Dragons Prep
Starting college can be both exciting and unnerving with the expectations of taking responsibility for your learning, adjusting to the pace and rigor of college courses, as well as making connections and balancing academics with your social life. In the five-week Dragons Prep program, our first-year students take three classes, at no cost to you. You may choose to live on campus or commute from home, preparing you for independence and new routines. Apart from classes, you will engage in a series of workshops to prepare for college-level academics, and work with peer mentors who are ready to answer your questions about school-life balance.
During Dragons Prep, you will also learn about academic resources on campus and how to navigate the University's teaching tool, Blackboard Learn, in addition to weekly sessions on outsmarting college, and attending social and cultural events. As a bonus, after the five-week program, Dragons Prep participants will receive customized services that can include mentoring and coaching as well as networking and social opportunities offered through the host of the program, the Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship (CIES).
Dragons Prep 2026
This year's program will run from Saturday, July 25 through Saturday, August 29.
During Dragons Prep, classes and workshops will be scheduled Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. And, like the real college experiences you are about to begin — homework, studying, and projects will be required outside of the classroom. Please understand that for you to receive all the benefits of participating in the Dragons Prep program, you are required to attend all classes and workshops and participate in co-curricular activities. The application process is competitive and space is limited, so don't wait to apply. Completed applications are due May 15.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, students must be:
- Admitted for the 2026–2027 academic year to apply
- Confirmed for the 2026–2027 academic year to participate
- An incoming first-year student
To learn more about the Dragons Prep program, join us for an upcoming information session. Click the links below to register on Zoom.
Program Activities
As a Dragons Prep student, you’ll join a diverse and supportive learning community grounded in academic excellence. Along the way, you’ll build meaningful connections and learn from peer leaders who have successfully navigated similar experiences.
This program is designed to help you recognize and strengthen your unique talents, giving you the confidence to navigate the university environment, take full advantage of available resources, and pursue your academic goals. You’ll also discover opportunities to get involved in Drexel’s vibrant campus life in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to you.
Most importantly, the relationships you build in Dragons Prep will support and inspire you — not just during your first year, but throughout your entire college journey and well beyond.
In addition to taking classes and receiving a comprehensive orientation to campus, participants take part in:
- A curriculum designed to cultivate college success, including time management, effective study skills in college, and ways to reduce stress
- Mentorship opportunities with Drexel faculty, professional staff, and peer leaders
- Workshops about navigating the college experience at Drexel with experts from various Drexel departments such as Counseling and Health, Student Conduct & Care, Financial Aid, and more
- Time for personal self-reflection to better understand past challenges while setting goals for future success
- Group social and cultural activities to help build friendships and embrace Philadelphia as a part of the broader community, such as visiting local landmarks and museums