How to Get Into Drexel University College of Medicine (2025 Guide)

Drexel University College of Medicine, located in Philadelphia, is nationally and internationally recognized for its commitment to medical education, scientific research, and compassionate patient care. With a competitive admissions process and a wide range of programs, Drexel attracts thousands of applicants every year.

In this guide, we’ll cover Drexel’s programs, admission requirements, acceptance rate, MCAT and GPA expectations, tuition, secondary essay prompts, and more.

At Go Elective, we support pre-med and medical students by providing immersive clinical internships in Kenya and Tanzania. These programs offer guided hands-on global health experience that not only strengthens your application but also helps you develop cultural competence and clinical confidence that align with Drexel’s values of service and innovation.

Drexel Medical Programs

Drexel offers a wide range of programs for students at different stages of their medical and scientific careers:

MD Program 

A traditional four-year medical program.

MD/PhD Physician Scientist Program

For students pursuing careers in academic medicine and medical research.

MD/MBA

Dual program integrating medicine and business for students interested in healthcare leadership.

MD/MPH 

Combined degree focusing on medicine and public health.

MS and PhD Programs

Options in areas such as biotechnology, cancer biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology, and microbiology.

Continuing Education and Leadership Programs

Including the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program, which develops leadership among women in medicine and science.

Drexel Medical School Admission Statistics

• Acceptance Rate: 1.94%
• Average MCAT: 512.4
• Average GPA: 3.77
• Applicants per year: 15,654
• Matriculants: 303

These numbers reflect just how selective Drexel is. Strong academics are important, but the admissions committee also values service, research, and clinical experience.

Admission Requirements

Drexel no longer requires strict course prerequisites but recommends competencies in:

• Biology (molecular and cellular)
• Chemistry (general, organic, and biochemistry)
• Physics (thermodynamics, kinetics, electricity, wave motion)
• Statistics and quantitative reasoning
• Laboratory experience
• Behavioral and social sciences
• Intensive writing skills

Applicants must also demonstrate significant clinical experience and community service to reflect readiness for medical training.

Other requirements include:

MCAT

Minimum score considered is 500, though the average accepted is 512.4. Drexel reviews all test attempts, with emphasis on the most recent.

CASPer Test

Used to evaluate interpersonal and professional skills.

Letters of Recommendation

Preferably from professors and supervisors who can attest to both academic and personal strengths.

Personal Statement

A chance to reflect on your motivations and goals in medicine.

Secondary Application

Includes essay prompts designed to highlight your alignment with Drexel’s mission and values. 

Secondary Essays

Drexel’s secondary application includes prompts such as:

I. Current and Recent Activities 

A detailed account of your service, volunteering, and clinical experiences (2000 characters).

II. Why Drexel? 

Applicants must explain how their values align with Drexel’s mission of compassionate care, diversity, and collaboration (1500 characters).

III. Extenuating Circumstances 

An opportunity to explain challenges that affected academics, service, or MCAT preparation (1500 characters).

Strong essays emphasize resilience, service, and a clear fit with Drexel’s mission.

Interview Process

Applicants selected for interviews participate in virtual sessions between August and April. These include structured interviews with faculty or committee members and opportunities to ask questions about Drexel’s culture and programs.

To prepare, review your application thoroughly, practice common medical school interview questions, and reflect on experiences that highlight your readiness for a career in medicine.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Annual MD Tuition: Approximately $72,213
• Drexel provides scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help offset costs.

Application Timeline

• Early June – AMCAS application opens
• Early August – Early Decision Program deadline
• October – Early Decision decisions released
• October to April – Interview period
• Early January – Regular AMCAS deadline and Drexel secondary application deadline
• Mid-October until filled – Rolling decision notifications

FAQs: Drexel University College of Medicine

#1. Is Drexel hard to get into?

Yes. With an acceptance rate below 2%, Drexel is highly competitive.

#2. Does Drexel require the MCAT?

Yes. Applicants must submit an MCAT score taken within the last three years.

#3. What is Drexel known for?

Drexel has a strong reputation for biomedical research, diversity in medicine, and its historical role in advancing medical education for women.

#4. What GPA do I need?

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.77.

#5. Where is Drexel located?

Drexel University College of Medicine is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Final Thoughts

Drexel University College of Medicine is a leading medical school with a commitment to research, service, and diversity. Its rigorous academics and competitive admissions mean students must demonstrate both strong academic ability and meaningful service experiences.

At Go Elective, we help students strengthen their applications by offering pre-med internships abroad. Our programs in Kenya and Tanzania give you real-world exposure to healthcare delivery in diverse settings, helping you build both the clinical skills and the cultural competence that schools like Drexel value.

If Drexel is on your list of dream schools, combining strong academics with meaningful global health experience will help you stand out.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 18, 2025