2012-2013 Drexel University Application Thread

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I have scrolled back several pages in this thread and still haven't received a definitive answer to these questions (though one post partially answered my inquiry). Several others have asked the same questions I am about to ask, without much of a reply. If anyone has any information on this, I think many of us, including myself, would greatly appreciate it !

I, (like many others posting in this thread) was recently placed on a pre-interview hold. The status update that they give you basically says, "We would like to re-evaluate your application again in the spring should interview spots remain ... we wish to hold on a final decision on your application ..." So, that being said:

(1.) Does Drexel even send out pre-interview rejections, or is this just a status that they send to everyone who doesn't get an interview at first? I think that many of us are just trying to gauge how relevant this message might be. My hope would be that they do reject some kids, and that the status that I received is a middle-of-the-road status.

(2.) Does anyone have any information on how many (if it's even a relevant amount) individuals actually come off this "list" and make it to an interview?

Thank you in advance, very much.

1) Yes

2) No, but holds are basically rejections. Very few people come out of holds.
 
I have FINALLY been sent to the admissions committee for review. It's been 8 weeks and hopefully won't be long now before a decision is made and sent. Of all the places I've received an invite to so far, Drexel is definitely my #1 choice!
 
I have FINALLY been sent to the admissions committee for review. It's been 8 weeks and hopefully won't be long now before a decision is made and sent. Of all the places I've received an invite to so far, Drexel is definitely my #1 choice!

Yours only took 8 weeks to get to committee? I'm at 18 weeks and still haven't been sent to committee yet.
 
Is it possible to start filling out a FAFSA appilcation before you've been accepted? I

I'm still under review here right now, but since I'll probably only hear back around April, I don't want to jeopardize my financial aid if I get accepted.

Do I need to start thinking about that kind of stuff now or can it wait a few months?

Sorry if this is a dumb question I'm just not so familiar with the student loans process in general. Thanks for your help!
 
Is it possible to start filling out a FAFSA appilcation before you've been accepted? I

I'm still under review here right now, but since I'll probably only hear back around April, I don't want to jeopardize my financial aid if I get accepted.

Do I need to start thinking about that kind of stuff now or can it wait a few months?

Sorry if this is a dumb question I'm just not so familiar with the student loans process in general. Thanks for your help!

Hi, this is a really important question and several of the financial aid reps at my interviews addressed it specifically. They all recommend that you get your FAFSA done ASAP and do the tax return first because there is an option to upload your tax return documentation on FAFSA that apparently makes life a lot easier for them. They want you to have your financial aid stuff ready to go because then even if you are waitlisted or accepted late in the game, they can send you the aid packet right away and that can help you decide on whether it is a feasible option for you to attend their institution. Apparently you can list a bunch of school names on fafsa (I am going to get to mine soon so not sure on specifics yet). I say do your taxes soon and get the fafsa out of the way. And for schools where you interviewed already, look up other things they need and just get them out of the way so you get your aid package without delay.

Good luck!
 
Yours only took 8 weeks to get to committee? I'm at 18 weeks and still haven't been sent to committee yet.

I'm at 10 weeks here, still haven't been sent to the committee.

"Your file is complete and will be reviewed."
 
I'm at 10 weeks here, still haven't been sent to the committee.

"Your file is complete and will be reviewed."

is that post interview? i'm still on the "your interview has been scheduled" status
 
Hi, this is a really important question and several of the financial aid reps at my interviews addressed it specifically. They all recommend that you get your FAFSA done ASAP and do the tax return first because there is an option to upload your tax return documentation on FAFSA that apparently makes life a lot easier for them. They want you to have your financial aid stuff ready to go because then even if you are waitlisted or accepted late in the game, they can send you the aid packet right away and that can help you decide on whether it is a feasible option for you to attend their institution. Apparently you can list a bunch of school names on fafsa (I am going to get to mine soon so not sure on specifics yet). I say do your taxes soon and get the fafsa out of the way. And for schools where you interviewed already, look up other things they need and just get them out of the way so you get your aid package without delay.

Good luck!

Ok thanks so much! That really helps a ton. I appreciate it!
 
Does anybody know how many interviews they are conducting? For 250 spots, they will accept around 300ish I would assume. So, lets say that they interview 600 people, which is a a lot I would think, at this point interviewees have a 50/50 shot, which compared to other interviews I have had is about as good as it gets.

(sorry if this question was already posted this thread is huge and the search feature keeps crashing for me!)
 
Does anybody know how many interviews they are conducting? For 250 spots, they will accept around 300ish I would assume. So, lets say that they interview 600 people, which is a a lot I would think, at this point interviewees have a 50/50 shot, which compared to other interviews I have had is about as good as it gets.

(sorry if this question was already posted this thread is huge and the search feature keeps crashing for me!)


Your numbers are a bit off. They get a ton of applicants every year, +10,000 and interview over 1,000. Heres a couple links to show you exact numbers for recent years:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=831618
http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/AcademicPrograms/MDProgram/StudentDemographics.aspx

No idea on how many the accept from those interviews (someone with a usnews subscription may have a figure for you), but I would imagine that it would be around 2-3x the class size in total acceptances (direct and off of the waitlist).
 
Your numbers are a bit off. They get a ton of applicants every year, +10,000 and interview over 1,000. Heres a couple links to show you exact numbers for recent years:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=831618
http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/AcademicPrograms/MDProgram/StudentDemographics.aspx

No idea on how many the accept from those interviews (someone with a usnews subscription may have a figure for you), but I would imagine that it would be around 2-3x the class size in total acceptances (direct and off of the waitlist).

Thanks very much for the information. Wow, 1000 interviews no wonder you have to wait almost 2 months to hear back.
 
Thanks very much for the information. Wow, 1000 interviews no wonder you have to wait almost 2 months to hear back.

Yeah it makes sense. They'll get back to you eventually though, i know the waiting sucks. Good luck :luck:
 
Does anybody know how many interviews they are conducting? For 250 spots, they will accept around 300ish I would assume. So, lets say that they interview 600 people, which is a a lot I would think, at this point interviewees have a 50/50 shot, which compared to other interviews I have had is about as good as it gets.

(sorry if this question was already posted this thread is huge and the search feature keeps crashing for me!)

It's a 50% shot.


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MCAT: 31, GPA: 3.53, in-state

08/03/12: Submitted
08/18/12: Complete
09/10/12: I emailed them an update letter with some new publications from my research. No reply.

Current status for about a month: Thank you for your application. Your file has been reviewed by a member of our Admissions Committee. While we have decided not invite you for an interview at this time, we would like to re-evaluate your application again in the spring should interview spots remain. We have many completed applications to review and wish to hold on a final decision on your application until later in the cycle. Again, thank you for your interest in Drexel College of Medicine.


There's no hope here, right? 🙁 I should give up anticipating any news? I have another acceptance already, I was just hoping for something good here, but it's feeling more and more like a silent rejection. Does this school do that? 😕
 
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Can anybody comment on interview format in so far as:

Do they have your grades in front of them. I think this is important to determine how the interview will go. For me, my grades were sub par early on but w/ an upward trend, so I always have to answer to that if the grades are open.

THANKS!!!!
 
Can anybody comment on interview format in so far as:

Do they have your grades in front of them. I think this is important to determine how the interview will go. For me, my grades were sub par early on but w/ an upward trend, so I always have to answer to that if the grades are open.

THANKS!!!!

I have the same academic situation as you in regards to an upward trend after staring sub-par early on, with the trend being quite extreme of an upward in my case to be honest, and I was asked about it. So it's safe to assume my interviewer had my AMCAS app/grades in front of them, and for other reasons I think my interviewer had my Drexel secondary app as well.

I obviously can't speak for everyone, and I think every interviewer may differ in terms of what they have in front of them, but it happened with me, so be prepared.
 
Can anybody comment on interview format in so far as:

Do they have your grades in front of them. I think this is important to determine how the interview will go. For me, my grades were sub par early on but w/ an upward trend, so I always have to answer to that if the grades are open.

THANKS!!!!

Your faculty interview is open file. Your student interview is closed file... better yet no file. Hell they don't even know your name before they walk into the office.
 
Can anybody comment on interview format in so far as:

Do they have your grades in front of them. I think this is important to determine how the interview will go. For me, my grades were sub par early on but w/ an upward trend, so I always have to answer to that if the grades are open.

THANKS!!!!

From what I could gather, it seemed like your faculty interviewer had all your information in front of them. Mine was flicking through my folder as we spoke and then asking about various things that he saw.

As far as the student interviewer goes, it is completely closed file - they know nothing about you beforehand. However, it's still wise to be prepared to talk about your grades, because it might still come up. My student interviewer asked me what the weakest part of my application was, and assuming your grades are the weakest part of your application, a question like that is likely to come up, I would think.

However, I would treat it as an opportunity to prove to them why that part of your application is less relevant than all your other strengths. Better to have them address the committe directly in saying "here are their flaws, and here's why they don't matter...". That way, when it comes up during the committee disucssion (which it will), they can see why it's not so important. However, if it's never addressed then they could be left wondering about it and might ding you as a result.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Just withdrew my acceptance. Hopefully it goes to one of you all!
 
last year they interviewed 1300 people with 650 acceptances
So do they not have a wait list then? 650 acceptances seems high but is about 50 % which makes sense I am just wondering if all of the 650 are direct acceptances.

I had my interview yesterday, and the student I had my student interview with said roughly the same numbers, but didn't specify wait list
 
So do they not have a wait list then? 650 acceptances seems high but is about 50 % which makes sense I am just wondering if all of the 650 are direct acceptances.

I had my interview yesterday, and the student I had my student interview with said roughly the same numbers, but didn't specify wait list

Yes, they have a wait list. :laugh:
 
So do they not have a wait list then? 650 acceptances seems high but is about 50 % which makes sense I am just wondering if all of the 650 are direct acceptances.

I had my interview yesterday, and the student I had my student interview with said roughly the same numbers, but didn't specify wait list

That is total aceeptances so I'm sure many of them came from a waitlist as well
 
"A final decision has been reached and will be mailed to preferred address"

Oh boy. It's not a waitlist! I'm stoked to finally hear back from Drexel!

I interviewed back in early November and my status finally changed as of yesterday!
 
So this is my first post, but I just got accepted! (Interview Nov. 15th, Final Decision Feb. 1st). I'm about 100% sure this is where I'll be matriculating, so I was just wondering if anyone's started a facebook group yet? Much appreciated, and good luck to all of you who are still waiting!
 
So this is my first post, but I just got accepted! (Interview Nov. 15th, Final Decision Feb. 1st). I'm about 100% sure this is where I'll be matriculating, so I was just wondering if anyone's started a facebook group yet? Much appreciated, and good luck to all of you who are still waiting!


no group yet but we need one up asap!
 
Has anyone received a "IFM or PIL Choice Information from Drexel College of Medicine" email today? Is it for everyone or accepted student only? I got the Final Decision status on January 18th, but I have yet to receive my package from Drexel. So I'm still in limbo. I just asked the admissions office to resend the letter, but it's going to take another week or more to get to CA. Does anyone know if this email is sent to everyone or accepted student only? That way I'll know if I was accepted or rejected. Thanks in advance.
 
Has anyone received a "IFM or PIL Choice Information from Drexel College of Medicine" email today? Is it for everyone or accepted student only? I got the Final Decision status on January 18th, but I have yet to receive my package from Drexel. So I'm still in limbo. I just asked the admissions office to resend the letter, but it's going to take another week or more to get to CA. Does anyone know if this email is sent to everyone or accepted student only? That way I'll know if I was accepted or rejected. Thanks in advance.

What did the email say? In our acceptance packages they give us a paper where we pick IFM or PIL. Since your package was lost, maybe they thought you were having trouble deciding so they sent you an email? Personally, I haven't received any further communication than an email confirming the receipt of my deposit to hold a spot in the class. Anyhow I'd guess you were accepted if they sent you something like that. :luck:

Edit: Scratch that, didn't receive a confirmation email but it was updated on my status page.
 
What did the email say? In our acceptance packages they give us a paper where we pick IFM or PIL. Since your package was lost, maybe they thought you were having trouble deciding so they sent you an email? Personally, I haven't received any further communication than an email confirming the receipt of my deposit to hold a spot in the class. Anyhow I'd guess you were accepted if they sent you something like that. :luck:

Edit: Scratch that, didn't receive a confirmation email but it was updated on my status page.

The email talks about PIL program, Shadow Days experience for PIL, and Accepted Student Day. It sounds like it's for accepted students, so that's why I'm curious. Thanks for your response.
 
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The email talks about PIL program, Shadow Days experience for PIL, and Accepted Student Day. It sounds like it's for accepted students, so that's why I'm curious. Thanks for your response.

When is accepted students day? I remember seeing it in some old threads, but it seemed like it was only for PIL people 🙁 Has anyone that picked IFM heard anything about a potential second look day?
 
When is accepted students day? I remember seeing it in some old threads, but it seemed like it was only for PIL people 🙁 Has anyone that picked IFM heard anything about a potential second look day?
Accepted students day is for ALL accepted students, but if you are interested in PIL they give you the chance to try working on a case in small groups.
 
Accepted students day is for ALL accepted students, but if you are interested in PIL they give you the chance to try working on a case in small groups.

Thanks! 🙂 You've been a big help in this thread (and in last year's too 😛)
 
This info is in the email:

Another program that is offered to our incoming students is Accepted Students Day (tentatively scheduled this year for Saturday, April 6) which you'll hear more about from the Office of Admissions in a few weeks. On this day, there will also be an opportunity for you to experience the PIL small group learning process, learn more about the Interdisciplinary Foundations of Medicine (IFM) curriculum and meet PIL and IFM students and administrators.
 
I'm sorry if someone has already asked this, but when you're put on hold until later review, does anyone know when that is or how likely you are you get an interview? Thanks. 🙂
 
i interviewed here last month, its a great school. 🙂
 
Interviewed first week of October and STILL haven't been sent to committee. Ridiculous. Every time I call I am told they are "behind." I've just about given up on Drexel.
 
I interviewed twelve weeks ago and just received the "under review by a member of the admissions committee" status today.
 
Interviewed first week of October and STILL haven't been sent to committee. Ridiculous. Every time I call I am told they are "behind." I've just about given up on Drexel.

Hmm... I wonder if talking to someone 'higher up' so to speak might help. Maybe whoever answers the phone isn't really in a position to be able to do anything. I think at this point leaving a polite message to someone on the admissions committee (or something of the sort) won't hurt you... it's been almost 4 1/2 months, that's seems to be legitimate cause for concern.
 
Hmm... I wonder if talking to someone 'higher up' so to speak might help. Maybe whoever answers the phone isn't really in a position to be able to do anything. I think at this point leaving a polite message to someone on the admissions committee (or something of the sort) won't hurt you... it's been almost 4 1/2 months, that's seems to be legitimate cause for concern.

You know, that's a good idea. I guess I have nothing to lose at this point, so I'm going to email the director of admissions. I hope this doesn't mean automatic rejection, but I'm pretty sure that I won't hear anything if I don't email her.
 
You know, that's a good idea. I guess I have nothing to lose at this point, so I'm going to email the director of admissions. I hope this doesn't mean automatic rejection, but I'm pretty sure that I won't hear anything if I don't email her.

Yeah, I would if I were you. Just make it polite and explain your situation--I don't think this could hurt you. 4 1/2 months without even having your file sent to committee when other people who interviewed well after you have are being reviewed is alarming, especially because this is a rolling process.

Good luck! :luck:
 
You know, that's a good idea. I guess I have nothing to lose at this point, so I'm going to email the director of admissions. I hope this doesn't mean automatic rejection, but I'm pretty sure that I won't hear anything if I don't email her.

I'm in the same boat as you--I interviewed in October as well. I actually spoke to the director on the phone this morning. She was super nice and apologized that the process has take this long. She told me that the committee has been reviewing a ton of applications.

I am surprised that it has taken this long since people who have interviewed well after us have already heard back. I'm not sure what kind of order they choose to review applications, but for me, there's nothing more I can do. I simply have to just wait it out.
 
Is there a general time frame for when one hears back? They said around two months at the interview. Obviously, for some people its much longer...but is anybody hearing back in around two months?
 
Is there a general time frame for when one hears back? They said around two months at the interview. Obviously, for some people its much longer...but is anybody hearing back in around two months?

I heard back in 2 months along with quite a few other people. It looks like a weird bimodal distribution where a lot of people are at one of the two extremes.
 
no group yet but we need one up asap!

I just tried to create a group, but in order to do so, you have to have people to add to it (silly me). So anyone who's interested in joining the (eventual) group, just message me and I'll add you on facebook so we can get this thing started 🙂
 
My status is still stuck on "your interview has been scheduled..." I interviewed 9 weeks ago. I guess I got the extreme end of waiting.
 
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