How to Get Into Drexel Medical School: Requirements and Strategies
/Learn the Drexel medical school requirements, admissions strategies, and read sample responses to secondary essays
Drexel medical school is ranked #85 in us news & world report’s best medical schools (research) list
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Drexel Medical School MD programs
Part 3: How hard is it to get into Drexel Medical School?
Part 4: Drexel Medical School personal statement (example included)
Part 5: Drexel Medical School secondary application essays (examples included)
Part 6: Drexel Medical School interview
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Part 1: Introduction
If you’re looking to attend a large medical school with resources for every type of student, then Drexel University College of Medicine, commonly referred to as Drexel Med School, may be on your radar.
One of nine medical schools in Pennsylvania, the school boasts some of the highest application numbers nationwide without sacrificing its mission to train a dedicated student body. If you’re eager to join their ranks, it’s important to think critically about how the MD program’s curriculum is aligned with your academic goals and vice versa.
Drexel Med School is aware of its rich history and traces its roots back to the merger of two former medical institutions: Hahnemann Medical College, founded in 1848, and the Women’s Medical College, founded in 1850, as the world’s first medical college for women. The school continues to champion diversity and inclusion, with a significant number of nontraditional students.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss Drexel’s admissions requirements as well as strategies to strengthen your application, keeping in mind the school’s identity and innovative spirit.
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Part 2: Drexel Medical School MD programs
To pursue an MD, Drexel offers several pathways:
The traditional, four-year MD Program
The MD/PhD Program, administered by the College of Medicine and its Biomedical Graduate Studies Program
The MD/MPH Program, administered by the College of Medicine and Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health
The MD/MBA Program, administered by the College of Medicine and Drexel’s Lebow College of Business
The MD/MS Program, administered within the College of Medicine
In this guide, we’ll focus on how to get into the traditional MD program.
Drexel College of Medicine tuition
For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition for full-time MD students is $69,962 for the first year. Drexel encourages students to factor in program fees, miscellaneous university fees, housing, food, and personal expenses into their total cost of attendance.
Additionally, for MD students who pursue alternative timelines to the typical four-year program, Drexel lists tuition rates for part-time enrollment. A detailed breakdown of tuition figures appears on Drexel’s tuition and financial aid webpage.
Drexel College of Medicine student demographics
Drexel Med School’s most recently publicized demographics relate to its class of 2028:
Female: 60%
Male: 40%
Underrepresented in Medicine: 17%
Nontraditional students: 17%
Rural students: 2%
Pennsylvania residents: 23%
Out-of-state residents: 77%
Number of students who are science majors: 87%
Number of students with other degrees: 13%
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Part 3: How hard is it to get into Drexel Medical School?
Drexel Medical School admissions statistics
For their class of 2028, Drexel received 15,654 applications, 93.1% of which came from out of state. By the end of the process, 303 eventually became first-year students, meaning Drexel’s matriculation rate is a mere 1.9%. If you decide to pursue Drexel Medical School, chances are you’ll be competing with many talented applicants.
The College of Medicine’s academic statistics for the class of 2028 are:
Average GPA: 3.69
Average MCAT score: 511
Drexel Medical School admissions requirements
Drexel requires that applicants have taken the MCAT within three years of submitting their materials. For applicants hoping to enroll in 2026, this means a test score generated no earlier than 2023. If you’ve taken the MCAT multiple times, or plan to do so, it’s important to know that Drexel reviews all your scores and not only your best score.
In recent years, Drexel has moved away from requiring specific premed coursework in favor of reviewing applicants by analyzing key academic and professional “coursework and experience competencies,” listed on their admissions website. Drexel encourages applicants to demonstrate proficiency in select areas. We’ve summarized their list below:
Biology: One year of college coursework is suggested
Chemistry: Two years of college coursework, including biochemistry, is suggested
Physics: One course is suggested
Laboratory experience: One year of experience in biology, chemistry or physics is suggested
Statistics and probability: One course, such as biostatistics, is suggested
English literature/communication/intensive writing experience
Behavioral and social sciences
Service orientation/community service
Meaningful clinical experience
If possible, Drexel encourages applicants to submit a pre-medical advisory committee letter, or “composite letter.” Absent that preferred option, they’ll accept up to four letters from college-level instructors—two science, one non-science—or professional letters.
In addition to the MCAT, applicants are also required to complete the Casper test.
Drexel does not accept international applicants for its MD program; only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are considered for admission.
(Suggested reading: Medical School Requirements: The Definitive Guide)
Beyond the requirements: How to demonstrate your fit through experiences
In their mission statement and guiding principles, Drexel emphasizes qualities such as community involvement, a passion for service, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Demonstrating your commitment to these ideas while you’re a premed or even a post-bacc student, can help bolster your application with the admissions committee.
Here are some experiences to consider gaining before you apply:
Clinical Experience: Gaining exposure to the medical field is vital. Seek opportunities to shadow doctors, volunteer in hospitals or clinics, or even work as an EMT. This provides valuable insights into the realities of a medical career and will signal to adcoms your commitment to improving the lives of others.
Service-Oriented Activities: Volunteer in roles directly connected to health and wellness—homeless shelters, food banks, crisis hotlines, or community clinics. This demonstrates your empathy, understanding of health disparities, and commitment to giving back.
Leadership Roles: Take initiative within any extracurricular activity. Step into leadership positions within clubs, service organizations, or teams. This showcases responsibility and collaborative skills important for physicians.
Drexel Medical School application timeline
Drexel uses AMCAS to process MD program applications. Once your application has been submitted, the admissions office will send you the MD program’s supplementary application via email. Here are the important dates and deadlines to be aware of as you apply to Drexel:
May 1, 2025: AMCAS application opens
May 27, 2025: AMCAS application can be submitted
August 1, 2025: AMCAS application deadline for Early Decision
August 30, 2025: Supporting materials deadline for Early Decision
September 2025–April 2026: Interviews conducted
October 1, 2025: Early Decision decisions released
October 15, 2025: Regular Decision notification process begins (rolling admissions)
January 1, 2026: AMCAS application deadline
January 1, 2026: Secondary application deadline
(Suggested reading: The Ideal Medical School Application Timeline)
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Part 4: Drexel Medical School personal statement (example included)
When you're drafting your AMCAS personal statement for Drexel, it's important to keep two things in mind:
The MD program receives a lot of applications.
The MD program’s supplementary application gives little direction for how an applicant can enhance their application in the form of secondary essays (we’ll discuss this below).
Let’s analyze this sample personal statement for Drexel:
Some people get off to a late start in life. This wasn’t the case for me when soccer was concerned. As a teenager, I opened my eyes every morning to the sight of athletic trophies and recruiting letters from Division I colleges on my bedroom desk. I knew I’d never play in the World Cup, so getting an athletic scholarship to an ACC university was my goal—who wouldn’t want to be eighteen on a campus that had spring break weather all year long? Unfortunately, this childhood dream changed on October 17th, 2016, when I jumped up for a header against an opponent and knocked my forehead into his left ear. I knew about concussions, but I never imagined my own would change me. Suffice to say, it did. Following my recovery, I stopped being aggressive on the field. I still played soccer in college, but I kept wondering: What happened to my body that day? Could my injury have been worse?
I came to college unsure of how I’d balance soccer with my premed course requirements. I stumbled out of the gate at first. I was competing not only with myself to get good grades, but also with upperclassmen on the team, to whom I was the “freshman too cocky for his own good.” This all came to a head when I suddenly found my backpack missing from my hotel room following an away game—a joke meant to chastise me for putting my attention into academics. I managed to explain to the team how much medicine meant to me, and to promise them that I would respect practice times as well, and we were able to move on together.
I really want to know how bodies worked. This led me to my summer internship at a sports medical research institute at a neighborhood university following my sophomore year. For three months, I trained in the weight room in the morning and in the orthopaedic laboratory during the day, where my team was completing stem cell research to reassess and innovate procedures. This experience—in addition to studying for the MCAT in the evenings—taught me self-discipline. Plus, my interests in sports and medicine were no longer in two separate silos.
Sports has a way of bringing people together and so does medicine. During my junior year, I was responsible for my team’s fundraising for a local Boys and Girls Club chapter, and I made sure our programming provided the kids with tutorials about fitness and nutrition. I’m excited to do similar work in med school. In the spring of my junior year, I shadowed a sports physician who specializes in preventative care. He was the favorite “doc” of some local professional athletes. This experience taught me that even privileged people also benefit from a doctor who’s a good listener. I also learned that doctors sometimes need to be “patient” with some patients, and practice humility all the time.
I always think about how my concussion could’ve been worse, or about what would have happened if I hadn’t gone straight to the emergency room. Where would I be now? In addition to saving lives and improving the wellbeing of their patients, doctors can double as life coaches, therapists, and friends when people need them most. I want my World Cup experience to be a life-long career practicing medicine.
What's successful about this personal statement?
In addition to discussing his passion for soccer, this applicant uses his personal statement to describe the genesis of his work ethic. He mentions how he balanced college athletics with his studies, which is impressive, considering the fact that college sports are a big commitment and can affect a student’s academic performance. In this way, the applicant positions himself as a self-motivator, which would be attractive to any admissions committee.
The applicant also mentions his experiences shadowing a physician and working in a research lab. For an admissions committee member, reading several student applications back-to-back, the applicant implies that he’s fulfilled the “coursework and competencies” recommended by Drexel.
Overall, the applicant asks questions at the beginning and end of the personal statement. An admissions committee member can infer that he’s a thoughtful student, who’ll remain curious and engaged at Drexel and be proactive when seeking out opportunities at its affiliated healthcare centers.
Also, here, the personal statement doubles as an adversity essay; it shows he overcame a personal injury in his life. In lieu of Drexel’s admissions committee asking applicants to answer questions about adversity, this applicant uses his personal statement to display his grit and determination to succeed, similar to many non-traditional students who attend Drexel Med School.
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Part 5: Drexel Medical School secondary application essays (examples included)
In addition to the AMCAS application, Drexel’s admissions committee requests that applicants submit a secondary application, which includes written responses to a few essay questions. Below are tips on how to respond.
Question 1: Tell us about yourself and why you feel like you may be a good fit for Drexel University College of Medicine.
This "Why us" question is your opportunity to make a compelling case for why you and Drexel are perfect for each other. Unlike generic "Why do you want to be a doctor?" prompts, this question specifically asks you to connect your background and interests to what makes Drexel unique. This is your chance to really explain how you fit with Drexel’s program and mission.
Before you put pen to paper, make sure you explore Drexel's mission statement, any features of the curriculum that stand out to you, any partnerships or programs in the community that Drexel supports, and even student demographics. The idea is to look for specific elements that resonate with your experiences and goals.
And remember, this isn't just about why you want Drexel—it's about what you'll contribute. Highlight experiences, skills, or perspectives that would enhance their student body and align with their institutional values.
Let’s look at an example essay.
My interest in Drexel is rooted in the institution's commitment to compassionate care. Through my work as an MA at Bethlehem Medical Group (BMG), where I interact with patients on a daily basis, I consistently witnessed the profound impact of empathy in healthcare—from physicians taking extra time to explain lab results in plain terms to patients leaving visibly relieved after being heard and validated. I believe medicine involves understanding patients on a holistic level—a value I see echoed at Drexel.
Growing up in a bilingual, multicultural household in Allentown, PA reinforced the significance of understanding and respecting different backgrounds. I am committed to contributing to a diverse and inclusive medical community that reflects the patients we serve. At Drexel, I’m excited to work within Philadelphia’s culturally diverse neighborhoods, where I can continue building trust and rapport across backgrounds.
Additionally, my experiences in group projects, as a leader at Camp Faith, and working closely with healthcare professionals volunteering at Star Homes have equipped me with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. Knowing that effective healthcare delivery often requires coordinated efforts, I am excited by Drexel’s cooperative education program to gain hands-on experience while refining my clinical skills.
Ultimately, as I am dedicated to embodying empathy, equity, and patient-centered care in my medical career, I believe that Drexel is a strong fit for me.
Why it works:
This essay works because it demonstrates alignment between the applicant's values and Drexel's institutional mission. Rather than simply stating interest in the school, the writer connects personal experiences to specific aspects of Drexel's identity. Right off the bat, the writer mentions Drexel’s “commitment to compassionate care” and explains how they know what that looks like in practice through their work as an MA at BMG. Additionally, they connect their experience growing up in a bilingual household to Drexel’s emphasis on diversity and their desire to work with culturally diverse populations in Philadelphia—a clear sign of how they intend to “give back” while part of the Drexel campus community.
Question 2: We recognize that each applicant’s journey is unique. If there were any extenuating circumstances that limited your involvement in service, academic, or other preparatory experiences—including MCAT preparation/taking—please share them here. If none, simply type “N/A” in the response area. (1500 characters)
Question 3: If you have applied to medical school before, reflect on any meaningful experiences, growth, or updates that you feel have enhanced your application since the last time you applied. If this is your first application cycle, simply type “N/A” in the response area. (1500 characters)
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
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Part 6: Drexel Medical School interview
In recent admissions cycles, Drexel has invited 1,500–1,800 applicants to interview for admission into their MD program. Statistically speaking, this means that approximately 11–15 percent of applicants were given the chance to make their case for why Drexel was right for them.
Drexel’s interview process consists of two interviews: a traditional, open-file, one-on-one interview with a faculty member and a closed-file, group interview with a current student. If you are invited to interview, prepare just as you would for any medical school interview, keeping in mind Drexel’s culture, curriculum, research opportunities, etc. Keep in mind that in the 2024-2025 application cycle, all interviews will be held virtually.
In addition to relying on standard med school interview strategies, applicants should be aware of Drexel’s unique history and affiliated healthcare centers. Admissions officers want to make sure you’re a suitable candidate to represent the school off-campus in the regional healthcare community.
To this end, the admissions committee at Drexel will likely ask you questions to get to the heart of why you wish to attend their school and what you will add to their campus community. From our time assisting students with their journey through the Drexel admissions process, we’ve noted a few common questions applicants encounter.
What do you see as a challenge for your career in medicine?
Why did you choose to apply to Drexel?
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to be a doctor?
What is one topic or issue currently facing our modern healthcare system?
Tell me about a stressful time in your life. What did you learn from it?
What is one challenge you think you will face in medical school?
Tell me about your interest in medicine and how your experiences have shaped it.
What does your support system look like?
Most candidates know they should prepare for a “Why us?” or “Why medicine?” question, but have you thoroughly considered how you would respond to “Tell me about your interest in medicine and how your experiences have shaped it?” or “What is one topic or issue currently facing our modern healthcare system?”
Even within questions such as these, there’s an opportunity for you to craft an answer that includes why Drexel is your top choice. Perhaps you can speak to an experience in a research setting working on a topic that Drexel is currently investigating or how an issue you’ve identified in healthcare can be improved locally through your efforts. Adequate preparation for your interview day is key to overcoming the final hurdle on your journey to a white coat.
(Suggested reading: How to Ace Your Medical School Interviews)
Invited to a med school interview? Congrats! There's no need to land in waitlist purgatory or the rejection pile. Learn how to craft memorable, acceptance-worthy responses using the resource below.
Gain instant access to the most common traditional and MMI interview questions, plus sample responses for each, to help you craft responses that lead to acceptances. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Final thoughts
Drexel Medical School wants its matriculants to represent different corners of the nation. As an applicant, make sure the admissions committee knows how you stand out from the pack, and good luck!
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on medical school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into medical school using his exclusive approach.
THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE MED SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.