Getting into Cooper Union felt like a long shot. It was one of the most selective institutions in the country, known for its rigorous architecture, art, and engineering programs. And here I was, a high school student with a vague idea of what I wanted to do but no real strategy for getting there.
For a long time, I didn’t give much thought to college applications. My family had always expected me to study in my home country, so I only started considering U.S. universities much later than most. That meant I was already behind, with no idea how to position myself in a way that would make me stand out. I knew I needed expert guidance to catch up. That’s when I turned to Opus College Prep, whose 11th and 12th-grade college services gave me the structure and support I needed.
Opus College Prep helped me find my story, build confidence, and navigate a process that, at times, felt completely overwhelming.
Discovering My Story: More Than Grades and Test Scores
Before working with Opus, I thought college applications were all about grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. I had decent numbers and had been involved in various clubs, but none of it really connected. It felt like my application was a collection of achievements rather than a reflection of who I truly was.
The first thing my Opus counselor helped me do was figure out who I was beyond my resume. She asked questions that no one had asked me before. What excites you? What kind of problems do you like solving? If you had a completely free day, what would you spend it doing?
At first, I didn’t know how to answer. But after many conversations, I realized I wasn’t just interested in architecture because it seemed like a promising career. I was fascinated by how spaces influence human behavior. I loved sketching buildings, analyzing city layouts, and figuring out how design could shape experiences. That was the key to my application. I wasn’t just another student applying to architecture school. I was someone who had a unique perspective on why design mattered, and that’s what we built my application around.
Strengthening My Application: Highlighting My Passions
Once we figured out my angle, the next challenge was making sure my application actually showed it. I had a solid academic background, but my activities didn’t fully reflect my passion for architecture. That was a problem.
Opus helped me find ways to strengthen my profile even though I was starting late. I applied to architecture-related summer programs, took extra AP classes in subjects that supported my interest, and began working on a personal portfolio.
I had never considered creating a portfolio before, as I assumed it was only for art students. However, my counselor explained that a strong collection of work could give my application an extra edge, even though I wasn’t applying to a fine arts program. She helped me choose my best projects, refine them, and present them in a way that highlighted my creativity and analytical thinking.
The College Essay Struggle
I thought writing my personal statement would be easy. I was wrong.
At first, I wrote a draft that sounded like every other college essay I’d ever read. It was polished, safe, and completely forgettable. My counselor’s feedback? “This is fine, but it doesn’t sound like you.”
That’s when the real work began. I rewrote my essay again and again, trying to dig deeper and make it more personal. Whenever I thought I was done, my counselor would ask, “But why does this matter to you?” It was frustrating, but she was right. The best essays aren’t just about what you’ve done; they show how those experiences have shaped you.
By the time I finished my final draft, my essay wasn’t just a list of achievements—it was a reflection of who I was and why I belonged at Cooper Union. It was one of the hardest things I had ever written but also one of the most rewarding.
The Cooper Union Home Test: Thinking Outside the Box
The Cooper Union home test is anything but ordinary. Unlike a typical college application, it’s a creative challenge that pushes you to showcase your unique way of thinking. When I first saw the prompts, I had no idea where to start.
My counselor helped me break it down. Instead of trying to find the “right” answers, she encouraged me to approach it like a design problem. What story was I trying to tell? How could I use my responses to show my creativity and problem-solving skills?
That shift in mindset made all the difference. I stopped second-guessing myself and started trusting my instincts. Instead of worrying about what the admissions committee wanted to see, I focused on creating something that felt authentic to me. When I finally submitted my test, I felt surprisingly good about it.
Interview Jitters and Finding Confidence
By the time interviews rolled around, I was exhausted. I had spent months refining my application, putting together my portfolio, and writing essays. Now, I had to convince an actual human being that I deserved a spot at Cooper Union.
Opus prepared me with mock interviews, and at first, I was terrible. I rambled, over-explained, and sometimes just froze completely. My counselor didn’t sugarcoat it. She gave me tough feedback and made me go through it repeatedly until I got comfortable talking about myself.
The biggest lesson I learned? I didn’t need to memorize answers or sound perfect. I just needed to be myself and speak with confidence. When my actual interview came, I wasn’t just reciting rehearsed lines—I was having a real conversation. And that made all the difference.
The Moment It All Paid Off
I’ll never forget the day I got my acceptance letter. I had been refreshing my email every few minutes, my heart pounding. When I finally saw the words, “Congratulations, you’ve been accepted,” I just sat there in shock.
The first person I told (after my parents) was my counselor. She had been with me through every moment of doubt, every rewrite, every late-night panic about whether I was good enough. Seeing how excited she was made it even more real.
Looking back, I realize that getting into Cooper Union was about finding my voice, telling my story, and showing why I belonged there. Opus College Prep helped me grow in ways I never expected.
If you dream of a school that seems out of reach, I can tell you this: with the proper guidance, the right mindset, and a willingness to push yourself, you can get there. I know because I did.
Looking back, I can’t imagine going through the college application process without professional support. If you’re applying to a competitive school and need guidance, contact Opus College Prep. It is a great place to start!
