International Gateway Program
Undergraduate Conditional Admission Program
The International Gateway program is a pathway for international students who would benefit from additional English language preparation before matriculating into an undergraduate program. Students in the program receive a foundation year of study and full immersion in campus life.
In addition to working to improve their English abilities, Gateway students take courses worth up to 25 transferable credits, for two to four academic quarters. After successfully completing the program, qualified students will be able to transfer directly into their undergraduate major at Drexel.
Applying to the Gateway Program
Students can apply directly to the Gateway program and start in one of three terms--Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (March/April). Applicants must select an undergraduate major and may also select a second choice major, in case they do not meet the qualifications for their first choice. Students must meet all of the program-specific requirements.
English language proficiency eligibility is determined by the scores of internationally recognized standardized tests. Below are some examples of accepted score ranges:
| Fall Entry | Winter and Spring Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | 53-78+ | 62+ |
| IELTS | 5.0-6.0+ | 5.5+ |
| PTE | 41-53+ | 43+ |
| Duolingo | 80+ | 90+ |
Students with higher scores should apply to Drexel University for direct Undergraduate Admission
Students with lower scores are welcome to apply for Drexel's Intensive English program. Students with other scores (SAT, ACT, Trinity ISE, MET, etc.) should email them to gateway@drexel.edu to determine if their scores are acceptable.
Application deadlines can be found by visiting Drexel's Application Deadlines.
To complete the application, you will need an official transcript, sent by your secondary school. This will need to be translated into English and notarized. Please, refer to Drexel’s Transcript Requirements for First-Year Applicants.
Portfolios: Some majors recommend or require a portfolio. If your major is listed below, please follow the portfolio guidelines carefully and submit materials that will strengthen your application. Portfolio materials must be submitted in SlideRoom. Please note that all work submitted becomes part of the application and will not be returned. Click to see a list of majors with portfolio requirements.
Audition: Dance majors are required to audition. Auditions can be done live or by video. Visit Westphal College's Dance Auditions page.
Writing supplement: Applicants to the following programs must submit a writing supplement:
Custom-designed: 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 by 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.
Westphal College - All Majors: Please write a short essay describing why you are interested in pursuing your major of choice. What have you done that prepares you to study in your major of choice? (Maximum 500 words)
Admissions Decisions
International Gateway applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during the application period. You will receive email notifications on the status of your application during the review process and once a decision has been made.
Admission to International Gateway is not admission to Drexel University as a full-time, matriculated student. You must successfully complete the Gateway program before you can be admitted into an undergraduate matriculated program. View more information at the Gateway Completion Requirements page.
If you are offered admission to Gateway, please be sure to review the information for Admitted Gateway Students.
Level Descriptions and Achievement Scales
The Drexel University English Language Center's conditional and provisional programs are comprised of eight levels. The curriculum enables students to complete one level during each ten-week term. Promotion depends on proficiency, ongoing and end-of-term evaluations. Students must receive at least 75% satisfactory grade in each of the three core courses to be promoted to the next level.
Pre-Academic Courses
Levels 1 to 4 are considered pre-academic courses in both speaking and writing. Students at this level can meet their most practical needs and limited social demands. They can speak and understand details on familiar topics and respond to personal questions.
LEVEL 1: Foundation
There is a range within this level. Level 1 is a foundation English as a second language course (CEFR Level A1).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
LEVEL 2: Beginner
There is a range within this level. Level 2 is a beginner English as a second language course (CEFR Level A2).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
LEVEL 3: High Beginner
There is a range within this level. Level 3 is a high-beginner English as a second language course (CEFR Level A2+).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
LEVEL 4: Low Intermediate
There is a range within this level. Level 4 is a low-intermediate English as a second language course (CEFR Level B1).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
Academic Readiness Courses
Levels 5 to 8 are considered academic readiness courses which prepare learners for the tasks necessary for participating in a university environment.
LEVEL 5: Low Intermediate Plus
There is a range within this level. Level 5 is a low-intermediate plus English as a second language course (CEFR Level B1+).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
LEVEL 6: Intermediate
There is a range within this level. Level 6 is an intermediate English as a second language course (CEFR Level B2).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
LEVEL 7: High Intermediate
There is a range within this level. Level 7 is a high-intermediate English as a second language course (CEFR Level B2+).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
LEVEL 8: Advanced
There is a range within this level. Level 8 is an advanced English as a second language course (CEFR Level C1).
Description of Outcomes – Download PDF
CEFR — Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
LEVELS A1 TO C1
For more information about CEFR proficiency levels A1 to C1 please email elc@drexel.edu.