Any Drexel Questions/Prospective/Accepted Students

Colleges and Universities A-Z Drexel University
41

<p>Hello rosedale, Certainly. First of all congratulations. Northeastern's Music Technology program is a good one and so is Drexel's Music Industry program. Even though I go to Drexel (so I am a little biased), there are several big differences.</p>

<p>As stated in the major name, Northeastern's "Music Technology" is very limited to just that. Its a small program that focuses almost entirely on composing and music technology, and some recording. Its selective because of its small size.</p>

<p>Drexel's "Music Industry" is more broad, and a much bigger program that is much more well known and has many more resources. For example, in Drexel's Music Industry major, you'll do more than just composing, and recording music, a lot of it is business and real-life oriented to prepare students for careers in "music industry". Drexel also has many more music co-op opportunities due to its much bigger size. These co-op opportunities are very broad and entail everything from pure composing/recording, to working on a management level on big record labels.</p>

<p>If your son only wants to focus on composing music in a small, selective, tutored-like program, he may like Northeasterns program more. If your son has a competitive or entrepreurial spirit, and some day sees himself starting or owning his own record label, or managing a million dollar multimedia enterprise, he'd probably like Drexel.</p>

<p>When I speak about resources that drexel has that no other schools have, the most prominent one is Drexel's own record label, "Mad Dragon Records":</p>

<ul>
<li>MAD</a> Dragon Records on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads</li>
<li>MAD</a> Dragon UNLTD - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</li>
<li>Music</a> Industry: Undergraduate: Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design: Drexel University</li>
</ul>

<p>This is a big-time record label where Drexel students can take part in every function. From starting a band, composing, recording, making it big, putting on huge shows and tours promotions, you name it. This itself is absolutely huge!</p>

<p>Other things include a radio station that can reach all over the place (its very easy to become a DJ and have your own radio show as my friend does), tv station, etc. Another thing that is very unique is Drexel's rigorous BS/MBA in Music Industry. The people in this program are the cream of the crop.</p>

<p>I would suggest reading through this site - Music</a> Industry: Undergraduate: Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design: Drexel University</p>

<p>You mentioned the reputation and quality of the Drexel program. Drexel's program is known worldwide... literally, students from all over the place come to Drexel just for this program. And yes students absolutely love the program, the co-op, opportunities, and the Drexel/Philadelphia culture.</p>

<p>My best advice is to visit each school, talk with faculty members from each program, compare the two curriculums, and go with your sons gut. I hope this helps, good luck, and feel free to ask any other questions about anything else related to Drexel.</p>

42

<p>Hey Zach, how do you like the semester system?I got into Drexel and it's like my 3rd choice but they gave me a pretty good scholarship so I'm def. considering going. The semester thing was def. something that looked like a turn off. Its seems like you are always in school. Basically are you a fan of it and how much time do you get off for breaks like Christmas.</p>

43

<p>Can you please provide your thoughts on Drexel's Nursing Program? Also, how would you compare Drexel to UNC-CH?</p>

44

<p>Hello Hurley,</p>

<p>First of all congratulations on getting into Drexel and your scholarship. Before I get into the specifics of the quarter system, let me point out that this should not be a reason for choosing another college over Drexel. The quarter system, I believe, is a great way a college could be run, and works very well with Drexel's 5 year three co-op program.</p>

<p>Without sounding too philisophical, your "turn off" thought about Drexel's term system is a blatant appeal to tradition (Appeal</a> to tradition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). Everyone isn't used to seeing a college quarter system, so its really common that many are suspicious of it.</p>

<p>Classes are shorter, about 11 weeks long. In my opinion, this is good. I'm sure things are more condensed than other schools, but its more to the point. You have the ability to take more classes with things that interest you. </p>

<p>Office</a> of the Provost
classes start late, one of the only things that suck is for your first year you'll go to college a month later than your friends and probably be bored out of your mind during that time (unless you have a job or something).</p>

<p>Everyone goes through a typical freshmen year. You start school. You have your fall classes, then you go on winter break for 3 weeks. Then you have winter quarter. Then you go on spring break. Then you have spring quarter, and you're done for the year and have a 3 month summer.</p>

<p>If you are on 4 year with no co-op this will be your schedule every single year. If you are 5 year co-op, your freshman year and senior (5th) year will be identical, typical school year. The only difference is your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year, you'll be in class for two terms and have co-op for two terms. You might say, well, doesnt that mean school is in session the whole year? I don't want to go to school for the whole year?</p>

<p>Sorta... This is actually the best thing about Drexel. No matter what month it is, there will always be at least some of your friends on campus, and a whole string of activities. But no you don't have to be on campus at all during co-op. Many students commute to their co-ops from their home (most drexel co-op jobs are in PA, NJ or Del). However, I know students who co-op at places all over the United states, and in fact all over the world. How cool of experience would something like this be? Drexel</a> University | News | Daily Digest | Fall/Winter Co-op in Crete</p>

<p>However, to tell you the truth, most students have different mindsets in college. Living in philly with your friends and going out or on adventures different weekends may seem a lot more appealing than living at home. Additionally, while on co-op, if you want you can take a free night class, which a lot of people do. This can allow them to take less of a courseload during their quarters in classes, get an extra minor, or even graduate a term or two early and save money. (two quarters x 4 credits x 3 co-ops = 24 free credits) Moreover, all of drexel's resources are open to you during co-op. athletic center, intramural sports, cafeteria obviously, and everything.</p>

<p>So in conclusion, yes I am a fan of the quarter system especially when integrated with the 5 year co-op. The 4 year with 1 co-op I tell everyone I recommend against because you are basically in school ALL The time. with the 5 year co-op, its a perfect 6 month transition between classes (think of it as a 6 month long working vacation). I am always so excited to start classes again after 6 months of co-op, and after 6 months of classes, I'm always so excited to start a co-op, get a paycheck, and know that my evenings and weekends will be study free.</p>

<p>I remember I came to Drexel and fell in love with it at first sight. What stood out to me is there is always something going on on campus, every season, whether sports, activities, concerts, etc, all the time. Students out playing beach volleyball, bbqing,.</p>

<p>I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask any additional questions you may have (there are many other posts on this forum that may help guide you as well). Best advice is just visit every college you are thinking about, talk with the students, the professors, see if you like the program and the environment.</p>

45

<p>How do I switch majors? I got into drexel for general hum and soc science and was wondering if I can switch majors to Goodwin College of Professional Studies</p>

46

<p>Thanks to the Drexel students for providing such great information! Drexel was high on my son's list of schools (he was accepted a few months ago) -- he wants to major in computer science. We also live in NJ, Zackdudde. Son has taken summer programs at Drexel, we've attended physics lectures there -- so he knows & likes the school. </p>

<p>However, what's scaring us away, a good bit, is the price tag. I think it's up to $49k a year? The $13,500 scholarship they gave son is not quite cutting it. Plus, he'd likely go 5 years w/the co-op (which is a big draw for him--loves the co-op idea) -- but that might add tuition cost. </p>

<p>Any info you can give on 1) whether you thought the high, Drexel price-tag was worth it (& why--for instance, it's about $20k more than Rutgers which has a #31 nationally ranked comp sci program, Drexel's isn't ranked nationally)? and 2) how much leeway does the financial aid office have on improving the fin aid package? (son hasn't received full package yet, just the scholarship).</p>

<p>Thank you for any thoughts!!</p>

47

<p>I actually have a full tuition ROTC scholarship to go to Drexel. However, I did start freshman year out without a scholarship and I also got into Rutgers and my parents tried to convince me to go there because of the lower cost. I think I got around the same in financial aid as you.</p>

<p>First of all, always, always, always appeal your financial aid. I sent in a letter to them telling them the schools I got into, and how Drexel was my top choice but I just simply could not afford it. Make sure to include your resume at the very least and anything else you think will look good. If you make it very convincing and let it seem like you'd be a great asset to drexel and you explain your financial circumstances, you probably have a chance of getting additional grants. I got an extra 5K a year I think.</p>

<p>You mentioned national rankings which most likely means US News and World Report. I actually did a quick google search and found that the rankings you looked at was for Computer Science Masters degrees... NOT bachelor degree. (see: U.S</a>. News: Best Graduate Computer Science Programs (2008) : The Consus Group Rankings)</p>

<p>Obviously this is irrelevent if your son wants to go to an undergrad program. Nevertheless, I can write pages about how national rankings are absolutely irrelevent. After all, how much can a bunch of politics and mysterious quantitative measures about freshman SAT scores, acceptance and retention rates, and average class size show on if the college will be a fit for you. Better yet, how is co-op taken into account in national rankings... it isn't. </p>

<p>Its not about the rankings, its about the opportunitites. Different colleges will give you different opportunities. I sincerely believe that I am better off at Drexel than if I somehow got into and went to Harvard or Yale, but that's just me. I've flourished in the opportunities Drexel had to offer. Most prominently, the co-op program, student activities, and many others. (for instance, I will be going on a week long trip to Chile with a group of other students that the business college offered for upperclassmen doing things like seeing at the worlds most powerful telescope and meeting with foreign officials... drexel also subsidized the trip by $4000)</p>

<p>Other students are different. Some very smart students go to community colleges and that may be better off for them. Same thing with Rutgers. Rutgers is a great school, but I knew I loved the Drexel and Philadelphia atmosphere a lot more. Other students hate the Drexel environment and love the Penn State/Rutgers/state school type.</p>

<p>However, if it does give you any comfort, drexel's UNDERGRAD computer program is ranked #68 nationally and the computer science dept (which is part of engineering school) is ranked #57 nationally. (see <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/382751-usnews-2008-engineering-ranking-compilation.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/382751-usnews-2008-engineering-ranking-compilation.html&lt;/a&gt;) Also, the grad computer programs are top notch. my guess that the graduate program is not ranked nationally is because of a whole bunch of other computer related masters degree that Drexel has that many students choose as an alternative to computer science (eg: software engineering). drexel actually has a very competitive 5 year bs/ms with two co-op program for computer science FYI.</p>

<p>Getting back to price of school, obviously co-op can and will help to offset your tuition and pay off loans. the 5 year co-op spreads your tuition out over 5 years. When you said 49 thousand, I assume you are looking here: Drexel</a> University | Undergraduate Admissions | Financing Options | Tuition and Fees - Drexel Undergraduate Admissions
Also, once you get into school there are a crap load of scholarship/fellowship programs that you can apply for. Especially for computer science, the certain agencies in the government (eg: nsa) is known for programs that pay your tuition with a committment of working for an agency for a certain amount of years after college.</p>

<p>Really the tuition for 5 year 3 co-op is 28,000 a year. Freshman year you'll be required to buy a mealplan and live in expensive university housing, but after that, living in a place close to campus for $500 a month is the norm... I think I wrote a post earlier about the real housing/meal plan costs... for upperclassment the housing/mealplan costs listed are overestimated. I've had many friends go to colleges that weren't for them because their parents pressured them. They are either very unhappy in general, or grades are poor, or social life sucks, or transferred after one year, or dropped out...</p>

48

<p>Can you please provide information and your feeling toward Drexel's Nursing Program (BSN)?</p>

49

<p>My parents collectively make below $30k per year. I am really concerned about the yearly tuition fees and whatnot, so, I was wondering how much would you expect Drexel to give me in financial aid? (ballpark guess is fine) I did receive a $16,000 scholarship but that still leaves $33k... Also, is it possible to not be a honors student if they actually extended admission to me? Thanks.</p>

50

<p>Thank you, Zackdude, what a great, informative post (also, it was encouraging).</p>

<p>Son has also been accepted to U of TX Austin & Penn State (main) but they are not much cheaper (if any) than Drexel. U of TX - Austin is ranked #9 in both undergrad engineering as well as masters comp sci. Interesting about the undergrad rankings -- at some schools, comp sci does not fall within the engineering dept, at others it does & you have to take a few introductory engineering courses. That's why we were using the masters programs as a stand-in (couldn't find discrete, undergrad comp sci rankings) --with the thought that often the grad teachers will also be teaching the undergrads. </p>

<p>I like your point that rankings aren't everything, though. As my son gets closer to his decision, what seems to be key are his interest sand how he would do at a particular school. Drexel is only 20 mins from our house (not sure if that's a positive or neg for son!).</p>

<p>You've given us a bunch to think about, thanks.</p>

51

<p>Joe_L514, I'm sure its possible to "reject" your honors college admissions. However, I don't recommend you do this. While the honors college really doesn't mean much, it certainly won't do any harm in being in it. Even if you decide not to take the specific honros classes or your GPA drops, you'll still get free printing and early registration for the first few years, right?</p>

<p>I have no idea how much Drexel will give you in financial aid, I don't even have a guess. I think it depends on your total FAFSA package and more things can affect your financial package than just your parents salary. I would definitly appeal it if you are not happy with your financial aid results. And as I said in previous posts, Drexel does not cost $49,000 a year every year for anybody. Freshman year will be most expensive since you will have to be on a mealplan and expensive university housing. Keep in mind your co-op salary, and 5 year co-op costs less every year, and possibly being able to graduate early if you take free classes during your co-op or transfer credits in.</p>

<p>JamesJr, provide you information on the nursing program? That sure is a broad question, and given that I'm a nurse, I can't really tell you much. I can tell you though that the nursing program has a co-op with it, which can get students into competitive 6 month jobs at hospitals that students at other nursing schools won't have a chance to do which could ultimately lead to jobs. I also think most of the nursing classes are done at Drexel's Center City Campus, which is a 15 minute walk or a 5 minute ride on the Drexel Shuttle. So my feeling on Drexel's nurses program? Its good I guess, and balances out Drexel's gender ratio (with a lot of guys in the engineering school) to around 50:50... which is always good, right?!.</p>

52

<p>Hey
Thanks for making yourself available. I was recently accepted into the Westphal Music Technology Program. Do you know anyone in that program and if so are they happy with the quality of their education? I am a little nervous about the quarter system, but maybe it's not too tough with a Music Tech major(as opposed to an engineering major.) Are there plenty of creative musicians on campus..? forming bands? Any feedback is welcome..
Thanks J</p>

53

<p>rosedale, it seems like you asked this same exact question and I answered it already. did you not see my response or are you looking for feedback from other students (look at post #40 and #41 on the previous page). I also posted before on the quarter system, and I promise if anything its an advantage and nothing at all to be nervous about.</p>

<p>Just to re-emphasize though, I believe Drexel is the best university if you want to "form a band". I'm not just saying that to say it, I really mean it and many other think that. The resources you get at Drexel you will find nowhere else. If you are very serious about it, students can form bands and sign onto Drexel's record label "Mad Dragon Records", one of the few colleges with their own recognized, worldwide record label with distribution deals. (I have links with more info on the previous post). </p>

<p>Student-Music is all over campus as well nonstop.<br>
Yesturday night was a Mad Dragon Concert in the mandell theater that i went to: Drexel</a> University | News | Daily Digest | MAD Dragon Concert
The night before that was Open Mic Night (Late Night Series Philly), which is thursday at Drexel. All student run bands, no matter how good or bad, can perform. There are others including student comedians, people who recite poems, all sorts of things.
Late</a> Night Series</p>

<p>Just two weekends ago, a drexel freshman student band opened for DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mike Jones at Drexel's Homecoming Concert in front of thousands of people. There's also a big "spring jam" that will be similar in a few months.
Drexel</a> Homecoming Dance Party 2009</p>

<p>Of course, Philadelphia itself and the suburbs has a huge music culture. Dozens of concert venues, shows, and everything, and Drexel student bands has performed at them before.</p>

<p>So overall, I would say most are very happy with the quality of their education, especially music industry majors (note there is no music technology program). There are literally hundreds of creative musicians on campus and many of them form bands with drexel students and with students outside of Drexel.</p>

54

<p>Hey Zack, I'm not sure if this has been asked but, looking at the housing options i see the new student traditional, and the suites, along with off-campus apartments. Now how hard is it to actually get into the suites? I see it's only 185 residents, so I'm guessing hard? Also can freshmen get into the off-campus apartments, or is that reserved for upperclassmen?</p>

55

<p>i'm mixed up. i wrote a post at the beginning of this thread about housing, see if that answers your question. freshmen who do not commute must sign up for drexel housing. most of drexel housing is typical dorm rooms, you get a roomate, with a community shower and kitchen. if you are an honors student I think you're eligible for suite housing. they also might have opened Van R, another suite style housing to freshmen students next year but I'm not sure. its best to call RLO (residential living office) and ask them. remember suites cost more, and i dont think its worth it freshmen year. Drexel does not own any "off-campus" apartments.</p>

56

<p>i got accepted today i was wondering how do we know what major we got accepted to. I checked it online</p>

57

<p>Just curious, how is Drexel's communication program? I am interested in journalism and sports writing. How hard is it to write for The Triangle? Thanks.</p>

58

<p>Its very easy to write for The Triangle. I know many people who do. Whatever you wanna write about, politics, editorials, sports, or just cover local drexel events. In fact, I think at the moment, if anything, they are understaffed. I don't know too much about Drexel's communication program but I know some people who have gotten very good co-ops with it. If you want, PM me and I'll give you a student to e-mail who is in the program and very sports-oriented, wrote for the triangle, hosted a sports radio show on the drexel radio and tv, and very well connected through the philadelphia sports scene from his co-ops.</p>

59

<p>Thank you.</p>

60

<p>Hello!! So, I am looking to transfer to Drexel! However before I make a descion I do have one concern. I am slightly worried about how a co-op salery might interfere with my aid package. Also,if you chose to do your co-op abroad or out of state, do you still recive aid, to help pay for room,board and other expenses?</p>