes should I be taking in high school to better prepare myself for The Cooper Union?
  • Applicants should take a well-rounded high school program, preferably in advanced coursework (e.g. AP, IB, Honors level courses, etc.).
  • School of Engineering applicants should complete one year of calculus, chemistry, and physics by the time they graduate from high school. Advanced coursework in these subjects is recommended.
  • School of Architecture and School of Art applicants should take visual art classes (drawing, painting, design, sculpture, etc.).
  • School of Architecture applicants should take pre-calculus.
  • All applicants should take courses that provide a solid grounding in the liberal arts, the basis for the humanities and social science studies at Cooper.
  • Each school has specific graduation requirements. 
For which Advanced Placement (AP) examinations can I receive credit?
  • The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture will consider AP credits for Calculus and Physics pending department approval.
  • The School of Art does not accept any AP credits.
  • The Albert Nerken School of Engineering views AP, IB and college courses as significant evidence of your academic ambition, accomplishment and preparation. However, we do not accept such courses for credit or advanced standing. The School of Engineering offers a math placement exam for Calculus I. Requirements to sit for this exam, include a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam. Verified scores must be emailed to admissions@cooper.edu in advance of the test.
  • The Cooper Union will consider granting credit for study in the Armed Forces, verified by The United States Armed Forces Institute (U.S.A.F.I).
Are there opportunities and programs abroad available to Cooper students?
Can I double major at Cooper? What about double minoring? 
  • No, students cannot double major at Cooper Union.
  • Pursuing a double minor may be possible but it requires prior approval from your department chair and/or dean.
What minors are offered at Cooper?
  • Humanities and Social Sciences minors are available to students in all three schools but vary per program. In addition, students in the School of Engineering can major in math, chemistry, computer science, and bioengineering.
As an incoming School of Engineering student, can I switch majors before my first semester?
  • No. However, it is possible (but not guaranteed) to switch majors after the first year with approval from the department chair and a 3.0 or higher GPA.
     
Does The Cooper Union offer interviews to prospective applicants?
  • We do not conduct interviews as part of our undergraduate or Master of Engineering admissions process.
  • The Master of Science in Architecture admissions process may include an interview.
How much does it cost to attend The Cooper Union?
  • Tuition per academic year is $44,550 ($22,275 per semester).

    All enrolled undergraduate students are awarded a half-tuition scholarship currently valued at $22,275 per school year. 

    Additional financial aid may be available for eligible students to help cover tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, etc. The amount of additional aid will be based on a student’s demonstrated financial need. Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. The Cooper Union FAFSA school code is 002710. In addition, The Cooper Union offers merit scholarships to a select number of students.

    Download our financial aid one-sheeter.

    Cooper students are responsible for living and miscellaneous expenses. Click here to access our budget guide, which provides a description and estimate of additional expenses.
How can I estimate my financial aid award before being admitted to The Cooper Union?
  • It is not possible to determine an exact figure without your Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). However, the net price calculator will give you an estimate of your net price and aid eligibility.
Can International students work in the US on a F-1 visa?
  • F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.

    After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:

    - Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
    - Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-     completion)
    - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics               (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

    For detailed information, click below:
    F-1 Student Employment Options | The Cooper Union
What clubs and activities exist at The Cooper Union?
  • The Cooper Union offers more than 80 clubs and organizations to its students and always welcoming the creation of more. Go here to learn about our clubs.

    The Cooper Union also offers varsity, co-ed soccer. Learn more.
I took college courses through a dual enrollment program in high school. Can I receive credit for those courses at The Cooper Union?
  • While we recognize the rigor of dual enrollment programs and encourage students to challenge themselves academically, The Cooper Union does not grant credit for college courses completed while a student is still enrolled in high school. However, your dual enrollment experience will be considered as part of your academic preparation during our holistic review process.
What is The Cooper Union deferral policy?
  • Undergraduate admitted students may request to defer their offer of admission for one year. Each deferral request will be reviewed by the Office of Admissions and considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more.
  • The Master of Science in Architecture and Master of Engineering programs do not allow deferrals. 

 

Applying to The Cooper Union

When are applications due?
  • The deadlines for submitting your application for undergraduate admission:

    Early Decision
         - The Albert Nerken School of Engineering: November 1
         - The School of Art and The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture: December 1

    Regular Decision
         - All schools: January 5
What does "Early Decision" really mean?
  • Early Decision is available to undergraduate applicants. Applicants whose first choice is The Cooper Union might consider applying Early Decision. Early Decision applications are reviewed and applicants are notified earlier than Regular Decision applicants. 

    If offered Early Decision admission, you must agree to enroll at The Cooper Union and withdraw your applications to all other colleges. If you are not accepted under the Early Decision process, you may be reconsidered during the Regular Decision process, although re-evaluation is not guaranteed.
Are standardized tests required to apply?
  • Only School of Engineering applicants are required to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
  • Learn more about our standardized testing policy here. 
Can my SAT or ACT tests be self-reported?
  • Yes. You may self-report or upload unofficial test scores as part of your application. If you submit your scores and enroll, you will be required to send official score reports directly from the College Board or ACT.
  • The Cooper Union's SAT code is 2097, and our ACT code is 2724.
If I take the SAT or ACT more than once, which results will The Cooper Union consider?
  • Superscores for the SAT and ACT are accepted—we consider the highest section scores across all test dates submitted.
Should I apply as a First-Year or Transfer applicant?
  • You should apply as a first-year applicant if you are currently in your final year of high school, or if you have already graduated but have not enrolled in or attended any post-secondary college, university, or other institution.
  • You should apply as a transfer applicant if you have graduated from secondary/high school and have enrolled in or completed coursework at a post-secondary college, university, or other institution.
What are the application requirements for international students?
  • Undergraduate applicants whose first language is not English and who have not graduated from a secondary school in a country with English as the official medium of instruction, are required to take an English language proficiency exam. Learn more.
  • If you attended high school outside the United States, there may be additional admission requirements. Learn more.
     
Does The Cooper Union accept the GED?
  • Yes. The Cooper Union will accept the GED (General Equivalency Diploma) in lieu of the high school diploma.
What are the required writing questions on the School of Engineering application?
  • Engineering applicants are asked the following three questions as part of the application:
     
  • The Cooper Union is a small, highly specialized, and academically challenging school in New York City. Beyond these traits, what specific aspects of our community and resources excite you? In what ways are you inspired to contribute to and benefit from our learning community? (350 words or less)
     
  • What drives your interest in pursuing your chosen major (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science)? How do you envision engaging with Cooper's labs, research opportunities, and faculty? (350 words or less)
     
  • If you were to give a 30-minute lecture on a specific topic to an audience, what would your topic be and why? Why does this topic interest you, and what do you want others to understand or appreciate about it? (250 words or less)
     
What is the School of Art Hometest?
  • The School of Art Hometest allows us to observe how you think and create, follow direction and manage time, and your problem-solving abilities.
     
  • The Hometest consists of a number of visual projects to be completed in approximately 4 weeks and returned to The Cooper Union for review. The Hometest contains its own instructions to be followed explicitly, including a portfolio submission.
     
  • The Hometest will be released one week after the application deadline closes and will be viewable in your applicant portal.*
     
  • There is a different Hometest for Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants.
     
  • *Applicant portal explained in FAQ below
When will I receive the Hometest?
What is the School of Architecture Studio Test?
  • The School of Architecture Studio Test allows us to observe how you think and create, follow direction and manage time, and your problem-solving abilities.
     
  • The Studio Test consists of a number of visual projects to be completed in approximately 4 weeks and returned to The Cooper Union for review. The Studio Test contains its own instructions to be followed explicitly. 
     
  • The Studio Test will be released one week after the application deadline closes and will be viewable in your applicant portal.*
     
  • There is a different Studio Test for Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants.
     
  • *Applicant portal explained in FAQ below
When will I receive the Studio Test?
What is the applicant portal and what will I see there?
  • The applicant portal is where you will receive important dates/deadlines, a checklist of all required application materials, application status updates, and if given an offer of admission, instructions for next steps.
When/how do I get access to the applicant portal?
  • Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from the Office of Admissions with instructions on how to set up your applicant portal.
How do I reset my applicant portal password?
  • Go here to reset your password. 
What is a portfolio? Do I need one?
  • The portfolio should be a cross-section of your best and most recent work, including 15 to 20 pieces.
  • School of Art applicants are encouraged to register for a National Portfolio Day event where Cooper will present, and separately register for a portfolio review with one of our reviewers.
  • School of Art first-year and transfer applicants are required to submit a portfolio and sketchbook along with the Hometest.
  • School of Architecture transfer applicants are required to submit a portfolio along with the Studio Test.
  • Master of Science in Architecture applicants are required to submit a portfolio along with a resume and other items. Learn more.
Does The Cooper Union accept transfer students? What do they need to apply?
How are transfer credits reviewed?
  • Transfer credits are reviewed on an individual basis only upon admission to The Cooper Union. Courses taken at the college level are evaluated by the department for which you seek transfer credit. For example, if you seek transfer credit for a math course, the math department will evaluate your transcript and decide if credit will be granted. We recommend holding on to all syllabi, reading lists, and work from the courses you wish to receive transfer credit.
Can I apply to more than one school at The Cooper Union?
  • Yes. While applicants may only be admitted to one school, you may apply to more than one. First-year applicants should submit their first application through the Common Application, then email admissions@cooper.edu to let us know they would like to apply to a second school.
    In your email, please confirm:
    • Which school is your top choice
    • If your second application is the School of Engineering, include which major you are interested in (you may only apply to one engineering major)
  • You will first receive an admission decision for your top-choice school. If you are not admitted, you will then receive an admissions decision for your second-choice application.
What are the high school graduation requirements?
  • All applicants (domestic, international, and homeschooled applicants) can find their high school graduation requirements here.  
Can I apply after three years of high school?
  • Yes. Candidates of exceptional merit may be considered for admission after completion of three years of high school.
  • Applicants must have excellent high school records and exceptional ability, a recommendation from the high school principal, at least one recommendation from a teacher, and an interview will be required.
  • In accordance with the regulations of individual states, a student may or may not be eligible to receive an equivalency diploma after completion of a specific number of credits in appropriate subject areas at The Cooper Union. It is the responsibility of the applicant to investigate their state regulations.
     
How do I apply for a fee waiver?
  • On the Common App, please select the fee waiver option. Common App will send your fee waiver request to your high school counselor for confirmation. The Cooper Union will not require any additional documentation after your counselor has approved your request. Should your request be denied, you will need to log in to the Common App account and process the application fees. 
What if I am interested in engineering but undecided on my major? 
  • At the time of application all applicants are required to indicate the engineering program to which they would like to apply. If you are uncertain, you may contact admissions@cooper.edu. We will assist you in identifying the major most aligned with your interests and put you in touch with current Cooper students in that major.  
  • Learn more about our five different engineering programs.
Can I submit additional letters of recommendation? 
  • Yes. You may submit additional letters of recommendation on the Common Application. While the admissions committee finds the required number of recommendations sufficient, you may provide an additional recommendation if you feel it will address strengths or accomplishments that are not included in the application
Can I submit my application if my recommenders have not yet completed their letters of recommendation?
  • Yes. You can submit your application if your recommenders have not submitted their letters of recommendation. Your recommenders will receive a notice from the Common App to submit your letters. 
Can I include unconventional extracurricular activities in the extracurricular activities list?
  • Yes. Any activities, including work (full-time, part-time, and volunteer) can be included in the Common App. We want to hear more about how you spend your time. If you include work experience, we want to learn about your job responsibilities and how it has impacted you.
I mailed application materials recently, have you received them?
  • Please check your application portal for updates. If you have any questions, please email us at admissions@cooper.edu.
How do I withdraw my application? 
  • You may withdraw your application by emailing admissions@cooper.edu with the subject line Withdraw Application. In the email, you must include your full name as it appears on your application as well as the program for which you applied. The request must come directly from the applicant. The application fee is not refundable.

 

Learn more about The Cooper Union

Where can I find the Academic Calendar?
Internships and Career Development
Further requests for information

For more information, please view or download our publications: Viewbook; The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture; School of Art; Albert Nerken School of Engineering; Albert Nerken School of Engineering Master of Engineering; Computer Science; Financial Aid; and Fact Sheet. While you are at it, check out some Cooper student talent. Or preview Cooper by attending one of our high school programs.

  • 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.