Freshman Instructions

Admission and Financial Aid Deadlines

All first-time freshman applicants with complete admission applications on file by January 15 will be automatically reviewed for the academic-achievement A.J. Drexel Scholarship in amounts up to $26,000.

Deadline Material Due
December 1 Admission applications due for accelerated degree programs

Early action admission applications due for Westphal College
January 15 Admission applications due for A.J. Drexel Scholarship consideration
February 1 Admission applications due for Radiologic Technology

Alumni-Trustee Endorsement Grant Form [PDF] due
Mid-February Financial aid award packages begin to mail
March 1 Regular admission applications due for Westphal College

Freshman applications due

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due
May 1 Matriculation fee and form due

Admission Deadlines for Westphal College of Media Arts & Design

Applicants with exceptional academic qualifications who have decided that the Westphal College is their top choice can apply early and receive an admission decision sooner in the admission process. A complete application is due December 1. Early Action applicants will receive a decision around January 8. If you are admitted, you have until May 1 to fully explore Drexel and confirm your intention to enroll. If you do not receive admission, your application will be deferred to the regular decision process. This is a nonbinding Early Action program.

Due to an unprecedented number of applications, the regular admission deadline for Westphal programs has been extended to March 1. Regular-decision applicants will receive decisions by mid-April.

Freshman Application Checklist

Drexel takes into consideration a number of criteria when determining admission, including your high school performance, letters of recommendation, and essay.

  1. Undergraduate Admission Application
    Complete an application for Undergraduate Admission. We prefer that you apply online to Drexel. You may submit one of the following online applications:
    If you do not wish to apply online, you may download and print either of the following:
    You may only submit one application. To expedite the application process, please write your full name (no nicknames, please) on all items submitted. Your Social Security number is also required to be considered for financial aid or scholarships. If you need to change your major after submitting your application, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at enroll@drexel.edu or 1-800-2-DREXEL; international students may dial 1-215-895-2400.

  2. Application Fee, $75 (waived if you apply on campus or online)

  3. Essay
    All applicants must submit a 1 to 2 page essay online. We cannot accept essays submitted on paper.

    Westphal College of Media Arts & Design applicants should relate their essay topic to their interest in their major. If you are applying to an accelerated degree program in the Westphal College, your essay topic should relate to your selected major and indicate why you are a good candidate for the program.

    Accelerated degree applicants (except BA/BS/MD and BA/BS/JD): You should describe the factors that influenced your decision to pursue an accelerated degree in your chosen profession.

    All other applicants: You may write about why you are interested in your choice of major or you may write on any subject you choose.

  4. Transcripts
    Official transcripts must be sent directly from your high school to Drexel. You are required to submit transcripts from each high school attended. You may print the Transcript Request Form [PDF] and use it to request official transcripts from your school counselor and/or registrar.
    International applicants should refer to International Instructions for additional requirements.
    Radiologic Technology applicants who have coursework from an institution outside the United States must also review the International Instructions for additional requirements.

  5. Letters of Recommendation
    Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one must be from a high school counselor. Recommendations on official letterhead will also be accepted. Print the Recommendation Forms [PDF].
    If you are applying to the BA/BS/MD Accelerated Degree program, your letters must be from a high school counselor and a science teacher.

  6. Standardized Test Scores
    You must take either the SAT or ACT and request that the results be forwarded to Undergraduate Admissions. All students should use the following codes to send score reports to Drexel: SAT 2194 or ACT 3556.
    International applicants should refer to International Instructions for additional requirements.
    Nursing Co-op applicants who were born outside of the United States — regardless of citizenship, native language, or location of degree-granting institutions — must also review the International Instructions for additional requirements.

  7. Portfolio (Fashion Design, Photography, Graphic Design, and Music Industry applicants only)
    You are required to submit a CD or DVD of your creative work with a maximum of 12 images of drawings, paintings, photographs, or other visual materials or a website, animation, computer game, or other media. Briefly explain the context within which you created the work.
    All work submitted becomes part of the application and will not be returned.
    Portfolios can also be submitted online at HighSchoolPortfolios.com.

  8. Audition (Dance applicants only)
    Dance applicants are required to audition. Visit the Westphal College website for more information.

  9. College of Medicine Supplemental Application
    BA/BS/MD Accelerated Degree applicants will also need to complete the College of Medicine Supplemental Application.

  10. International Students, Permanent Residents, and U.S. Citizens Born Abroad
    Refer to International Instructions for additional requirements.

  11. Alumni-Trustee Endorsement Grant Program (Optional)
    A $250 grant is awarded annually to enrolling undergraduates who have been recommended by a Drexel alumnus/a or trustee. Print the Alumni-Trustee Endorsement Grant Form [PDF], complete the top portion, and give it to the person providing your endorsement. The form must be postmarked by February 1.

    Note: Nursing ACE, RN-BSN Degree Completion, and Radiologic Technology applicants are not eligible for the Alumni-Trustee Endorsement Grant.

  12. Mail application materials
    Drexel University
    Undergraduate Admissions
    3141 Chestnut Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19104-2876
    USA