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Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

What is the deadline for the Bridge Academy applications?

Applications are accepted once a year in April.

When do classes start and end?

Drexel University adheres to a quarter schedule. There are four (4) ten-week quarters in an academic year:

  • Fall: Late September through mid-December
  • Winter: Early January through late March
  • Spring: Early April through mid-June
  • Summer: Late June through early September

Each term is ten (10) weeks in length, with finals administered during the eleventh (11th) week. Bridge Academy students will need to confirm the class schedule with their instructors. Updated academic calendar dates can be found on the Provost website.

Can I apply if I go to school outside of the Philadelphia area?

Yes, as long as you are able to commute to the University City campus one–three days each week for 10 weeks to attend class without disrupting your normal high school schedule. It may be a good idea to map how long it is from your home or high school to campus to determine the earliest you can take a class at Drexel after your school day ends. You are expected to arrive to class on time every day. The latest classes usually start at 6 p.m. and can end as late at 9:50 p.m. Priority will be given to students from the Philadelphia county.

Are test scores required?

No, test scores are not required. If you have them and want to submit them along with your application, that is great. Otherwise, there are two additional short essay responses required. See the Prospective Students page for more information.

Courses and Registration

How do I register for a course?

After you have been admitted into the Bridge Academy, you will submit your top (3) course choices using the online course request form which will be emailed to you. You will then be notified within two weeks of the course you have been placed in, according to your preferences and class availability.

How do I find and choose a course?

Consult the Term Master Schedule to view classes available by term and through each college and department. Bridge Academy students may choose courses being offered by the following colleges:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • Bennet S. LeBow College of Business
  • Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship

Look for introductory courses (usually indicated by 1xx or 2xx as the course number). Also, check to make sure the course meets the following conditions:

  • The course does not have any prerequisites or restrictions.
  • The course has available seats. (If seats are not available, classes will be listed as "closed.")
  • Bridge Academy students are permitted to take one (1) course per term and up to four (4) courses per academic year.

Please Note: Bridge Academy students may not choose online classes, as students must attend classes on Drexel's University City Campus. Bridge Academy participants are only eligible to take classes from the colleges listed above. High School seniors may not register for courses during the summer following their graduation from high school, unless they will enter Drexel University in the fall as part of the incoming first-year class. Current students will get messages from the program director with updates.

Please contact the Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship professional staff at bridgeacademy@drexel.edu with any questions about your eligibility for specific courses or sections.

Can students take placement tests to bypass courses?

The only departments that allow Bridge Academy students to take placement exams and bypass prerequisites are the Modern Language department and Mathematics department (ex: foreign language placement tests, Calculus Readiness, or Mathematics placement exams). Bridge Academy participants are also not permitted to use AP credits or credit from other universities to fulfill prerequisites. Bridge Academy students can only use successfully completed Drexel courses to fulfill prerequisites for other courses.

How do I drop/withdraw from a course?

Drops must be completed by the end of Week 1 in a given term (and will not appear on your Drexel University transcript). Withdrawals must be completed before the end of Week 7 in a given term (and will result in a permanent "W" on your Drexel University transcript).

Complete all of the following steps to drop or withdraw from a course:

  • Contact the Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship professional staff at bridgeacademy@drexel.edu to indicate that you are preparing to drop or withdraw from your current class.
  • Please Note: No requests for withdrawal will be accepted after 12 p.m. on the Wednesday of Week 7 of any given term.
    • If you withdraw from a course, you will need to wait two (2) terms before you are permitted to register again for another course through the Bridge Academy.
    • Two course withdrawals will result in dismissal from the program.

Miscellaneous

I am having trouble logging into the DrexelOne portal. What do I do?

If you have not logged onto DrexelOne before, you will first need to set up your student account:

  1. Go to Drexel's Information Technology (IT) New Accounts page.
  2. Follow the link under "New to Drexel?" to set up your accounts.
  3. Enter the requested information.

These steps will enable you to create a password and set up your Drexel email. Write down and memorize your login information, as you will use the same username and password to log in to DrexelOne and retrieve your grades as well as access your course information and details throughout your time in the Bridge Academy. Your Drexel email can be accessed through DrexelOne or through Microsoft Office 365 using your Drexel credentials.

Please Note: We do not keep track of students' passwords. If you forget your password, you will have to contact the Accounts Office by emailing accounts@drexel.edu to reset your password.

Can I earn High school credit for taking Drexel courses?

Drexel University only offers college credit, as the Bridge Academy is NOT a dual enrollment program. Check with your high school advisor/counselor for details.

Are college credits earned through the Bridge Academy transferable to other colleges or universities?

Drexel University cannot guarantee that any course credits earned are fully transferable to other colleges/universities. If you intend to transfer Drexel University credits, you will need to contact the Admissions Office of the college/university in question to find out information about their policies regarding transfer of credits.

I received a tuition bill or collection notice. What do I do?

If you are a student in the Bridge Academy and you received a tuition bill or collection notice, please contact the Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship (CIES) professional staff at bridgeacademy@drexel.edu immediately. Please do not pay any tuition notice you receive without first contacting the CIES professional staff.

How do I obtain a Drexel ID card?

Drexel student identification cards ("DragonCards") can be obtained through the DragonCard Office, located in the Creese Student Center (3210 Chestnut Street). To obtain your card, you need your Drexel Student ID number (found in your Bridge Academy acceptance letter) and a valid photo driver's license, passport, or state-issued photo ID, which will have to be presented to the DragonCard representative. You will not be able to obtain a DragonCard until one week prior to the start of the term during which you are registered for a course. Visit the DragonCard Office for more information.