<p>A question for current students and/or alums of Drexel- what are the best and worst things about your Drexel experience?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>^Good question! I would like to know this as well. Any current students out there that wouldn’t mind talking about your Drexel experience?</p>
<p>I’d also like to hear any answers: bumpity bump bump :)</p>
<p>There are many aspects of Drexel that I am in love with. If I had to choose the very best one?</p>
<p>Co-op. Absolutely, the most beneficial program within the educational system. Not to take away from Drexel’s growing potential, student body, or academics, but I am currently on co-op myself and it provides huge insight into your future career. So, if you’re like me, and questioning your major and potential career routes, this is invaluable. You will have a much better understanding of what you want to do and what employers expect of you. This is huge.</p>
<p>Pin-pointing a negative about Drexel is much harder. There are certainly many nagging things, but the absolute worst resembles something more extreme than sub-par dining areas, overflowing undergraduate housing, and a less-than-stellar surrounding community. Personally, I would put a gripe on college in general for the price tag of a degree. It has gotten a bit out of hand.</p>
<p>I am an alum. I attended in the 80s as an engineering major. My D applied and was accepted last year, but chose not to attend for a variety of reasons.</p>
<p>Pros: The co-op program is one of the best in the country. The overall academic program is also very good. The honors college seemed good, with many perks. Very good merit aid. My D received more than 1/2 of tuition, room and board in merit aid. It is right in the middle of Philly, which is a very vibrant city. It is very close to the Amtrak station.</p>
<p>Cons: In the middle of the city. Quoting my D “I do not want to get run over by a bus on the way to class.” and my favorite “There are too many inorganic sounds” (buses, cars, etc). When I attended, there was one dining hall and 4 dorms. I was very surprised to see that there is still only 1 main dining hall, which is several blocks from the residence halls. </p>
<p>The overall feel of the staff is not very welcoming and even the answers to simple things seem to involve too much red tape. When I attended, it was called “The Drexel Shaft”. I would have thought that the atmosphere would have improved in the past 25 years, but reading posts here, it seems as if it is still slightly prevalent.</p>
<p>gsmomma, we probably overlapped in our time at Drexel. I was just explaining to my 15 year old son about The Drexel Shaft and my experience with it on Day1 back in 1983. If anything, dealing with the red tape back then helped me survive in the corporate environment.</p>
<p>Co-op was the best part of my education. Interviewing with 18 months of real experience on my resume gave me an advantage over most other college grads.</p>
<p>The neighborhood sucked. My girlfriend (now wife) had her purse snatched on 34th St. and her car stereo stolen. I did go back and visit for a day last May and was surprised on how much the neighborhood had been improved. Still, having the campus intermingled with residential areas (Powelton Village) isn’t the best scenario IMHO.</p>
<p>My daughter received numerous mailings and a priority application from Drexel but she wasn’t interested in attending due to the city atmosphere.</p>
<p>now I’m answering my own post, LOL:</p>
<p>one item on the “pro” side- Drexel has a 2 year housing guarantee (and incoming freshman will also be required to live on campus 2 years). I see that as a plus compared to, for example, Temple, where housing isn’t even guaranteed for freshman. I think it is a good idea to have students live on campus for 2 years before they have to venture into off campus housing.</p>
<p>This is true that Drexel has a 2-year housing guarantee but I would not see this as a major plus unless you like being overcharged for housing. The alternatives for housing within the local community are MUCH cheaper and overall a better experience. In my honest opinion I would have moved out of freshman housing after the first term.</p>
<p>The good part is you have a place to stay and you meet other freshman. The bad part is the cost, small living quarters, and general restrictions on what you can and cannot do.</p>
<p>Again, I would rather have lived off campus.</p>
<p>Hi Mickpea.</p>
<p>Thanks for coming on to answer questions. I would be interested to know what kinds of coop experiences you have had and how well they paid. My D just received a brochure about Drexel coop giving average salaries and such. But there is a little footnote that says, this average salary excludes volunteer positions and those that pay a stipend. In your experience, how many Drexel coop positions are paid, and does that depend upon the major? Which majors have the best coops? And which have the worst? And can you take coops not directly in your major? How helpful is the Steinbright Career Center?</p>
<p>Also- as to majors- in your experience how often do Drexel students end up changing their major? Is it easy enough to change majors or is that process difficult?</p>
<p>Finally- do many students take a minor in business along with a non-business major?</p>
<p>Some very good questions.</p>
<p>First I am a second year student here at Drexel University. I am currently on co-op at the moment and therefore can only speak about my current/only experience. I’m sure you have noted from the brochure that the salaries do vary quite substantially by majors.</p>
<p>I will preface the following information by stating I am an engineering student, therefore that is where my first hand experience lies. Having said that, I do have some knowledge on other salaries. </p>
<p>The average salaries are a bit misleading but generally correct for being average. For example, I am making somewhere in the range of 12-13k whereas I believe the average for engineering majors is in the neighborhood of 15.5k. From what I understand my pay is standard for a first co-op and can be expected to increase 2-3k each following co-op, due to experience and more schooling. Thus, being around the average.</p>
<p>This rings true for MOST engineers (a high percentage), computer science, and in general technical degrees. The co-ops will be paid, and paid competitively. I have seen as I was searching job listings unpaid and stipend-based jobs for these as well. It is just less common. Business majors are also for the most part on the safe side. Where the volunteer-work/stipend based co-ops come into play are for the more design oriented majors and non-technical degrees (ignore Business related, think Political Science and History). The paid co-ops are few and far between because there is no demand for you. They do not need you, you need them, and if you do not like this then there is someone to fill your shoes when you walk away. I have no experience with that but again you tend to hear from friends. You need to get a foot in the door in those industries because you can do little for the company as you are not proven and again it is extremely competitive. Not to say the other jobs aren’t (say for engineering), but I hope you get the point. Stipend based-pay is an oddball that from what I have looked at usually involves travelling/moving. I have little knowledge on that matter, apologies.</p>
<p>I cannot speak for the best/worst co-ops aside from pay because if you love what you do then what does it matter. Your daughter will learn what she thinks is the best usually after her first co-op, as I’m experiencing know. It is great for finding out what you want to do and what you do not want to do. Generally though the “better” co-ops relevant to your major are taken by upperclassmen with enhanced resumes.</p>
<p>You must take co-ops that are related to your major but there is a bit of flexibility here. For example in engineering, job listings usually have multiple sub-branches of engineering listed for the same job. I’m assuming this is similar in most job listings for other majors, however at the time I was looking through job postings I did not happen to check. But don’t think a business major can do an engineering position or vice versa. It is limited flexibility. Also, there are a few general jobs that can be taken by anyone. But I would not recommend these because they will not apply to your major and will therefore not interest you.</p>
<p>For Drexel students I would say a high percentage of students change their major (no hard numbers to support this). But from those that I have talked to almost everyone has changed their major. I know I have. At Drexel it is quite easy to switch majors within your designated school for the first two years. Mine being engineering, say if I went from mechanical to chemical to environmental. The first two years of coursework is almost all the same aside from a few classes. If you switch schools (within Drexel) to say the School of Business than you have to apply to change majors. Which still is not that big of a deal. The problems you will run into is not being qualified for switching into harder majors. Say going from political science to engineering. Or engineering to something design related. Although it is still possible it is simply harder because you have to meet different requirements that you may or may not have, all depending on the student. Has it been done? Sure.</p>
<p>Ahh finally, business minors are very common. It is something I was going to go after at first. I know many an engineer that is planning to minor in business as it complents most majors very nicely. There is always a business side to things. You can attain any minor although it is recommended you choose your minor to complement your major. For me personally I decided to not pursue a minor in business simply because I have few electives and I found a minor I was more interested. While still keeping the possibility of an MBA in the future but now I’m just rambling.</p>
<p>Hope I could help!</p>
<p>MickPea thanks so much for your answers! It is great to have a real live Drexel student on the thread!</p>
<p>Would you be able to comment on the academic experience at Drexel from your perspective as an engineering student? Some questions I have: </p>
<ol>
<li><p>How do you find the professors? Are there many for whom English is not a first language and if so does that create a problem? </p></li>
<li><p>How many students in a typical class? Do large lectures have recitations? </p></li>
<li><p>Do you find the academics challenging/interesting? </p></li>
<li><p>How do you like the quarter system? </p></li>
<li><p>Is it easy or hard to get the classes that you want/need? </p></li>
<li><p>How is advising?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>In regards to my experience with engineering…</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Many of the professors are foreign, and their english is spoken as a second language. This is most prevalent in math, science, and computer classes. For the most part this is not a problem, with a couple notable exceptions. For example my physics teacher last year. She had a heavy accent that at times was hard to follow. You had to really focus to understand what she was saying. And when you tried to ask a question she would have trouble comprehending it. It was minor and overall seemed to be bearable. My math teacher was absolutely hysterical because he could speak english quite well and had a great personality. One of my computer science teachers on the other hand was a nightmare. It was a prayer to catch a few words in that class, most winged it. I’d say for the most part, although it is common for english to be a second language, it does not directly conflict with one’s learning ability (depending on the student). I hated computer science anyway, as I had other professors who spoke better english. English classes and my economics classes were taught by Americans so this was not a problem. It seemed as though this was common.</p></li>
<li><p>Class size depended upon the class. Again, the first year is chock full of the mainstream classes that everyone takes so naturally a few of the classes were guite large (around 100-120). Howeer that is only for the lecture part of the course. Most courses at Drexel have a lecture (large) that covers the weekly information and a classroom review of that information (around 30 or so) that is much more intimate. In the recitation is where you go more into depth with problems and is where you will take minor tests. Midterms and finals are again taken with everyone. This has happened for Physics, Biology, Engineering, Calculus, and a few others. The ones that did not follow this were Economics which just had lectures (roughly 60 students), English which was around 20-25 students, and you Co-op 101/UNIV 101 which are introductory courses.</p></li>
<li><p>I find the academics to be quite challenging. I consider myself to be an above average student coming out of high school 3rd in my class with a 4.6 weighted GPA and college took me by surprise in difficulty. Although I may have been a bit lazy and distracted with other things and as a result tended to not do the recommended assignments (as they were optional). I feel as though this intial shock could have been avoided had I applied myself a bit more (>< don’t tell the parents). There are plenty of resources I could have used to help me and I simply refused to utilize them. In short, if one is able to focus and apply themselves they will be fine. This pertains mainly to the math/science courses. As per English, it was simply a chore. Not too challenging, just a nuisance. Economics was quite interesting but I could have slept through that class and recieved an A (which happened on occasion). At times the classes were interesting (the Engineering line was fun) but to speak truthfully it is ALMOST like two more years of high school to begin with depending on how many electives you have to work with. The initial years are to weed out engineers and give them basics, whereas if your D (as I did) thinks she will get to specialize from the get-go it will be a rude awakening. Not so much as a warning but a notice.</p></li>
<li><p>The quarter system at first seems like a bummer as your breaeks don’t quite match up with the breaks of old friends but I soon began to love it.
First, 10 weeks seems like a perfect time-frame for a class. Just enough time to go over the important things within a subject and skip the fluff.
Second, the quarter system allows the unique co-op experience to happen (which is HUGE)
Third, one usually spends the summer working anyway. In this setting you simply use it to your advantage working to increase your potential for the future.
Honestly, I thought I would hate the quarter system but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Although I may not feel as gracious about it when I am sitting in classes during Summer but regardless. If you care for me to go into more detail about the quarter system I will.</p></li>
<li><p>I am a part of the Honors College and we recieve priority when selecting classes so no it has not been hard for me to attain classes. For my fellow non-honors friends they have said it was easy to get their classes as long as they went along with the group. Basically, the classes everyone needs is given at the same time and there will be a plethora of open seats/classes. If you are ahead/behind the game in terms of your schedule then you may struggle to find classes as there are certain terms for certain classes. Usually this is not a problem and your Academic Advisors here at Drexel are “God-sent” so it usually can be worked out if it is a necessity.</p></li>
<li><p>Oh, well as I just mentioned the advising is top-notch. If you take the time to head into their office or set-up appointments they will take the time to cater to your needs. They are very understanding and flexible; academically at least, financial advisors are a nightmare to work with but that is a whole different subject.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you need me to clarify on anything just ask. I am not truly re-reading everything and I may be rambling/forgetting things along the way or simply not making sense which tends to happen.</p>
<p>Thanks so much MickPea.</p>
<p>Is there anything else you think a prospective student should know about Drexel --maybe something that you didn’t know bevore coming and were surprised about (good or bad) when you came to Drexel?</p>
<p>Not so much something a prospective student should know about Drexel but rather a tip; get involved.</p>
<p>There are a ton of different clubs and activities that will not only enhance one’s resume but will enrichen your college life as you will have new and exciting experiences with interesting people (also helps with networking). Give greek life a consideration as well.</p>
<p>I haven’t posted on this forum in awhile, but I guess I can add my $0.02 as a soon-to-be Drexel graduate.</p>
<p>I’ll preface my response by saying that you should take our replies with a grain of salt. Some people hate Drexel so much that they transfer, and some absolutely LOVE it. I think you’ll find that the majority of students are in the middle of these extremes. </p>
<p>Regardless, Drexel will not limit you in your future endeavors. I am amidst my applications to graduate school, and I have received interviews at some of my top-choice (and highly ranked) programs on the east coast, and I feel no disadvantage by attending Drexel over an Ivy institution. I made the most of my college education by participating in numerous extracurriculars and engaging in meaningful research with a professor in my field of study. Many of the faculty members are highly qualified individuals with a passion for teaching, although some fields (like physics) are lacking competent professors for introductory classes. Aside from my unfortunate experience in physics, though, I have found that there are great professors in both the sciences and humanities. </p>
<p>The quarter system is tricky because some students thrive in the fast-paced environment, while others fall quickly behind. You will have quizzes and/or exams just about every week of the term, and there is no designated “midterms week” - exams vary from class to class. The 10-week terms are condensed, but this doesn’t matter too much with classes offered in sequence (i.e. intro to chemistry, which is a year-long course that spans 3 terms and is comparable to 2 semesters at another school). It’s nice because you have the opportunity to take more electives, and when you hate a course it’s over in 10 weeks! Also, spring break falls between winter and spring terms, so you actually get to RELAX rather than do homework!</p>
<p>My least favorite part of Drexel is probably the never-ending construction that always blocks off part of campus. It’s inconvenient to walk around the construction fences! Also, there is some “red tape” in some of the offices, especially billing and the OCA (if you’re a leader of a club). </p>
<p>Finally, if you want to go Greek that’s great, but don’t feel like you need to. Less than 10% of the student body is in the Greek system (it was 8% a couple of years ago - not sure of the exact stats now). It’s a good option if you want it to be, but make sure that you can handle your coursework before you dedicate a lot of time to rushing or pledging a fraternity or sorority (which can be done any term, not just in the fall).</p>
<p>Hello again Mickpea…can u offer an opinion on the quality of academics at drexel outside of engineering? i have heard that drexel is great if you are interested in science engineering and technology, but not so great for business and liberal arts. would you agree or disagree?</p>
<p>The business school is well regarded. Not to the status of uPenn but it is what you make of it really. The name of the school will only get you so far. It is about your passion relative to the field that you pursue. That may be sugarcoated in optimism but I have friends over at Wharton and they are absolutely by no means slackers. They will work for what they want and let me assure you they do.</p>
<p>Having said that, yes, business here is fully capable of producing exceptional candidates in the field. Liberal Arts on the other hand is a bit more bleak. We are not known for it, and certainly fall short to that end. If it is Liberal Arts your daughter would like to pursue, then I would suggest another school.</p>
<p>Thanks MickPea. My D is interested in psychology which is part of Arts & Sciences. Though she might also like to take a business minor. In terms of the psychology major, I just don’t have a good sense how strong Drexel is nor do I have a good sense of what coops would be available and whether they would be paid. On the other hand, I have heard good things about Temple’s psychology dept and that is what I am comparing to. Temple is, of course, way cheaper, so the main benefits of Drexel would be the coops (if they are there) and potentially smaller class sizes.</p>
<p>Hi Mickpea…your responses are truly very helpful. Can you comment on the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>My son is looking at Drexel, Lehigh and Lafayette. Did you look at these schools also? What is your opinion of Lehigh and Lafayette compared to Drexel?</li>
<li>How are the office hours from engineering professors? Do they make themselves available to students? Are they helpful?</li>
<li>My son has taken AP Physics C, Calc BC and AP Chem - he is hoping this will help him skip some of the intro classes. However you mentioned in an earlier post that if you are not in the mainstream classes then it might be difficult to get any high-level (i.e.sophmore level for a freshman) - is that true? what would you suggest?</li>
<li>Does Drexel offer any kind of project work in engineering to freshman - I am mean as opposed to ‘theory’ can a freshman get involved in research or hands-on projects?</li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks</p>