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Cooper Union

The Cooper Union

Three short supplements (350, 350, 250 words) that ask why Cooper, why your major, and what you would teach the world.

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Required supplements

3 essays

Word limits

350 / 350 / 250

Optional add-on

Up to 800 words

Test policy

Required for Engineering; optional for Art and Architecture

What Cooper Union rewards

The Cooper Union asks for three short supplemental essays: two capped at 350 words and one at 250 words, plus an optional space (up to about 800 words) for a resume, portfolio link, or context you could not fit elsewhere. The three required prompts are the same across Art, Architecture, and Engineering, so every applicant writes about why Cooper, why your major, and a topic you could lecture on for thirty minutes.

Cooper is tiny, free of the usual sprawl, and intensely pre-professional, which changes the math. Engineering requires SAT or ACT scores; Art and Architecture are test-optional and lean hard on the portfolio and the famous Hometest. The core challenge is that you have very little room. With 950 total words across three prompts, there is no space for throat-clearing. Every sentence has to show that you already think like a maker, not just that you admire makers from a distance.

01Specificity about the building, not the brand. Cooper rewards applicants who name actual studios, labs, faculty, and the cross-disciplinary culture inside a single Foundation building, not vague praise for a 'prestigious, small school.' Show you have looked past the rankings.
02Evidence you already make things. Whether you bend metal, sketch buildings, or breadboard circuits, Cooper wants proof of hands-on doing. The strongest essays describe a thing you built, broke, or fixed, in concrete detail.
03Intellectual hunger over polish. The 30-minute lecture prompt is a gift to genuinely curious people. Cooper likes minds that fall down rabbit holes and want to drag others in. Earnest obsession beats safe, resume-friendly topics.
04Fit with a working, no-frills community. Cooper has no sprawling campus and a culture of students who help each other build. Essays that show collaboration, generosity, and a willingness to share a crowded shop or studio land well.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

3 prompts for Cooper Union, each broken down with annotated examples.

Why Cooper Union350 words

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?

Why your major350 words

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?

Your 30-minute lecture250 words

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?

See all 3 prompts and get a read

Your chance

See your chance

Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Cooper Union and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision deadlineNovember 1
Early Decision notificationDecember 15
Regular Decision deadlineJanuary 5
Regular Decision notificationApril 1

Cost

Sticker price$69,986
Avg net after aid$13,269
Meets full needMost
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Cooper Union weighs most Supplemental essays3 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $13,269/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Cooper Union interview? Format, tips, and practice The Cooper Union Reader ProScore your draft against Cooper Union's exact prompts
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Cooper Union FAQ

What is Cooper Union's acceptance rate?

Cooper Union admits roughly 11% of applicants overall, but the rate splits hard by school: about 4% for Architecture, 8% for Art, and 16% for Engineering. Engineering requires SAT or ACT scores; Art and Architecture remain test-optional and weigh the portfolio and Hometest heavily. At Cooper Union, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Cooper Union require?

Cooper Union requires 3 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Cooper Union cost?

Cooper Union's published sticker price is about $69,986 per year, but the average family pays $13,269 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Cooper Union require SAT or ACT scores?

Cooper Union is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Cooper Union's application deadlines?

Cooper Union's application deadlines are Early Decision deadline November 1; Early Decision notification December 15; Regular Decision deadline January 5; Regular Decision notification April 1. Add Cooper Union to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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