The Cooper Union
A small, selective college in Manhattan's East Village offering programs in architecture, art, and engineering.
- Next deadline
- Dec 1, 2026Early Decision
- Essays
- 1Prompt
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Not listedCheck official site
- Selectivity
- 15%Selective
- Enrollment
- 900Small undergrad
Build your The Cooper Union application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Supplement500 words2026-2027
Please tell us about an idea, experience, or project that has helped shape your interest in your chosen field at Cooper Union.
How to approach The Cooper Union's supplemental essays
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Use this as a blank structure for a The Cooper Union supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at The Cooper Union, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does The Cooper Union require?
The Cooper Union has 1 supplemental essay listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does The Cooper Union accept the Common Application?
No — The Cooper Union uses its own application portal, not the Common App.
What is The Cooper Union's acceptance rate?
The Cooper Union's most recently reported acceptance rate is 15.0%.
When is The Cooper Union's next application deadline?
The Cooper Union's next listed application deadline is the Early Decision round on December 1, 2026.
What does The Cooper Union's supplement essay prompt ask (500 words)?
Please tell us about an idea, experience, or project that has helped shape your interest in your chosen field at Cooper Union.
Sources and verification
We prioritize The Cooper Union's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.
Review official source →