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Cooper Union STEM Program - Is It Worth It?

Pre-college programs in STEM are a good opportunity to introduce yourself to fundamental concepts. Such programs help you hone your STEM knowledge, introduce you to college-level coursework, and allow you to network with professionals in these fields. In this blog, we'll cover the Cooper Union STEM program, including its structure, prestige, eligibility requirements, application process, and pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right fit for you.

What is the Cooper Union STEM program?

The Cooper Union STEM program is a three- to six-week long program designed for high schoolers to explore engineering, whether introductory or as a deep dive. It offers a detailed look at various engineering disciplines like digital electronics, engineering design, sustainability, and engineering research through hands-on projects, lectures, and discussions. The courses are taught in small batches by faculty from The Cooper Union’s Albert Nerken School of Engineering, ensuring a rich learning experience.

How is the Cooper Union STEM program structured?

The Cooper Union STEM program offers five distinct courses, each with a unique focus. Here's a closer look at the programs offered:

1. Intro to Engineering

Eligibility – Open to students in 9th grade.

Schedule – The program offers two three-week sessions, one in the beginning and one in the end of July.

Cost – $1950

This three-week summer program is inspired by the first class that every Cooper Union engineering student takes during their first semester of college, and is a great option to consider if you’re new to engineering. It gives an overview of the engineering design process, helping you learn rapid prototyping, engineering research, and develop problem solving skills using engineering design practices. There’s also exposure to core skills like sketching, technical drawing, computer-aided design and strategies for communicating ideas. Like all of Cooper Union’s programs, there is an end term practical project that needs to be submitted, requiring you to design and fabricate a solution to a real world problem.

2. Sustainable Futures Summer Program

Eligibility – Open to students in 10th-11th grade.

Schedule – Six-week session starting in the beginning of July.

Cost – $3950

This six-week program is designed to help you attain a critical understanding of sustainable development challenges and the skills to innovate for a greener future. The program covers various renewable energy resources, evaluates real-life case studies in all four engineering principles – chemical, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering. You will be taught how to identify the environmental footprint of various human innovations throughout the lifecycle stages, from consumer products to infrastructure systems. You will explore the principles of lifecycle assessment (LCA) and the circular economy to understand their impact on environmental sustainability. If you’re serious about a career in sustainability, this course is a great option for you! 

3. Digital Electronics for the Inventor

Eligibility – Open to students in 10th-11th grade.

Schedule – Six-week session starting in the beginning of July.

Cost – $3950

Prerequisite – Experience programming in an object-oriented language such as C, C++, Java, or Python.

This advanced course is designed for students interested in building new computers and technology. Here you will learn about topics such as digital logic design, circuit theory, programmable devices, and basic microelectronics. Through guided exercises, small-scale projects, and team exercises culminating in an original design project, you will get the opportunity to assess, design, build, test, and demonstrate a digital electronics project from scratch. This course is perfect if you’re looking to build out your skills in coding and tech in a more serious, structured manner.

4. Design and Drawing for Engineering

Eligibility – Open to students in 10th-11th grade.

Schedule – Six-week session starting in the beginning of July.

Cost – $3950

This is another course designed from an introductory lens and is a solid opportunity to develop skills in sketching, technical drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD). Through hands-on projects, you will learn to identify problems, design solutions, and create prototypes. Much of this will be done using industry-standard CAD software and prototyping techniques, giving you good exposure to current day engineering practices.

5. Linear Algebra for Engineering Research

Eligibility – Open to students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.

Schedule – Three-week session starting in the beginning of July.

Cost – $1950

Prerequisite – Precalculus with a grade of B or higher.

This intensive three-week program introduces you to the fundamental concepts of linear algebra, a crucial mathematical tool for engineers and scientists. You will have the opportunity to explore topics such as vectors, matrices, determinants, and eigenvalues, analyzing systems of linear equations and understanding their applications in structural engineering, control systems, and computer graphics. Through hands-on exercises and projects, you will learn to apply linear algebra to solve engineering problems.

Is it prestigious?

The Cooper Union STEM program is highly selective, accepting only 18-22 students per class. This selectivity contributes to the program's prestige. Given the rigor and intensity of some of the courses, attending this program can also demonstrate to colleges your academic prowess and interest in STEM fields. Furthermore, the program is led by experienced Cooper Union faculty, and the curriculum features college-level topics and activities. This exposure to a rigorous academic environment can give you a significant edge in your college applications.

How does the application process work?

Currently the applications for the Cooper Union STEM program are closed, but typically they open in December and close in March, with final decisions being communicated in April. An application requires you to submit a recommendation letter and a choice of two courses you’re interested in. Financial aid is available, though preference is given to students from New York City Public Schools.

Pros and cons to consider

Pros

  1. Exposure to college-level engineering: The program offers thorough access and exposure to college-level concepts of engineering, giving you a head start in preparation. This is further amplified by being taught by college faculty.

  2. It is an exclusive opportunity: With small batch sizes of only 18-22 students each, there’s significant exclusivity on top of the one-to-one mentorship available, which can do wonders for your profile.

  3. Experienced faculty: You’ll be taught by the same faculty that teach engineering at The Cooper Union, and benefit from their expertise and knowledge.

  4. Good variety of courses: Whether you’re interested in design, sustainability, or electronics, there’s a fair bit of variety on offer and you can pursue whichever field interests you the most.

Cons

  1. Admission is fairly selective: Due to the small batch sizes, admissions are tightly contested and it may be hard to secure a spot.

  2. The cost is somewhat high: The program can be expensive, with tuition ranging from $1950 to $3950 depending on the program length. This is further exacerbated by the financial aid being limited.

  3. Accessibility may be a challenge: Other than the Linear Algebra course, the other courses are all in person with no online option available. There is also no housing offered by The Cooper Union, you will need to manage it on your own.

Our review – is it worth it?

In conclusion, The Cooper Union STEM program is a fairly selective summer program that offers some rigorous and highly practical engineering courses to significantly enhance your academic capabilities and your potential college profile. The program offers a unique opportunity to explore engineering through plenty of hands-on immersion from college instructors, and experience the softwares and tools used in modern day engineering. It is a somewhat expensive program however, and you need to manage your own stay for most of the courses. Regardless, it is definitely worth considering if you’re serious about pursuing engineering in college.


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Image Source - The Cooper Union Logo