Statement from the Office of Admissions Regarding Academic Work Affected by the COVID-19 Outbreak

MD Program Mission Statement

Drexel University College of Medicine delivers innovative biomedical education in an environment that embraces inquiry and collaboration, founded on excellence in patient care, and based on a culture of, and respect for, diversity. These principles are built upon the College of Medicine's legacy of a firm commitment to meeting the health care needs of the communities in which we live and work.

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Our History and Commitment to Diversity

Drexel University College of Medicine is the descendant of Hahnemann Medical College, Woman's Medical College and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. The heritage institutions that evolved into Drexel University College of Medicine were founded to educate students who were traditionally excluded from entering the practice of medicine. Women, ethnic minorities, older and non-traditional applicants have historically composed significant numbers of students enrolled at the College of Medicine.

We recognize that a diverse student body enhances the educational experience for all students and leads to additional expertise in providing care to an increasingly diverse patient population. We encourage applications from women, ethnic and racial minorities, first-generation college attendees, Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents, LGBT individuals, veterans, rural, educationally disadvantaged, economically disadvantaged, and individuals who have prior careers outside of medicine. We value leadership, community service, and clinical experience, as well as accomplishments in athletics, employment and research. Our goal is to recruit and educate a class that will serve the needs of a diverse patient population.

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AMCAS

The College of Medicine participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The AMCAS application is through the AMCAS website. Applications are accepted by AMCAS starting June 1 for possible matriculation in the following year.

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Citizenship of Applicants

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If the applicant is a permanent resident of the U.S., a copy of the applicant's valid green card is required when applying.

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Secondary Application

When the College of Medicine receives your materials from AMCAS (after your application is verified), we will email you the link for our secondary application. Please note that it can take up to two weeks for you to receive your Drexel secondary application after your primary application has been verified by AMCAS. Please complete the application and pay the non-refundable application fee of $115 by credit card. Only those applicants receiving a fee waiver from AMCAS will have their application fee waived. The College of Medicine's deadline for receipt of your secondary application, fee and all supporting materials is January 1 for the 2024 application year.

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The CASPer Test – Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics

All applicants applying to the MD program at Drexel University College of Medicine are required to complete an online assessment (CASPer) to assist with our selection process for the 2023-2024 application cycle. Please note that Drexel only requires the CASPer test. We do not require Snapshot or Duet.

CASPer is an online test which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program, and will complement the other tools that we use. In implementing CASPer, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.

In order to take CASPer, you will be responsible for securing access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and audio capabilities. You will require the following for both account creation and taking the test:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Valid email address
• Working webcam
• Working microphone
• Reliable high-speed internet connection

Please go to www.takeCASPer.com to sign up for the Medicine test (CSP-10111 - U.S. Medicine) (please note that Drexel only takes the Medicine test), under your specific country (USA), and reserve a test using your AMCAS ID # and a piece of government-issued photo ID. You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times. Please note that these are the only testing dates available for your CASPer test. There will be no additional tests scheduled. Please use an email address that you check regularly; there may be updates to the test schedule.

You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times based on the admissions timeline and requirements. Please note that these are the only testing dates available for your CASPer test, and you must select Drexel University College of Medicine for distribution before the posted distribution deadline. Likely, there will be no additional tests scheduled, but the most up to date information can be found by browsing the Test Dates and Times on takecasper.com.

To account for identity verification and payment processing timeline, ensure that you register for your test at least 3 days before your preferred test date and time. Last-minute bookings are not recommended. If you require testing accommodations for CASPer, you will need to submit the Accommodations Request Form signed by you and your qualified professional three weeks in advance of your desired test date. More information regarding CASPer accommodations can be found here.

Please direct any inquiries on the test to support@takecasper.com. Alternatively, you may use the chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of your screen on the takecasper.com website.

The CASPer test comprises 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for CASPer, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at takeCASPer.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 12-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment, but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.

CASPer test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.

For a more detailed look at the CASPer test, please see this video.

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Letters of Recommendation

The College of Medicine requires letters of recommendation. We prefer a committee letter if your school has one, but we also accept letters from up to four individuals who can provide objective evaluations and with whom the applicant has had a recent professional relationship.

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MCAT

The MCAT is required. The College of Medicine will accept MCAT scores from three years prior to the application year. For 2024 applicants, we will review MCATs no older than 2021. Drexel University will accept scores through December 2023 for the 2024 application year. January 2024 scores are not considered for applicants applying for the 2024 entering class.

We review all MCAT scores, but are especially interested in the most recent. We do not consider "best of" scores, but look at the scores from each exam.

Learn more about the MCAT

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Deadline for Supporting Materials

All supporting materials must be received by the College of Medicine by January 1 for the 2024 application year.

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Early Decision Applicants

Competitive applicants interested only in Drexel University College of Medicine are encouraged to apply through the AMCAS Early Decision Program. The deadline for early decision is August 30.

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Timetable for Application and Acceptance

Standard Application Procedure

Filing of AMCAS application
June 1 to January 1

Receipt by medical school of applicant's supporting materials
January 1

Decision to applicants
October 15 until class is filled

Early Decision Program (EDP)

Filing of AMCAS application
June 1 to August 1

Receipt by medical school of applicant's supporting materials
August 30

Decision to EDP applicants
October 1

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Application Review

A complete application includes the AMCAS application, the completed supplemental application and $115 fee (or AMCAS waiver), letter(s) of recommendation, MCAT score, and a completed CASPer test. All completed applications are reviewed by a member of the admissions committee.

Applications are reviewed in their entirety. GPA, MCATs, recommendations, essays, personal characteristics, evidence of service and extracurricular activities, are all taken into consideration when choosing whom to interview.

Drexel University College of Medicine seeks highly qualified and motivated students who demonstrate the desire, intelligence, integrity, sound motivation and emotional maturity to become excellent physicians. Because of our school's unique background, we are committed to a diverse student body.

Our admissions committee utilizes the process of Holistic Review in the consideration of applicants to the College of Medicine. Our committee values students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and leadership and have experience and/or exposure to the field of medicine, students who have overcome personal, economic or educational hardship and students who are first-generation college graduates. We seek students who have a firm grasp of the biological and physical sciences, as well as broad educational experiences in other areas, regardless of field of study.

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Interview

Interviews for the 2023-2024 application cycle will be virtual. Applicants will not come to campus to interview. Instructions on the virtual interview process will be provided after the applicant is invited for and schedules an interview.

Applicants selected for an interview will receive an email from the Office of Admissions. After uploading their photo and completing the competency grid, applicants may then schedule their interview through our online scheduling system. Interviews are conducted September through April. No students may be accepted without an interview.

Applicants through our Special Programs will receive an email from us with their scheduled interview date. These applicants may not schedule their own interviews as we try to keep everyone from the same school on the same days.

If it is necessary to cancel your interview, please do so at least 72 hours prior to your interview date. There are many invited applicants who would like to reschedule to an earlier date, but need enough time to make a schedule change possible. Please cancel your interview online or contact our interview coordinator at kej28@drexel.edu.

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Admissions Process

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Applicants on the defer list will be reconsidered at each decision meeting. Starting in mid-April, deferred applicants who have not been admitted or denied will be placed on the waitlist. Applicants considered after this time will be either admitted, waitlisted or denied.

All decisions are sent to applicants by the Office of Admissions via email. Deferred applicants will receive one email at the time they are first placed on the defer list. Accepted and deferred applicants may accept or refuse their position at any time. Deferred and waitlisted applicants may submit updates.

All Admissions Committee decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

Faculty constitute the majority of voting members at all Admissions Committee meetings.

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Updates

Applicants may send a total of three updates through our application system. Go to our website for applicants at https://apply.med.drexel.edu and enter your login credentials. Select the "Status" tab and then the "Document Upload/Status" option on the left. You may upload one of each of the following items: transcripts, resume/CV and an update letter. Once these items are uploaded, they may not be updated. The file should be a PDF and under 8MB in size.

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Campus Assignment Protocol

Drexel University College of Medicine has two 4-year campuses: Philadelphia and Reading-Tower Health. Applicants apply to the College of Medicine. Campus preference is not requested at application.

Accepted students are admitted to the College of Medicine without consideration of campus preference.

Campus preference is asked when an applicant accepts the offer of admission. Special program students are asked for their campus preference after final acceptance to the MD program and are subject to the same requirements and opportunities regarding campus assignment as all MD students. Campus tours/visits (if allowable) and additional information about the campuses will be made available prior to the campus preference submission deadline.

Applicants must pay the deposit fee prior to being given a campus assignment. Campus assignments will be shared via the applicant portal after March 30. Applicants admitted after March 30 will receive their campus assignment on a rolling basis. The college makes every effort to assign admitted students to their first choice of campus, however, it is not always possible. Each of our campuses reflect our overall mission and values. Applicants accepted after June 15 will receive their campus assignment with their acceptance offer.

Admitted students who do not receive their first choice of campus, and wish to be considered for campus re-assignment, should send a request to medadmis@drexel.edu with the subject line “campus re-assignment.” The request should contain the reasons for the change of campus. Campus reassignment requests are considered until June 10.

The Office of Admissions cannot guarantee that requests will be granted since changes in assignment are based on availability of seats at the desired campus.

Requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis until the class at each site is finalized. Those admitted students who have submitted a campus re-assignment request will receive a response from the Office of Admissions in the form of an email and, in the case of a change, an update on the applicant portal.

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Acceptance Protocols - 2024

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Background Checks

All students accepted into the College of Medicine are required to complete criminal history, child abuse background check, FBI fingerprinting and PATCH forms prior to enrollment. We also require that all student background checks be updated before the student begins clinical rotations in the third year. Students should be aware that some state medical licensing boards may consider past convictions when reviewing an application to practice medicine in that state. In addition, some College of Medicine clinical training sites reserve the right to exclude a student with a criminal conviction from training.

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Office of Disability Services

The mission of the Office of Disability Services (ODS) is to advocate for people with disabilities and to provide equal opportunities and equal access to education, employment, programs and activities at Drexel University College of Medicine. In accordance with federal and state legislation and College of Medicine policy, no individual with a disability shall, on the basis of that disability alone, be excluded from participation in College of Medicine programs or activities. The College of Medicine will provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability.

In achieving this, ODS collaborates with and empowers individuals who have documented disabilities by working together proactively to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodative measures. In an effort to ensure compliance with current legislation and eliminate attitudinal barriers against people with disabilities, ODS also provides guidance and education to the campus community.

All members and guests of Drexel University College of Medicine who have a disability need to register with the Office of Disability Services if requesting auxiliary aids, accommodations and services in order to fully participate in the College's programs and activities. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and in a timely fashion.

Office of Disability Services
Drexel University
3201 Arch Street, Suite 210
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215.895.1401
TTY: 215.895.2299
Fax: 215.895.1402
disability@drexel.edu
www.drexel.edu/disability