Standardized Testing Policies

The Admissions Committee will determine if your test scores strengthen your application, but if they harm your application, they will not be used in our admissions review.

No Harm Test-Optional Policy

Drexel practices No Harm Test-Optional admission, meaning applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. While strong test scores can strengthen a student’s application for admission, test scores will never negatively impact a student’s competitiveness. First-year students applying for entry in the fall will indicate on their admissions application if they will be supplying test scores for consideration. Self-submitted scores listed on the Common Application or Coalition Application can be used during review, but we will request the official results at a later time. We will practice the No Harm test policy during review if the scores do not strengthen an application.

• Applicants who choose the Test-Optional policy will not be at a disadvantage to gain admission compared to those applicants who do submit scores.
• Students can indicate if they wish to submit test scores as part of their application on their Common Application or Coalition Application.
• Students can change their initial selection of either opting into test-optional or submitting scores for review through the Discover Drexel portal or by emailing their admissions representative.
• Choosing to apply as test-optional will not impact a student's eligibility for financial aid, including merit scholarships.
• For applicants who decide to submit scores, please see our policy below for a list of eligible standardized tests.

Note: Students applying to the BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program are required to submit SAT or ACT scores. 

Additional Testing Requirements for Non-native English Speakers

International applicants whose first (or native) language is not English and have not completed a minimum of three full years of instruction in English must take an approved English proficiency exam and request that results be forwarded to the Admissions Office. Additionally, permanent residents whose first language is not English may be requested to submit an English proficiency exam. Drexel's TOEFL school code is 2194.

Approved English Proficiency Exams are:

• TOEFL iBT
• TOEFL Essentials
• IELTS
• Pearson PTE
• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Exemptions may occur for the following reasons:

• Your first (or native) language is English.
• You have studied at a high school for a minimum of three full years where English is the primary language of instruction.
• You have received a minimum score of 600 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section or a minimum score of 27 on the ACT English section.

Drexel encourages you to submit scores each time you take an approved English proficiency exam. The University will consider your highest section scores across all test dates submitted. Final admission decisions are made using only the highest scores. Each time you submit scores, the University updates your record with any new high scores.

TOEFL MyBest™ Score policy: For full exam results submitted, the University will consider your highest section scores on the TOEFL exam.

If you believe you qualify for an exemption for a requirement listed above, please email enroll@drexel.edu.