Navigating the Letter of Recommendation Requirements for Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCoM) seeks highly qualified and motivated students. The admissions committee utilizes a holistic review process, valuing students with a commitment to community service, leadership, experience in medicine, and those who have overcome hardship. A complete application includes the AMCAS application, a supplemental application, application fee (or AMCAS waiver), letters of recommendation, MCAT score, and a completed CASPer test. This article delves into the specific requirements for letters of recommendation (LORs) for Drexel University College of Medicine.
General LOR Requirements for Drexel
The College of Medicine requires letters of recommendation as part of the application process. Applicants may also send a total of three updates through the application system, including an update letter. You can use the same LOR’s written specifically for medical school that you submitted to AMCAS and/or Drexel for the MD application but they must be resubmitted to the DPMS application from the letter writer/university or a letter collection service such as Interfolio.
Committee Letter vs. Individual Letters
Applicants whose college or university has a pre-medical advisory committee should send a pre-professional committee letter or a composite letter of recommendation, which should include science and non-science professors. However, if you do not have a premedical committee letter, letters from professors are preferred; however, letters from direct report managers/supervisors at your current/past employer will be accepted.
Specific Scenarios and Guidance
- No Premedical Committee Letter: If you don't have a premedical committee letter, you need letters of recommendation from three faculty members who can talk about your academic abilities in the classroom. We need two from science professors and one from a non-science professor. Research mentors or physicians with whom you have worked do not count toward the requirement. The letters must be from faculty members.
- Out of School for a While: If you’ve been out of school for quite some time and you’re unable to reach your professors, letters from professors are preferred, however letters from direct report managers/supervisors at your current/past employer will be accepted.
- Using Letters from AMCAS: You can use the same LOR’s written specifically for medical school that you submitted to AMCAS and/or Drexel for the MD application but they must be resubmitted to the DPMS application from the letter writer/university or a letter collection service such as Interfolio.
- Additional Letters: We will accept additional letters.
Submission Methods
- Committee Letter or Letter Packet: This letter will either be a pre-health committee letter or a collection of letters of recommendation/evaluation that your undergraduate university will collect and send as a packet. Please check off “Committee Letter” in your application for either of these.
- Interfolio: Interfolio accounts are set up by the applicant, not the letter writer. Interfolio is a letter collection service that many applicants use to compile and send their Letters of recommendation/evaluation. An Interfolio account is NOT required; we offer it as an option for those applicants who have an account. If you are sending your letters from an Interfolio account, please check off “Interfolio” in your application. Please be sure they include identifying information about you (i.e.
Drexel Pathway to Medical School (DPMS) LOR Requirements
The Drexel Pathway to Medical School (DPMS) program is a provisional acceptance into Drexel University College of Medicine. It is a very competitive program. The requirements for this program have been set forth by the College of Medicine, and all decisions are made by the admissions committee at the College of Medicine. Please keep in mind that this program is extremely competitive, we generally receive over 600 applications for approximately 65 seats.
You can use the same LOR’s written specifically for medical school that you submitted to AMCAS and/or Drexel for the MD application but they must be resubmitted to the DPMS application from the letter writer/university or a letter collection service such as Interfolio.
Read also: Drexel University Student Statistics
Additional Information about DPMS
- Essays, LORs, and Extracurriculars: It is difficult to make an assessment for the program because acceptance into the DPMS Program is not strictly about numbers. The essays, letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities are all very important and taken into consideration when making a decision on your application.
- Application Service: We do not accept AMCAS applications for the DPMS application.
General Information for all applicants
- Technical Standards: Technical standards are defined as the attributes considered necessary for students to complete their education and training and subsequently enter clinical practice. Candidates accepted for admission to the Salus at Drexel Physician Assistant program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards. Admission decisions are made on the assumption that each candidate can meet the technical standards without consideration of disability. The University reserves the right of final determination for applicants requesting accommodations to meet the program’s technical standards.
- Holistic Review: Our admissions committee utilizes the process of Holistic Review in the consideration of applicants to the College of Medicine. Our committee values students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and leadership and have experience and/or exposure to the field of medicine, students who have overcome personal, economic or educational hardship and students who are first-generation college graduates.
- Diversity: Drexel University College of Medicine delivers innovative biomedical education in an environment that embraces inquiry and collaboration, founded on excellence in patient care, and based on a culture of, and respect for, diversity. We encourage applications from women, ethnic and racial minorities, first-generation college attendees, Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents, LGBT individuals, veterans, rural, educationally disadvantaged, economically disadvantaged, and individuals who have prior careers outside of medicine.
Read also: Drexel University Scholarships
Read also: Undergraduate Portal Navigation at Drexel
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