drexel university essay requirements

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Drexel University Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Drexel University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Drexel University and build a strong application.

School location: Philadelphia, PA

Admissions Rate: 79.6%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Drexel University is 79.6% . For every 100 applicants, 80 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet Drexel University's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

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Drexel University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.81

The average GPA at Drexel University is 3.81 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.81, Drexel University requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.81, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Drexel University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Drexel University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Drexel University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1290

The average SAT score composite at Drexel University is a 1290 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Drexel University Competitive for SAT test scores.

Drexel University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1240, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1420. In other words, a 1240 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1420 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Drexel University has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Drexel University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Drexel University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1240, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Drexel University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Drexel University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 28

The average ACT score at Drexel University is 28. This score makes Drexel University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 27, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 32.

Even though Drexel University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 27 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 27 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, from our research, Drexel University is understood to superscore the ACT . We couldn't confirm it directly from the school's admissions website, but multiple sources confirm that the school does superscore the ACT. We recommend you call their admissions office directly for more information.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Drexel University receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Drexel University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Drexel University forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 27, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Drexel University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1240 SAT or a 27 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
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• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Drexel University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 2
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $50
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office January 15

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 15 April 1
• Yes November 1 December 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 3141 Philadelphia, PA 19104-2875
• Phone: (215) 895-2400
• Fax: (215) 895-1285
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Drexel University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Drexel University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Drexel University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Drexel University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Drexel University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Drexel University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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How to Write the Drexel University Supplement Essays 2020-2021

We’ve updated this post! Please check out the 2021-2022 Drexel essay guide .

Drexel University, located across three campuses in urban Philadelphia, is a private research institution that is ranked #23 in Most Innovative Schools and among the Top 100 National Universities and Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report.

Drexel is well known for its cooperative-education program that offers students the opportunity to gain 18 months of full-time, major-related work experience while pursuing a degree.

Though Drexel does not have a universal required prompt outside of the Common App, certain schools and programs have specific required essays. This post will help you understand those prompts. Want to know your chances at Drexel? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Drexel University Application Essay Prompts

Custom-designed applicant prompt, please write a 500- to 800-word vision statement/essay describing in detail what you want to study, what you hope to accomplish during your time in the program, and why your educational goals cannot be met by pursuing a traditional drexel major, a double major, or a major combined with minors. your vision statement/essay should also include how you expect this program to prepare you for life after college, detailing what career or pursuits the custom-designed major will facilitate and how you plan to impact the world. finally, the vision statement/essay should contain a plausible plan of study for achieving your goals by drawing upon two or more existing drexel programs. a sample vision statement can be found on the custom-designed major prospective students page. information about existing programs and courses at drexel can be found in the university catalog. (response required in 500-800 words.) *this essay is required for custom-design applicants only..

Drexel’s Custom-Designed Major offers students the opportunity to pursue an individualized and interdisciplinary course of study that uniquely satisfies their interests. Designed for the highly motivated, it allows students to lay out their own educational roadmap that is supplemented with one-on-one mentorship from faculty.

Note: Prior to applying for the Custom-Designed Major, check out Drexel’s extensive list of majors and minors to make sure that your desired course of study cannot be fully satisfied by an existing program. Some examples of Custom-Designed Majors include Quantitative Behavioral Finance, Sustainable Design, Science and Technology Policy, and New Media Entrepreneurship.

Despite appearing in the essay section of the Common App, this prompt can be more accurately described as a “vision statement.” It is very specific in its requirements and outlines all of the content that Drexel wants to see from applicants. It can be broken down into five key points.

Vision Statement Key Points:

• What do you want to study?
• What do you hope to accomplish while in the program?
• Why do you need a Custom-Designed Major?
• How will a Custom-Designed Major prepare you for your career/pursuits and help you impact the world?
• What is your plan of study?

Don’t be intimidated by the large block of text in the prompt because at it’s core, the vision statement simply asks you to explain why and how a personalized education path at Drexel will benefit you.

Why a Custom-Designed Major?

A strong way to start off your vision statement is by identifying a societal or professional need for an educational pathway that is currently nonexistent at the school. You can open with a personal experience or an observation that shows why an interdisciplinary approach is necessary. By doing so, you immediately grab the attention of your reader and give him/her the lenses to understand the rest of your writing from your perspective.

Once you highlight that need, you should specify a course of study by selecting at least two existing programs and discussing their intersection to form a Custom-Designed Major. Ideally, you want to come up with a name for your major, which could be based on either a professional field or your own experiences. Make sure you describe the programs in detail because your vision statement is centered around them.

Make sure to answer the “why” by explaining the future benefits of your course of study. Higher education helps you become better prepared for your pursuits later on in life, so you must express some kind of a trajectory that necessitates your Custom-Designed Major.

If you know exactly what you want to do in the future, write about your specific career path and how having a solid foundation in multiple fields will strengthen your skills and insight. If you are not certain of the specific job you would like to work at but have a general idea of what you want to do, discuss the shortcomings that currently exist and how your interdisciplinary studies prepare you to better respond to situations.

How will you take advantage of the program?

How will you use your time at Drexel? The admissions officers want to know that you are going in with clearly defined goals. Remember, this program is for students who are driven to pursue a specific path, and not for those who are still exploring. You need to make sure that you clearly demonstrate that you will make full use of the resources available.

That said, your vision statement must outline your key goals while in the program. Think about what you want to accomplish. For example, maybe you want to develop an in-depth understanding of how two fields relate so that you can one day make improvements to an existing industry. Whatever you decide your goals should be, make sure that they connect back to the interdisciplinary nature of your custom-designed major.

Plan of Study

Once you know what you hope to accomplish in the program, ask yourself how you will achieve those objectives. What academic resources will put you on the right trajectory? Here, Drexel wants you to be specific and discuss which aspects of existing programs you will merge to form the crux of your Custom-Designed Major.

Your proposed Plan of Study should be a term-by-term outline of the courses that you want to take. Notice how the prompt specifies you to look at existing courses in the University Catalogue . You want to create an organized table that lists out the specific classes you plan on taking during each term of each academic school year.

The majority of the academic departments at Drexel operate under a quarter system , permitting you to take classes even during the summer if desired. This gives you the option of overloading on courses, but make sure your proposal is one that you could realistically manage.

In addition to listing out the courses you want to take, make sure you include the ones that are degree requirements for all Custom-Designed Majors. These requirements include a number of CSDN/WEST courses as well as fulfilling a number of credits in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and sciences.

Note: This plan does not necessarily need to be set in stone, but it should be thorough enough to indicate that you have the foresight to succeed as a student in the program.

Here’s an example :

• You can write about noticing that current government policies are failing to adapt to the changing pace of technology, and therefore creating a large number of social problems that will have to be resolved by this generation. You could then argue that it is important to have proactive policies that account for likely problems associated with developments in technology, rather than having reactionary policies. By merging Political Science with Computer Science and Computer and Security Technology courses , you would learn to draft government policy as a forward-thinking innovator capable of taking on societal challenges in a way that surpasses career politicians with no technical background. Then, you can proceed to discuss the benefits of gaining experience in the cooperative-education program by working for leading artificial intelligence firms to give you insight prior to working in government. Finally, you would provide a well-documented list of courses you intend on taking for the major requirements and across disciplines.

If you need more concrete examples, Drexel offers vision statements on the Prospective Students section of the Custom-Designed Major page.

Westphal College Applicant Prompt

Please write a short essay describing why you are interested in pursuing your major of choice at drexel university’s westphal college. what have you done that prepares you to study in your major of choice (response required in 500 words.) *this essay is required for westphal college applicants only..

Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design is unlike traditional arts school. Westphal encompasses a variety of majors that help artistic and creative individuals find practical and sustainable applications of their craft to high-demand industries. Similar to the application for Custom-Designed Major, the Westphal College application is direct and focuses in on your specific path. It also asks a core question: “Why pursue your selected major, and what experience have you had?”

Note: Prior to writing your essay, you should first select a specific Westphal major that has significance/relevance in your life.

Why your major?

When answering the “why,” you can take a number of different approaches as long as you satisfy your primary goal of demonstrating that you are passionate about a subject. Why are you inspired to pursue your desired major? Why is your desired major important to you? Why will your desired major permit you to impact society? These are all questions that you should be considering as you write.

You can write about an experience that significantly impacted your life and has sparked your interest in a subject. Maybe it was a book, movie, or class that just clicked for you and helped you realize what you want to do with your life. Discuss how a subject excites you or changes the way in which you understand the world. Try to zone in on building a narrative so that the reader understands your perspective and thinks, “ I can’t see this student studying anything but this major .”

What experience have you had?

After introducing your interest, you want to explain what you have done that makes you qualified to be a student of a particular major at Westphal. Ideally, you want to develop an image of yourself as someone who found a passion and pursued it.

If you have allowed your love for a subject to manifest outside of the classroom in the form of a personal project/pursuit or extracurricular activity, discuss that. It will show that you took advantage of your opportunities and turned an interest into something tangible and impactful.

If you haven’t quite had the chance to further your interests, you can write about classes you’ve taken in school or books that you’ve read that relate to your desired major. Make sure you demonstrate your knowledge by delving deeply into the subjects to build around the underlying passion that you want to drive your essay.

Even if you haven’t had much specific experience relating to your desired major, you can still write a strong essay . Often times, your inspiration for pursuing a subject is the source of your experience. For example, someone seeking to study Game Design & Production may not have actually designed video games before, but perhaps has spent significant hours playing Pokémon and thus understands user interface and graphics.

The primary goal is to indicate that your passion for a subject has manifested in ways that have given you insight and experience into your desired major, to prove that you are suited for the program.

For example :

• A student can talk about how she grew up playing Pokémon, which provided her with an escape from difficulties in her childhood. It sparked her imagination and brought her immense joy in the form of imaginary adventures in a world that she could control, unlike the real world that often disappointed her. Though she has not had extensive experience with Game Design & Production, she took a programming course in Python in which she made basic games, such as Brick Breaker and Air Hockey. She could express how it excited her to know that if she studied Game Design & Production, she would one day be able to merge her experience as a gamer with technical skills to bring the kind of joy to other children that Pokémon brought to her!

If you’re applying elsewhere as well, check out our database of essay prompts for hundreds of other colleges!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Drexel University Supplemental Essays 2022-23

Drexel Supplemental Essays 2022-23

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is undeniably an excellent school for students to add to their college lists. The school has over 80 Drexel majors and minors, but the school is most known for its STEM majors, especially computer science and engineering. In this article, we will discuss the Drexel supplemental essays, their importance, and how to respond to the Drexel essay prompts with strong Drexel essays that will boost your acceptance odds.

History of Drexel University

Since 1919, Drexel University has been a  co-operative educational institution , which is an amazing type of educational program that students might not have heard about before. “Co-operative” means that all  Drexel undergraduate students work six months at a job in their chosen field as part of their education at Drexel. This work experience is unique and greatly helps strengthen job applications after graduation.

Drexel rankings

The Drexel University ranking is #105 in U.S. News for Best Colleges nationally. While Drexel doesn’t crack the top 100 colleges in the U.S. News list, a ranking of 105 is still high and quite impressive. This Drexel University ranking is proof that Drexel is a well-respected university in Philadelphia, therefore students should take care in answering the Drexel supplemental essays to help their application stand out. 

Drexel University is considered to be a good school due to many varying factors. It is important to remember that a “good school” is determined by so much more than ranking alone. Other factors to consider include program offerings, campus life, and career-placement opportunities after graduation. Furthermore, ultimately, a “good school” will depend on what an applicant is looking for in their own personal college experience.  

What is the Drexel acceptance rate like?

One factor that can be considered when thinking about if a school is a good school for you is acceptance rate. While the Drexel University acceptance rate is 83% , it is important to remember that acceptance is certainly not guaranteed. Not all students who apply gain admission. Because of this, one should not slack on any part of the application process, in particular, the Drexel essays.

Drexel University takes into consideration several things when determining admission. These variants include a student’s high school performance, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and, of course, the Drexel supplemental essays. 

Drexel supplemental essay review

Now, you might be wondering why Drexel University supplemental essays are necessary for your application. Writing the Drexel essays are a chance for students to share with the Drexel admissions committee who they are beyond grades, test scores, and recommendations . This means that students should put the appropriate amount of thought and consideration into their answers to the Drexel essay prompts in order to highlight their positive attributes and unique qualities. 

If you are interested in applying to Drexel University, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the Drexel supplemental essays. You may be wondering how to craft strong responses to the Drexel essay prompts. Luckily, you’re in the right place! Our comprehensive guide will expertly break down the requirements of the Drexel supplemental essays, while also highlighting some key information about Drexel University to help students have the highest chance of gaining admission with their Drexel supplemental essays. 

Drexel Essay Prompts: Quick Facts

• Drexel University Acceptance Rate:  83%– U.S. News’s Drexel University ranking makes Drexel a  more selective   school. 
• All applicants must submit a 250 to 650-word personal essay.
• Applicants to specific programs may be asked to complete additional Drexel University supplemental essays.
• Drexel University Application:  Students must submit their Drexel University application via the  Common Application  or the  Coalition Application . Make sure to have all of your Drexel supplemental essays and other  required application materials  ready when applying. 
• Early Decision: November 1st
• Early Action: November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 15th 
• Drexel University Essay Tip:  There is only one Drexel University essay that is required, and this is the personal essay. So, it is important to make your essay count. Make sure you take the time to answer thoughtfully and make the most impact within the 250 to 650-word limit.

Does Drexel University have supplemental essays?

Drexel University does, in fact, have specific Drexel University supplemental essays. Most undergraduate applicants will be required to submit a personal essay for all college applications via the Common App or Coalition App. Drexel is no exception. The personal essay topics will vary, but the primary purpose of these essays is to tell the Drexel admissions committee things about yourself that cannot be found in any other part of your application. So, we should note that the standard personal essay is different from the Drexel University supplemental essays, but is still a requirement.

More than just the personal essay

In addition to the personal essay, students who apply for certain majors or special programs within the university will be asked to submit additional Drexel essays that express their passion for their intended major. These Drexel supplemental essays provide applicants with the opportunity to help their application stand apart from the rest!

The Drexel essays are dependent upon the program a student applies for, which can be determined from the list of Drexel majors. Later on,  we’ll dive deeper into a few of these programs, as well as introduce the Drexel essay prompts later in this article. 

Use the essays to your advantage

It is important to make the absolute most of your Drexel supplemental essays! Do not make the critical mistake of waiting until the last minute to begin writing your Drexel supplemental essay draft. Allow yourself enough time for editing and proofreading, and you’ll beat that Drexel University acceptance rate.

Follow our guide for tips and recommendations on how to write the best Drexel supplemental essay before the application deadline to help strengthen your application. So, read on to dive into our tips and tricks for writing the Drexel University supplemental essays!

Drexel University Essay Requirements

Drexel University requires the submission of one personal essay between 250 and 650 words. There are also additional Drexel University supplemental essays that are specific to certain programs or majors. Like all supplemental college essays, any of the  Drexel essay prompts will have a suggested word count. Additionally, the Drexel website states that it is important for students to take any and all requirements into consideration while writing. Students can see all requirements, including the required (and optional) Drexel University supplemental essays, by visiting the Drexel University website here .

Complete program-specific essays

As we mentioned, additional Drexel essays will be required if a student is applying to certain programs within the university. Because of this, it is important for students to evaluate all of the potential majors in order to apply for the correct program. To do this, we recommend checking out our resources on how to choose a major as well as considering the specific Drexel majors offered.

Submit by the deadline

It is critical for students to ensure they submit their application, including any required Drexel supplemental essays, by the application deadline . Failure to submit all materials by this date will almost guarantee a rejection letter from the university. Time management, along with test scores, recommendations, and what you say about yourself in your Drexel supplemental essays, will all play an equally important role in the decision of the admissions committee. 

Now, let’s break down several of the programs within Drexel University. And, we’ll take a look at the Drexel University essay prompts required for admission to each of these programs. 

Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Writing Supplement

As previously mentioned, the Drexel supplemental essays vary from program to program. One such program is the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. This is the an arts and design school within Drexel University that houses many majors in the creative arts industry. From graphic design to dance, the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design has a wide range of majors to choose from. This program has its own specific supplemental essay required for admission.

Westphal College of Maria Arts and Design prides itself on teaching design, media, and performance in a different way. Being predominantly studio-based, the class sizes are small and hands-on, empowering students to excel in highly creative fields. 

Small class sizes mean fewer acceptances, which means that this program is more selective with acceptances. This is very important to keep in mind when writing the Drexel supplemental essays, either for the Westphal College of Maria Arts and Design or other Drexel programs. 

Breaking down the Westphal supplemental

The essay required for admission into this program differs from the personal undergrad essay that is required for all applicants to submit to Drexel University. This additional essay provides students the opportunity to express interest in their chosen major and provide background information on any previous experience within that field. 

Let’s take a look at the prompt:

Please write a short essay describing why you are interested in pursuing your major of choice at Drexel University’s Westphal College. What have you done that prepares you to study in your major of choice? (Maximum 500 words)

As you can see, this prompt can be categorized as a “why major” essay. This is a twist on the more classic “why school” essay. A “why school” essay is a common type of college application essay that  asks, “Why is this school a fit for you?” and a “why major” essay refers to an essay that asks, “Why is this major a fit for you?”

This specific Drexel essay prompts the student to cite reasons why they are interested in their major of choice. In this instance, it is necessary to know your chosen major at the time of application. It is important to follow the guidelines of the prompt. So, incorporating more than one major interest within this essay would not be advised. Students will have 500 words to respond to this essay. 

Drexel’s BA/BS + MD Writing Supplement

Drexel University offers an early acceptance program for biological sciences, chemistry, and biomedical engineering majors known as the BA/B + MD Early Assurance Program . This program is a 4 + 4 combined program. It offers students early acceptance into both their undergraduate program and their medical school simultaneously.

This unique opportunity is certainly more selective than a traditional undergrad acceptance. Because of this, any Drexel supplemental essays for the BA/B + MD Early Assurance Program will extremely important. It is advised to begin the essay writing process with plenty of time to brainstorm your Drexel supplemental essays, draft your Drexel supplemental essays, and have your Drexel supplemental essays reviewed by several sources prior to submission. We will explain this process in more detail later in this article.

In addition to many admissions requirements, Drexel’s BA/BS + MD program requires its own supplemental essay. This gives applicants the opportunity to share why they are interested in the program at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Let’s take a look at the prompt: 

Tell the Admission Committee why you are applying to the joint program with the Drexel University College of Medicine. Be sure to explain why you want to be a physician and, more specifically, why you want to obtain your medical education at the Drexel University College of Medicine. The essay should be approximately 500 words long.

As you can see, this prompt is also classified as a “why school” essay. Additionally, it could be considered a “why major” essay. So, students have the opportunity to express why they have chosen this program and want to pursue medicine. Utilize this opportunity to touch on your strongest why(s) and highlight your past experience to elevate your application.

Does Drexel University care about essays?

Having to worry about Drexel supplemental essays in addition to all other requirements for college application submission can feel overwhelming. But, it’s important to remember that Drexel University really does care about essays. Otherwise, they would not ask applicants to waste their time writing.

There is a lot more that goes into an admission decision than just numbers. Schools want to know who you are, how you are unique, and how diverse your background is. So, take any opportunity to showcase these elements to the Drexel admissions committee to help your application stand out .

Test-optional policy

Another important thing to note is that Drexel University has a test-optional admission policy. Students do not have to submit their ACT or SAT scores. If you feel your test scores are not indicative of your academic achievement, don’t stress! In other words, only submit test scores if you do well on the SAT or ACT.

Because of this, the Drexel University admissions committee most likely values the Drexel supplemental essays even more. Therefore, students should put a lot of effort into making their essay shine for the admissions committee. Think of this as the time to really allow your personality and experience to shine through. 

How to write the Drexel Supplemental Essays?

Next, let’s discuss how to approach writing the Drexel supplemental essays. 

Understand the prompt

The best way to begin is to review the prompt and get a full grasp of what it is asking. Break down the question into separate sections. Dissect every part of it fully so that you have a clear direction when writing.

Next, start by drafting a list of all the reasons why you want to attend Drexel University. The admissions committee wants to know your “why this school” logic to determine if you are a good fit. A solid brainstorming session is the foundation of a strong essay, so this is a super important step. 

While writing your list, it is best to be as specific and personal as possible. The more personalized your reasons, the easier it will be to decide which one to focus on. Because the essay is limited to 650 words, we recommend highlighting no more than three reasons for your “why this school”.   

Free writing & drafting

Once you have completed the above steps to set the foundation for your essay, it’s time to free write. Freewriting is a great way to get all of your ideas out and organize your thoughts. You can use the writing you do during this time as a reference point to begin your story.

With both your brainstorm and free write behind you, begin drafting your Drexel supplemental essay. Having already done the prep work, you can choose what you would like to utilize. Knowing the direction of your essay is important. And, remember that you do not have to focus on word count or grammar at this stage. The key is to allow your creativity to flow as you answer the prompt clearly and express yourself to the admissions committee. 

Proofread, proofread, proofread

After your Drexel supplemental essay draft is complete, you will want to proofread your draft for all grammar edits, as well as ensure your essay fits within the word count requirements. From there, your draft will be ready for review by external sources. We recommend that you have your essay reviewed by several people to gain different perspectives. 

It’s advisable to seek out sources who work within education, like teachers, advisors, or counselors, if possible. The goal is for these sources to revise for grammatical errors, as well as offer feedback on the overall structure of your Drexel supplemental essay.

You can utilize this workflow for any of the Drexel supplemental essays you will have to submit, including the essays for specific programs within the university. 

Drexel Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

Completing the Drexel supplemental essays can feel overwhelming, so let’s simplify five key takeaways to take with you into your Drexel University application process:

Five Main Takeaways

#1- keep it personal.

Prompts for the Drexel supplemental essays will most likely ask personal questions. Personal essays give applicants the opportunity to express themselves and share who they are and why they want to attend the university or major in a specific field with the admissions team. The supplemental essay will be the only component of your application that allows for the admissions committee to see beyond grades and extracurriculars, so it is important to fully utilize the opportunity and answer the question clearly to help your application stand out. 

#2- Follow the word count

The Drexel supplemental essays will be no more than 650 words. However, the Drexel supplemental essays vary in length between 250-650 words. Whether your prompt states 250 words or 650 words, it is critical to follow the word count guidelines. Be sure to narrow down your thoughts dependent on the length of your essay. The shorter the word count, the fewer ideas you will want to include. If you are only including one idea in your essay, make sure it is your strongest. 

#3- Plan for a “Why Major” essay

Another thing to note is that the Drexel supplemental essays differ depending on which program a student applies to. While it is likely your essay prompts will be a “why major” essay, each question will be tailored to the program. That is why it is crucial to know your chosen major prior to applying to Drexel University to ensure acceptance into your desired program. It is also important to note that some programs may be more selective than others, in which case your Drexel supplemental essays will matter even more.

#4- Brainstorm!

Brainstorm a list to narrow down no more than three strong reasons to your “why this school”. That is the first step you should take prior to drafting your Drexel supplemental essay, and it will help to set you up for success. This list will allow you to visually see which ideas are the strongest to incorporate into your essay. Setting the foundation with one to three key ideas will really help visualize the overall structure and concept of your essay.

#5- Leave time to review your essays

Finally, choose several sources to review your Drexel supplemental essays before submitting them to the admissions committee. Prior to submitting your Drexel supplemental essays, it is advised to have several trusted sources review your essay for grammatical errors and structural edits. Having different perspectives and viewpoints can be super helpful for your final revision and might even spark some ideas for your essay that take it to new heights. 

Still need more support?

You’re in the right place! At CollegeAdvisor, we’re here to assist you every step of the way in your college application journey. From formulating your college list to helping with your supplemental essays, our team is ready to help you. And don’t forget to check out our list of the top colleges in Pennsylvania when crafting your college list. And, be sure to reference our essay guides and strong essay examples if you would like to dive deeper into the supplemental essay writing process.

This guide was written by Nora Eckler. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Drexel University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 15

You Have: 

Drexel University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Drexel is committed to preparing each new generation of students to become productive, professional and civic-minded members of the community while continuing to focus on how we can contribute to solving some of society’s greatest challenges.  What do you view as a challenge facing society that you would like to contribute to solving? How would a Drexel education aid you in taking the first step toward a solution? (250 words or less)

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions that you’re dialed in and paying attention to what’s going on in society, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Take a little time to brainstorm issues that you consider some of society’s greatest challenges. Once you’ve identified one that you’d like to write about, think about the role you see yourself playing in addressing or solving it. Maybe you’re pursuing a major in Environmental Sciences because you hope to help combat global warming and prevent associated climate disasters. Or, perhaps, you’re pursuing a major in Criminology and Justice Studies because you hope to play a role in dismantling the prison industrial complex. Remember that Drexel wants to know how their education will aid you in addressing this societal challenge, so don’t skimp on how your Drexel experience (courses, professors, clubs) will set you up for success.

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