Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art vs Johns Hopkins

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of focus at Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins University?

  Cooper Union is highly specialized, offering programs exclusively in architecture, art, and engineering. Johns Hopkins University, on the other hand, is a comprehensive research university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including medicine, public health, arts and sciences, engineering, and business.

• How does the admissions process differ between Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins?

  Cooper Union's admissions process is highly competitive and portfolio-based for art and architecture applicants, and project-based for engineering. It emphasizes artistic or technical merit and potential. Johns Hopkins uses a more holistic review process, considering academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, seeking well-rounded students with a passion for learning and research.

• What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each institution?

  Cooper Union is known for its small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interaction between students and professors. Johns Hopkins, while also having a good student-to-faculty ratio, generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, although smaller, more specialized classes are common in upper-level courses.

• How do the campuses and locations of Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins compare?

  Cooper Union is located in the vibrant East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, offering students access to a rich cultural and artistic environment. Johns Hopkins' main undergraduate campus is in Baltimore, Maryland, providing a more traditional campus setting while still offering access to urban amenities. Johns Hopkins also has campuses and facilities in other locations, including Washington, D.C., and internationally.

• What types of financial aid and tuition policies are offered by Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins?

  Cooper Union, after a period of tuition charges, has reinstated a full-tuition scholarship for all undergraduate students, making it exceptionally affordable. Johns Hopkins offers a comprehensive financial aid program, including need-based grants and scholarships, to make education accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The specific aid packages vary based on individual financial circumstances.

• What are the research opportunities like at Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins?

  While Cooper Union offers research opportunities, particularly in engineering, Johns Hopkins is a major research university with extensive research facilities and funding across various disciplines. Johns Hopkins provides numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research projects with leading faculty.

• How do the career services and alumni networks compare between the two schools?

  Both Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins have strong career services departments that provide students with resources for internships, job placement, and career counseling. Cooper Union's alumni network is smaller but highly connected within the fields of art, architecture, and engineering. Johns Hopkins has a larger and more diverse alumni network spanning various industries and professions.

• What is the overall academic environment and culture like at each university?

  Cooper Union fosters a highly creative and collaborative environment, emphasizing hands-on learning and studio-based work. The culture is intense and focused on artistic and technical excellence. Johns Hopkins promotes a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on research and intellectual curiosity. The culture is collaborative and encourages interdisciplinary learning.

• Which school is better for someone interested in a broad liberal arts education?

  Johns Hopkins is the better choice for someone seeking a broad liberal arts education. Cooper Union's curriculum is highly specialized and focused on art, architecture, and engineering, while Johns Hopkins offers a wide range of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs.

• If I'm specifically interested in studying art, architecture, or engineering, which school is a better fit?

  If your primary interest lies in art, architecture, or engineering, Cooper Union is an excellent choice. It is renowned for its specialized programs in these fields and offers a unique, immersive learning experience. Johns Hopkins also has strong engineering programs, but its art and architecture offerings are less prominent.

• How does the social life differ between Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins?

  Cooper Union's social life is heavily influenced by its location in New York City and its smaller student body. Students often engage in activities related to their fields of study and explore the city's cultural offerings. Johns Hopkins offers a more traditional campus-based social life with a wider range of student organizations, clubs, and athletic events.

• What are the strengths of the engineering programs at Cooper Union versus Johns Hopkins?

  Cooper Union's engineering programs are known for their hands-on, project-based approach and strong focus on design and innovation. Johns Hopkins' engineering programs are research-oriented and offer opportunities to work with leading faculty on cutting-edge research projects. Johns Hopkins also has a broader range of engineering specializations.