Drexel University Undergraduate Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

Drexel University, a top-tier research institution renowned for its hands-on learning approach, research opportunities, and innovative spirit, attracts students from across the globe. With a diverse community comprising over 1,600 international students representing more than 110 countries, Drexel offers a vibrant and globally connected academic environment. This guide provides a detailed overview of Drexel University's undergraduate admission requirements, aiming to clarify the process for prospective students.

Drexel University: An Overview

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is distinguished by its cooperative education (co-op) program, which integrates real-world work experiences into the curriculum. This program allows undergraduate students to gain up to 18 months of professional experience by alternating classroom study with work at University-approved employers. Drexel's academic year is divided into four quarters, each consisting of 10 weeks of classes and one week of final exams. The number of quarters students attend each year depends on their chosen co-op option.

Drexel University offers a wide array of academic programs, including over 80 undergraduate majors, 14 certificate programs, and more than 120 graduate programs. The most popular fields of study include business, management, marketing, engineering, and computer science. With a Drexel University acceptance rate of approximately 78%, the university seeks academically focused students driven to succeed.

Admission Prerequisites

Drexel University admission requirements vary by program, ensuring that applicants meet required academic and professional standards needed for success.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must possess a high school diploma with a strong academic record in math, science, and English. While Drexel University does not have set minimum GPA requirements for admission, a GPA of 3.5 is recommended for competitive applicants. The prerequisite courses that you need to take will depend on the program to which you are applying; see our Admission Prerequisites for more information.

Standardized Tests

Drexel University has a No Harm Test-Optional admission policy. Students are welcome to submit SAT or ACT scores if they feel the scores are indicative of their academic achievement, but they are not a required part of the application. Drexel allows first-year applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores. Applicants who opt to submit are offered some flexibility in which test(s) will fulfill the standardized test score review.

For students who choose to submit scores, Drexel University superscores both the SAT and ACT. For the SAT, the 25th percentile score is 1250, and the 75th percentile score is 1430. For the ACT, the 25th percentile score is 27, and the 75th percentile score is 32.

English Language Proficiency

International first-year applicants whose first language is not English must take an approved English proficiency exam and request that results be forwarded to the Office of Admissions. For full exam results submitted, Drexel will consider your highest section scores on the TOEFL exam. English proficiency exam results may be considered for admission for domestic first-year students whose first language is not English or for whom English is not spoken at home. Official exam results should be submitted to Admissions. Drexel's TOEFL code is 2194. Please review our Standardized Testing Requirements for a full list of the approved exams.

Application Process

Applying to Drexel University involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and successful submission.

Application Submission

Applicants can apply for full-time programs using either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Part-time and non-matriculated students should use a separate application.

Read also: Drexel University Scholarships

Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for undergraduate admission:

Official high school transcripts, sent directly from the high school. Transcripts must include all coursework from grades nine, ten, and eleven, as well as any twelfth-grade coursework in progress.
Official academic records (with notarized English translation) from every secondary or postsecondary school attended are required to submit an official academic record (with notarized English translation) from every secondary or postsecondary school attended. Transcripts must reflect 9th, 10th, and 11th grade coursework and grades earned, as well as any 12th grade coursework in progress.
One letter of recommendation from a school or college counselor, submitted through the Common Application or the Coalition Application with Scoir. BA/BS+MD Early Assurance applicants are required to submit 2 letters of recommendation. Your letters of recommendation must be completed by a school or college counselor and a science teacher.
SAT or ACT scores (optional, as Drexel practices No Harm Test-Optional admission). Note: BS/BA+MD Early Assurance applicants are required to submit official SAT or ACT scores.
English proficiency exam scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo) for international applicants whose first language is not English or who have not completed a minimum of three full years of instruction in English prior to applying.

Citizens and permanent residents are required to provide their Social Security number to be considered for financial aid.

Additional Requirements

Portfolio (for specific programs): Applicants to certain programs, such as those in the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, may be required to submit a portfolio of their work. The Admission Committee is examining your work for originality, creative problem solving, and systematic thinking. Applicants should submit eight to 12 pieces of their strongest and most recent work in a variety of media that demonstrate a balance of technique and concept. Other examples of creative work may include a mixed-media collage inspired by your dreams, a research-based paper or project, video blogging, online curation, a video game proposal that modifies a children's board game so that it requires the skill of an adult, a résumé for performing arts or technical theatre, business or marketing plans, social media/promotion plans, examining and redesigning an existing product or interior, a narrative outline for a short script or interactive design, or an observational essay of curatorial practice in a museum gallery or public space.
Writing Supplement: Applicants may be required to submit a writing supplement addressing a specific topic. Writing Supplement Topic: Reflect on your experiences, personal characteristics, and unique traits that have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities associated with your chosen major.
Audition (for Dance majors): Dance majors are required to audition. Auditions can be done live or by video.
Supplemental Application (for BA/BS+MD Early Assurance applicants): BA/BS+MD early assurance applicants must complete the College of Medicine Supplemental Application on the Discover Drexel portal by November 15.
Homeschool Requirements: Homeschool applicants must provide the equivalent of a high school transcript with course or subject titles, duration of study for each title, content of study for each title, and an assessment of performance or grade. Additionally, applicants must submit course descriptions for each class detailing the content of study for each title, which should include a summary of the course and texts used.

Application Deadlines

Students applying for first-year admission are offered the choice of applying via three admission plans: Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision.

Early Decision: Early Decision applicants apply early and receive an admission decision sooner than the Early Action and Regular Decision applicant pool. Early Decision applicants will receive one of four possible decisions: an offer of admission, deferral to Regular Decision, waitlist, or denied admission. Early Decision is binding.
Early Action: Early Action applicants apply early and receive an admission decision sooner than the Regular Decision applicant pool in mid-January. Early Action is non-binding.
Regular Decision: Regular Decision applicants receive a non-binding decision from Drexel by April 1.

Refer to Drexel's official website for the most up-to-date application deadlines.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

All students are automatically considered for merit aid during the application review process. No additional applications are required. Merit scholarship decisions are based on the credentials submitted at the time of application.

Citizens and permanent residents are required to submit both the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline to be considered for the most financial aid. International applicants are required to submit the CSS Profile by the appropriate deadline to be considered for institutional need-based aid.

Housing Options

Drexel University offers a variety of housing options to suit different student needs and budgets.

First-Year Housing

To meet the 2-Year Residency Program requirements, first-year students can choose from various Drexel University campus housing options, keeping in mind the Drexel University housing cost when making their decision. These options include:

Bentley Hall
Caneris Hall
Kelly Hall
Millennium Hall
North Hall
Race Street Residences
Towers Hall
Van Rensselaer

Upper-Class and Transfer Housing

Upper-class and transfer students are not required to live on campus but may opt for university housing, including Drexel University dorms, due to flexible lease terms and convenient eBill payment options. They can reside in options that factor in Drexel University room and board for budgeting and planning.

Suite-style housing on the University City Campus is available to students who complete the Drexel University housing application within the specified deadlines.

Bentley Hall (for Living Learning Community students)
Drexel fraternity or sorority housing (by invitation)

Students can apply through DrexelOne (Campus+Community tab) after the application opens, keeping Drexel University room and board considerations in mind while selecting their housing preferences.

Graduate Housing

Graduate students can opt for apartment-style apartments on the University City Campus and apply through DrexelOne once applications open, exploring various Drexel University housing options that suit their lifestyle and budget.

Drexel-Affiliated Housing

For upper-class and transfer students seeking independent living, Drexel University housing options are available through American Campus Communities (ACC), offering convenience and flexibility near campus.

Chestnut Square
The Summit
University Crossings

Off-Campus Housing

Finding the perfect Drexel University off-campus student housing is easy with amber, a trusted platform that simplifies the entire rental process and helps students secure the right apartment effortlessly. Whether you're looking for fully furnished apartments, shared apartments, private studios, or traditional Drexel University dorms, amber offers a seamless booking experience with verified listings, 24/7 assistance, and exclusive student-friendly deals on Drexel University student apartments.

Additional Information

Double Major: While it is possible to double major at Drexel, you can only apply to one major at the time of admission.
Accelerated Degree: An accelerated degree allows a student to obtain an undergraduate and graduate degree within a shortened period of time.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit: Drexel recognizes the significance of superior scores earned by incoming first-year students on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations administered by the College Board and select higher-level International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations.
Transfer Credit: Coursework will be evaluated by the academic advisor after an applicant has confirmed enrollment at Drexel. Typically, coursework is transferable if the applicant has received a C grade or better, has not used the coursework to satisfy high school graduation requirements, and the coursework is applicable to the applicant's course of study.
Athletics: Drexel University offers Division I sports in the Colonial Athletic Association. If you would like to be considered for varsity athletics, please fill out the Prospective Athlete Form.

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