Standardized Testing Policies

Drexel is test-optional for first-year students applying for fall entry. This means, with some exceptions, applicants can choose whether to include standardized test scores as part of their application to the University.

Test-Optional Policy

Drexel is extending its Test-Optional policy to first-year applicants who will be applying for fall 2025. This policy will allow students to decide whether they would like to submit standardized test scores to be included as part of their application.

Applicants who choose the Test-Optional policy will not be at a disadvantage to gain admission compared to those applicants who do submit scores.
Students can indicate if they wish to submit test scores as part of their application on their Common Application or Coalition Application.
Students can change their initial selection of either opting into test-optional or submitting scores for review through the Discover Drexel portal or by emailing their admissions representative.
Choosing to apply as test-optional will not impact a student's eligibility for financial aid, including merit scholarships.
For applicants who decide to submit scores, please see our Test-Flexible policy below for a list of eligible standardized tests.

Note: Students applying to the BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program are required to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Eligible Standardized Tests

We consider the highest score across each SAT test date of the same exam, but cannot compare scores from different versions of the SAT. We will not require the optional essay offered with the redesigned SAT Reasoning Test. Drexel's College Board test code is 2194.

The writing test is not required. We will consider the highest section scores across each ACT test date. Drexel's ACT test code is 3556.

Additional Testing Requirements for Non-native English Speakers

International applicants whose first (or native) language is not English and have not completed a minimum of three full years of instruction in English must take an approved English proficiency exam and request that results be forwarded to the Admissions Office. Additionally, permanent residents whose first language is not English may be requested to submit an English proficiency exam. Drexel's TOEFL school code is 2194.

Approved English Proficiency Exams are:

TOEFL iBT
TOEFL Essentials
IELTS
Pearson PTE
Duolingo English Test (DET)
Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Exemptions may occur for the following reasons:

Your first (or native) language is English.
You have studied at a high school for a minimum of three full years where English is the primary language of instruction.
You have received a minimum score of 600 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section or a minimum score of 27 on the ACT English section.

Drexel encourages you to submit scores each time you take an approved English proficiency exam. The University will consider your highest section scores across all test dates submitted. Final admission decisions are made using only the highest scores. Each time you submit scores, the University updates your record with any new high scores.

TOEFL MyBest™ Score policy: For full exam results submitted, the University will consider your highest section scores on the TOEFL exam.

If you believe you qualify for an exemption for a requirement listed above, please email enroll@drexel.edu.

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