Below, Obadiah shares his thoughts about attending The Cooper Union in the fall.
Why are you attending Cooper Union?
I want to be able to push the minds of what’s acceptable in architecture. What I appreciate about Cooper is its focus on conceptual work. To me, being challenged is all that matters, and I know The Cooper Union offers just that.
What was the process in applying to Cooper Union? What do you think made your application unique?
Apart from the required essay, unlike other Architectural Programs- Cooper doesn’t ask for a portfolio in their administration process. You MUST complete what they call the “HomeTest”. This consists of a series of 7 very unique questions to which you are given a month to complete. You are able to answer these questions however you feel may suit you and in whatever and or multiple media of your choosing. What I think made my application unique was I trusted myself. Through these years of WHSAD I built up the confidence to fully believe in my ideas. Although at times I did second guess myself, I never shied away from pivoting.
Describe your feelings when you found out that you had been accepted.
It took me weeks before I was finally able to grasp my acceptance. At first I didn’t believe it, and it was very euphoric for me. I was so happy because after all those months of staying up late, not going out, and just completely committing to my work, I realized that everything had paid off. Not only that but my work itself. I took many risks in the creation of my home test, and knowing that with the program’s 4% acceptance rate, 27 person freshman class, my submission received a check.
How has your time at WHSAD provided you with the skills, perspective, and habits to help you at Cooper Union?
What separates WHSAD from other schools is students’ ability to freely create their own work. During my 4 years (minus covid) I was never told I couldn’t make this or do that. No matter what it was, my teachers allowed me to be flexible with my work and always supported my ideas. This allowed me to confidently believe in my projects without having to worry about second guessing myself.
What excites you the most about Cooper Union?
It was actually during admitted students day. I met all of my future professors, and not only were they considerate but their classes were super interesting. I was mind blown that some of the work they were showing me was done by just freshman students. It was different from anything I’ve ever seen prior, and I just can’t wait to learn.
What advice would you give to future students who apply to Cooper Union?
Although Cooper’s home test questions may be overwhelming and confusing, it’s important to remember that they aren’t looking for perfection, but how unique and out of the box you chose to answer them. Believe in yourself, believe in your ideas, and if like WHSAD you appreciate a small school, Cooper Union is just what you’re looking for.