Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Date: May 01 2009
Major: Mechanical Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
For some background, I'm a mechanical engineer and I've consistently been on the dean's list for my stay here. I went to a typical public high school upstate and never honestly planned on going to Cooper, but it seemed like the smart decision at the end of high school.

Cooper is well respected, if you're fortunate enough to find someone who has heard of it. Also it's free. Other than that though, Cooper has nothing going for it. The engineering curriculum is so dense that is impossible to actually learn the material and care about it. Instead I find myself desperately cramming it in a few days before and forgetting it the moment I step out of the exam. The engineering curriculum is also terrible as it has core requirements that are irrelevant to most majors. For instance, probability, physical chemistry and modern physics are not necessary for most engineers. Also, important classes like engineering mechanics, which is normally two classes (statics and dynamics) is a 3 credit course, which does not do the material justice. Then there are other issues such as classes being out of order. Systems dynamics is given at the same time as differential equations, although it is completely grounded on differential equations, and systems covers fluid and thermal systems which are only taught in the next year.

Socially, the school is filled with the most antisocial elements possible. Honestly, about 50% of the semester there is nothing going on. For the first few weeks of the semester there are 1 or 2 "parties" every weekend, but these are actually worse than high school parties. Also, if you don't know people in the city outside of Cooper, you will be stuck with people at Cooper for your whole time. Don't expect to enjoy living in new york city very much. I rarely do any school work in the weekends, but it is impossible to get people to go do anything. Also, the student body is largely demoralized and depressed about life (normally it's a combination of difficulty of classes and the lack of a healthy social life), although some people seem to enjoy the work and challenge.

Essentially Cooper is an intense academic institution at a rock bottom price. However, you have to be dedicated to your studies as it as all you can achieve. Ambitions to lead a well rounded life end in bitter disappointment. If you're content with receiving a good education and not living life, then you'll love Cooper.