Drexel - Class of 2023

@RocBud Check your portal again, there is a financial aid tab that you need to select to find your merit. It wasn’t in my letter either but was in the portal.

Drexel is a top contender for son because of the co-ops, reputation, etc and but we still don’t have a great feel for the culture there. I am concerned that if half the class is on 6 month co-ops, how does that make for the social dynamics of creating strong bonds with classmates who could be your best friends and then after freshman year realize that you may never be on campus together again because you are on different cycles. Also, I was not impressed witb the one dorm we toured and didn’t see a lot of kids walking in that area to make me feel like they would be safe going back and forth to the dorms since it’s not on the best area. The areas where the classrooms are seemed fine although There was a homeless man begging for money all around the campus while we were there and was even in the administration building lobby at one point so I have some concerns.

@2023collbound - My son was accepted into Westphal at Drexel. Before we received notification, we made an appointment and had him attend a class. He couldn’t get over how nice and friendly everyone was, including the professor. He was also able to get a good feel for how classes are. As far as the dorms are concerned…they are dorms and not beautiful apartments. I have yet to see a dorm at any college that was anything more than, well, a dorm. It is a city school. If you’ve been to any city you know that there will be homeless people or possibly bad areas. However, security is good and that is what others were saying as well.

@2023collbound. Drexel’s strengths are its co-op program, diversity, and big city/urban location. Culturally you make industry contacts, meet people from around the world, and benefit from all of the theatre/arts/social activities of Philadelphia (and about 8 other schools in the greater area). I loved it and made many friends in classes, sports, clubs, and on/off campus living situations. However, it certainly is a personal choice/decision to think about and a different culture verses a small or large suburban or rural university (they are all different). In any city you will see homeless people (they are typically not a problem) plus get used to the faster pace and noises.

Hi- I am definitely a fan of Drexel and we spend a lot of time in Philadelphia and are from the NYC area, so I fully understand the city life. I was concerned with a screaming homeless man in the lobby of the administrative building while we were there for a tour because it reminded me of what life would be like there- just thinking as a mama hen sending the first born out into the world and I feel like I would sleep a little less at night. I felt like the dorms were a little separate from the main hub of campus and the area was pretty quiet - even during the day when I would have expected kids to be all over the place, so I would worry about walking around there late at night or alone, etc. I don’t think I could think of any other negatives about the school because I loved everything else about it (except maybe the tuition).

Does anyone know if there is any flexibility on who goes out on internship which semesters? I just think that if your kid makes 2 or 3 great friends freshman year, they could potentially never be in Philly again at the same time for the rest of their college time if they are put on different schedules.

Those are just the things I am thinking about as we are weighing our options for schools- looking at pros and cons of each school.

Thanks for info from experienced Dragons!

It was is too bad that Drexel is just too expensive for us given that the merit was nowhere near enough.

Drexel does everything it can to ensure safety. During the day there are plenty of people around and personally I would not worry. At night it is prudent to always take precautions as in any city and be aware of your surroundings and walk with a friend if possible (Drexel provides walking escorts too) or use the free campus transportation if you are worried.

Co-op info is here: https://drexel.edu/scdc/co-op/undergraduate/

98% of students are on co-op (different from an internship) and they go typically on the same schedule.

It is too bad that Drexel is just too expensive for us given that the merit was nowhere near enough. Good luck to those of you who will be attending!

Accepted !!

International Student from India
Major: Computer Science (3 co-ops)
SAT: 1440
GPA:- 91/100
Class Rank: 1
Total Scholarship: 40,000 (per annum)

@Sumeetk27
Was some of that financial aid? How was it divided?

DD just received invitation to the STAR program. She ias accepted into the 5yr Nursing BSN program with 3 Co-Op residencies.

Anyone here invited as well? Paid for 10 weeks during summer freshman & sophomore year, working on research projects wih faculty.

email today:
Based on your strong academic performance, we would like to invite you to apply to the STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program at Drexel… …

Response required by Feb 1st, which forces some early on decisions.

anyone?

Congrats!

Congrats. My son got that email too and he is computer science. I think they are sincere but I am guessing it is an extra enticement to get admits to accept.

I was thinking that as well (early commit), need to do some homework on it

@GmanCC D received the same email, but that is for first-year students. so no need to worry about it now.

https://drexel.edu/undergraduate-research/STAR-scholars/STAR-scholars/application-guidelines/
To be eligible to apply for the STAR Scholars Program, students must:

Be a first-year student
Have an interest in research and be willing to commit to 35 hours/week of research for 10 weeks over the summer while residing in campus housing (provided by STAR).

@CrisElla, Thank you.

We spoke to a 4th year Drexel Nursing student who is in the same 5yr BSN with 3 Co-op residencies program and have determined that the STAR program is not suitable for our DD given she is already doing 3 semester co-ops.

Anyone know when RD come in for Drexel?

@graydayokay - I believe by April 1st.

Is there a group me for accepted drexel applicants?

I thought I saw a facebook link on the portal?