QUICK ANSWER
The Cooper Union Hometest is still part of the School of Art application, and its timing is the hard part. It arrives about a week after you apply, contains 6 visual and 10 written prompts, and gives roughly one month to finish, with both physical and digital submissions required. Your 15–20-work portfolio is submitted with it.
For Regular Decision, that month runs from January 12 to February 9, overlapping Pratt’s January 15 priority date and RISD’s January 20 deadline. A Korean applicant applying to several schools must plan the Hometest month before it starts.
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The Two Timelines
| Early Decision | Regular Decision | |
|---|---|---|
| Application due | December 1 | January 5 |
| Hometest released | December 7 | January 12 |
| Hometest and portfolio due | January 5 | February 9 |
| Decision | February 1 | April 1 |
From Cooper Union School of Art first-year application process, checked October 2026.
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What the Hometest Asks
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prompts | 6 visual and 10 written, new each year |
| Time | About one month |
| Submission | Both physical and digital |
| ED vs RD | Different Hometests for each round |
| Portfolio | 15–20 of your strongest, most recent works, submitted with the Hometest |
| Other requirements | Common App, one recommendation, transcripts, SAT/ACT optional, $75 fee |
From Cooper Union School of Art first-year application process, checked October 2026.
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How to Prepare Without Seeing the Prompts
- Clear the month. Finish other portfolios before the Hometest is released.
- Practise written responses. Ten written prompts need real writing time; practise short answers in English.
- Plan physical shipping. Physical submission from Korea needs courier time inside the month.
- Keep the portfolio ready. It goes in with the Hometest, not earlier.
- Do not copy past prompts. They change every year and differ by round.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Students who come to Seoul only in school breaks may find the January Hometest falls during term; plan studio time accordingly. See the combined 2026–27 calendar and SVA vs Cooper Union.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cooper Union still have a Hometest?
Yes. It is required for School of Art applicants, with 6 visual and 10 written prompts.
When do I get the Hometest?
About a week after the deadline: December 7 for Early Decision, January 12 for Regular Decision.
How long do I have?
About one month: due January 5 (ED) or February 9 (RD).
When is the portfolio due?
With the Hometest: 15–20 of your strongest, most recent works.
Are the ED and RD Hometests the same?
No. Each round receives a different Hometest.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From Cooper Union’s School of Art first-year application process page; other deadlines from Pratt and RISD. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: SVA vs Cooper Union · Combined 2026–27 Calendar · Portfolio Specifications · The 2027 Cycle · Royal Blue Results