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: 2023 Fall First-Year Applicants
Given the significant challenges applicants are currently facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Drexel is extending its Test-Optional policy to first-year applicants who will be applying for fall 2023. 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.
Test Flexible Policy
For first-year applicants who decide to submit scores, the University offers some flexibility in which test(s) will fulfill our standardized test score requirement. If you would like to be considered with scores other than SAT or ACT, please email enroll@drexel.edu.
Final admission decisions are made using only the highest scores. Each time you submit scores, the University updates your application file with any new high scores. If you submit ACT scores and the composite score is higher than the SAT section scores, the ACT scores will be considered for admission.
Submit results from one of the following:
Applicants who submit SAT subject tests are required to present scores from one test that measures quantitative reasoning skills (math or science) and one test that measures verbal/writing skills (humanities or literature). Additionally, for students applying to the LeBow College of Business, one of the tests must be in mathematics. For students applying to Engineering programs, one of the tests must be mathematics or a science that directly correlates with their primary program of study. Drexel's College Board test code is 2194.
Math or Science Exams
- SAT Biology EM
- SAT Chemistry
- SAT Physics
- SAT Math Level 1 and 2
Humanities or Literature Exams
- SAT Literature
- SAT United States History
- SAT World History
Applicants who submit AP scores are required to present scores from one test that measures quantitative reasoning skills (math or science) and one test that measures verbal/writing skills (humanities or literature). Additionally, for students applying to the LeBow College of Business, one of the tests must be in mathematics. For students applying to Engineering programs, one of the tests must be mathematics or a science that directly correlates with their primary program of study. Drexel's College Board test code is 2194.
Math or Science Exams
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB & BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics 1 & 2
- AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
- AP Physics C: Mechanism
- AP Statistics
Humanities or Literature Exams
- AP English Language & Composition
- AP English Literature & Composition
- AP European History
- AP United States History
- AP World History
Applicants who are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program are required to present either the final diploma or predicted exam results. Applicants who wish to use IB exam results as part of our testing flexible policy are required to submit scores from one higher-level test that measures quantitative reasoning skills (math or science) and one higher-level test that measures verbal/writing skills (humanities or literature). Predicted IB scores may be accepted in some cases. Please email enroll@drexel.edu to determine eligibility.
Math or Science Exams
- IB Biology
- IB Chemistry
- IB Computer Science
- IB Physics
- IB Environmental Systems & Societies
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
- IB Mathematics: Application and Interpretations
Humanities or Literature Exams
- IB Language A: Literature
- IB Language A: Language & Literature
- IB History
- IB Philosophy
All applicants who are enrolled in a GCE Advanced-level curriculum are required to be enrolled and sit for a minimum of two A-level exams. Applicants who wish to use A-level exam results as part of our testing flexible policy are required to present scores from one test that measures quantitative reasoning skills (math or science) and one test that measures verbal/writing skills (humanities or literature). Predicted A-level results may be accepted in some cases. Please email enroll@drexel.edu to determine eligibility.
Math or Science Exams
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Mathematics – Further
- Physics
Humanities or Literature Exams
- English
- Geography
- History
Drexel may accept results from a national exam that is considered to signify completion of senior secondary school and is determined to be prepared for entrance into a local university. The national exam must be approved by the Drexel admissions team. Please email enroll@drexel.edu to determine eligibility.
Review the current list of national exams that fulfill the standardized testing requirement.
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 official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores. 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.
For applicants from Mainland China: The TOEFL ITP Plus for China is accepted in all cases where the TOEFL iBT is accepted.
If you believe you qualify for an exemption for a requirement listed above, please email enroll@drexel.edu.