Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment is typically capped at 100 students.
The program fee is $500, but financial assistance is available for Pell Grant-eligible students. Students who choose to live on campus or opt into a meal plan for the duration of the program will incur additional charges.
Students will need a computer, laptop, or tablet, as well as internet access, in order to fully participate in courses and activities for the Dragons Prep program. Any textbooks or other materials required for courses will be provided.
Yes, students will receive up to nine credits for courses successfully completed during Dragons Prep.
Yes. Drexel faculty, professional staff, and undergraduate students teach and are involved in Dragons Prep courses.
Summer students are expected to complete their placement exams by June 16 to ensure correct placement. All Dragons Prep students will take a math course and an English course. You will get to let us know your preferences for your elective course when you confirm your enrollment in the program.
Yes, participants are required to attend every day during all five weeks of the program. Due to the pace, rigor, and interactive nature of the program, participants are strongly discouraged from having outside commitments. Missing too many classes may result in your participation in the program being revoked.
Around two-thirds of all participants typically live in Drexel housing during the summer. Whether participants live on campus or commute, Dragons Prep fosters an environment for personal growth and opportunities to participate in additional social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities.
The summer program, known throughout the years as various names including Dragon Summer and Dragon Scholars, has been in existence for over 20 years.
Dragons Prep students are a part of the Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship (CIES) community for the remainder of their time at Drexel. Students can also get connected to affiliated programs such as Act 101, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, THRIVE, the Ascent Peer Mentorship program, and the Center for Learning and Academic Success Services. While each program has its unique characteristics, all CIES students continue to be engaged through a variety of educational and community building activities, as well as support from Drexel faculty and professional staff.
Courses during the Dragons Prep program are designed to help you build strong academic skills before beginning your degree requirements at Drexel. On occasion, credits earned during Dragons Prep will count for a major degree requirement or may count toward your free elective credits. This will depend on your specific major and plan of study.
Drexel University's courses are taught on a 10-week quarter system. The Dragons Prep courses, taught by faculty, are abridged to accommodate our 5-week program. This means that you'll get experience with Drexel's fast pace and rigor.
Another difference is the size of the incoming class. With approximately 100 student participants, compared to more than 2,500 new students in the fall, you will be a part of a small and supportive community. Dragons Prep is the perfect way to transition into your Drexel experience.