2025-2026 Drexel

[chilly_md]

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2025-2026 Drexel Secondary Prompts

All 1500 character maximum

1. Tell us about yourself and why you feel like you may be a good fit for Drexel University College of Medicine.

2. We recognize that each applicant’s journey is unique. If there were any extenuating circumstances that limited your involvement in service, academic, or other preparatory experiences—including MCAT preparation/taking—please share them here. If none, simply type “N/A” in the response area.

3. If you have applied to medical school before, reflect on any meaningful experiences, growth, or updates that you feel have enhanced your application since the last time you applied. If this is your first application cycle, simply type “N/A” in the response area.

Good luck to all applying!

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Drexel University College of Medicine - Admission, Tuition, Ranking & Overview | Student Doctor Network

Detail information of Drexel University College of Medicine including admission, tuition, ranking, and overview.

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[Pallas]

Hi team. I saw on Reddit and the program website that Drexel offers year-long clinical placements at SF Bay Area Kaiser-Permanente. I'm a CA resident with stats that are a bit above the 90th percentile for OoS accepted Drexel students, but I am still interested in applying if I could learn more about the probability of being placed at the CA site.

Does anyone know if it's a lottery-based system? Also, does anyone know if they yield protect?

 

[chilly_md]

Hi team. I saw on Reddit and the program website that Drexel offers year-long clinical placements at SF Bay Area Kaiser-Permanente. I'm a CA resident with stats that are a bit above the 90th percentile for OoS accepted Drexel students, but I am still interested in applying if I could learn more about the probability of being placed at the CA site.

Does anyone know if it's a lottery-based system? Also, does anyone know if they yield protect?

See this comment from this past cycle's thread:

L

Post in: '2024-2025 Drexel'

May 18, 2025

How popular is Allegheny Hospital in Pittsburgh? I hear it’s a good choice for people interested in surgery.

Allegheny, Reading, and Kaiser are usually the most popular. They filled in the first run of the lottery this year.

• LancesDragonite

• 

Yes, this school receives many applications and if you are a CA applicant with high stats (strong GPA and 517+ MCAT, it is unlikely they will use their limited interview spots on you.

 

[LancesDragonite]

Hi team. I saw on Reddit and the program website that Drexel offers year-long clinical placements at SF Bay Area Kaiser-Permanente. I'm a CA resident with stats that are a bit above the 90th percentile for OoS accepted Drexel students, but I am still interested in applying if I could learn more about the probability of being placed at the CA site.

Does anyone know if it's a lottery-based system? Also, does anyone know if they yield protect?

Hi, I am a current M3. It is a pure lottery in which you list your preferred site and they try to match you to that site. It is not something you can guarantee and the likelihood would depend on how many students in your class list that site 1st and your random placement on the lottery order list.

 

[Pallas]

See this comment from this past cycle's thread:

L

Post in: '2024-2025 Drexel'

May 18, 2025

How popular is Allegheny Hospital in Pittsburgh? I hear it’s a good choice for people interested in surgery.

Allegheny, Reading, and Kaiser are usually the most popular. They filled in the first run of the lottery this year.

• LancesDragonite

• 

Yes, this school receives many applications and if you are a CA applicant with high stats (strong GPA and 517+ MCAT, it is unlikely they will use their limited interview spots on you.

I do have a 518 and a 3.99 GPA. :-(.

I was going to apply to George Washington before I heard about Drexel's CA program and their different campuses. Drexel has a 0.5% higher OOS acceptance rate (1.1% vs. 1.6%), a larger class size (meaning more spots for me ;-)! ), and the probability of rotating in CA. Needless to say, I also enjoy Philly more than I enjoy DC overall.

Would it be a decent idea to remove GW from my school list in favor of Drexel, despite my MCAT? I already have 2/3 of Drexel's secondaries prewritten just because they are the same as a few other programs I am applying to. Plus, I have FAP, so the secondary fee is waived anyways!

 

[Pallas]

Hi, I am a current M3. It is a pure lottery in which you list your preferred site and they try to match you to that site. It is not something you can guarantee and the likelihood would depend on how many students in your class list that site 1st and your random placement on the lottery order list.

Thanks for the info!

 

[LancesDragonite]

I do have a 518 and a 3.99 GPA. :-(.

I was going to apply to George Washington before I heard about Drexel's CA program and their different campuses. Drexel has a 0.5% higher OOS acceptance rate (1.1% vs. 1.6%), a larger class size (meaning more spots for me ;-)! ), and the probability of rotating in CA. Needless to say, I also enjoy Philly more than I enjoy DC overall.

Would it be a decent idea to remove GW from my school list in favor of Drexel, despite my MCAT? I already have 2/3 of Drexel's secondaries prewritten just because they are the same as a few other programs I am applying to. Plus, I have FAP, so the secondary fee is waived anyways!

I think you should just apply to both if you can. If you would go to Drexel, then apply.

 

[Pallas]

I think you should just apply to both if you can. If you would go to Drexel, then apply.

Noted. Thank you!

 

[chilly_md]

I do have a 518 and a 3.99 GPA. :-(.

I was going to apply to George Washington before I heard about Drexel's CA program and their different campuses. Drexel has a 0.5% higher OOS acceptance rate (1.1% vs. 1.6%), a larger class size (meaning more spots for me ;-)! ), and the probability of rotating in CA. Needless to say, I also enjoy Philly more than I enjoy DC overall.

Would it be a decent idea to remove GW from my school list in favor of Drexel, despite my MCAT? I already have 2/3 of Drexel's secondaries prewritten just because they are the same as a few other programs I am applying to. Plus, I have FAP, so the secondary fee is waived anyways!

If you prefer Philly, apply to Jefferson and maybe Temple. Based on your WAMC, you should be cutting your list drastically down to around 30 programs.

 

[Pallas]

If you prefer Philly, apply to Jefferson and maybe Temple. Based on your WAMC, you should be cutting your list drastically down to around 30 programs.

I've cut down my list quite a bit since posting, but I still have more to go. You're so right T-T.

 

[Swiftlions]

+1 IS yesterday evening

 

[FodRN]

+1 IS yesterday evening

Any changes to the prompts?

 

[batmanpremed123]

+1 IS yesterday evening

Post the prompts please?

 

[Kobeleo62]

+1 OOS secondary received

 

[deleted1192862]

+1 OOS secondary received

can you pleas post the prompts?

 

[notEinstein]

+1 OOS secondary

Tell us about yourself and why you feel like you may be a good fit for Drexel University College of Medicine. (Maximum characters 1500)


We recognize that each applicant’s journey is unique. If there were any extenuating circumstances that limited your involvement in service, academic, or other preparatory experiences—including MCAT preparation/taking—please share them here. If none, simply type “N/A” in the response area. (Maximum characters 1500)


If you have applied to medical school before, reflect on any meaningful experiences, growth, or updates that you feel have enhanced your application since the last time you applied. If this is your first application cycle, simply type “N/A” in the response area. (Maximum characters 1500)

@chilly_md

 

[AlliesStardust]

+1 OOS secondary

Tell us about yourself and why you feel like you may be a good fit for Drexel University College of Medicine. (Maximum characters 1500)


We recognize that each applicant’s journey is unique. If there were any extenuating circumstances that limited your involvement in service, academic, or other preparatory experiences—including MCAT preparation/taking—please share them here. If none, simply type “N/A” in the response area. (Maximum characters 1500)


If you have applied to medical school before, reflect on any meaningful experiences, growth, or updates that you feel have enhanced your application since the last time you applied. If this is your first application cycle, simply type “N/A” in the response area. (Maximum characters 1500)

@chilly_md

Oh, those are very different from last year. Guess my pre-writing is no use. Good luck to all!

 

[ridebiker]

Happy that the super involved why us/why you/what characteristics do you have, all in 1500 characters essay was removed

 

[notEinstein]

Does Drexel prescreen secondaries or something? They seem to be going out in very small waves.

 

[TK1121]

+1 IS

 

[Nancy d-26]

Still waiting

 

[ekgrrr]

+1 OOS

 

[kirklandwater]

Does anyone else see Capser marked as unreceived?

 

[irishforever182]

A bit confused on the wording of “Academic History” section. If we have not attended additional colleges/universities since submitting AMCAS, do we not enter any school information?

 

[notEinstein]

A bit confused on the wording of “Academic History” section. If we have not attended additional colleges/universities since submitting AMCAS, do we not enter any school information?

The instructions say: "any additional colleges/universities to add since you completed your AMCAS application"

So if you don't have any, don't enter any.

 

[Artemis20]

Does anyone else see Capser marked as unreceived?

Yes, its delayed.

 

[mustravel2016]

+1 OOS secondary

 

[schildkröte]

+1 IS

 

[icouldntthinkofanything]

The instructions say: "any additional colleges/universities to add since you completed your AMCAS application"

So if you don't have any, don't enter any.

right, so what do we put for that section? it wont let me leave it blank even though I have nothing to add

 

[veraserah]

The changes in secondaries seems to reflect a circumvention in asking questions that are buzz words in the media lately. They certainly took out/reworded those questions in residency apps too.

 

[wysdoc]

right, so what do we put for that section? it wont let me leave it blank even though I have nothing to add

Enter None

 

[boomer2024]

For schools like this that require CASPer for the application to be complete, is it bad that although I submitted my application today, my application won't be reviewed 2-3 weeks from now until they receive my score (I took it on July 8th)? Is this happening to most people?

 

[anklelocktheworld]

+1 OOS Secondary

 

[Jahmez]

For the second prompt, do we think it is an “optional" essay or really an optional essay? I had no extenuating circumstances, but I feel odd only answering one essay, since this is my first cycle and the third essay is also an N/A

 

[daydreamalwys]

For the second prompt, do we think it is an “optional" essay or really an optional essay? I had no extenuating circumstances, but I feel odd only answering one essay, since this is my first cycle and the third essay is also an N/A

Same for me. I was not planning to answer it. I figured if adcoms wanted to offer an actual "anything else" type of essay they would have. They probably really do just want more insight on extenuating circumstances. If anything, could be a place to add a covid essay if relevant

 

[mynamejef]

Anyone have any tips on how to write a compelling "why us" essay for a low yield school? Im struggling because I feel like my answer to the one relevant essay prompt for Drexel is so generic. Its so difficult to stand out with so few characters, and Im just discouraged knowing they get tons of applicants and I dont have the ability to show any of who I am through specific essay prompts. I feel like I have to be so general to make a 1500 character essay make sense. I shine through my personal experiences, but unfortunately those personal experiences take space in explaining and probably wouldnt fit the prompt of why I'd be a good fit. I can list characteristics about myself, but then I just seem like a jackass lol. I wish I could show not tell. What differentiates my "I love diversity and community service" over the next person's "I love diversity and community service?" Seeking advice but also just wanting to complain 🙁 lol

 

[LancesDragonite]

Anyone have any tips on how to write a compelling "why us" essay for a low yield school? Im struggling because I feel like my answer to the one relevant essay prompt for Drexel is so generic. Its so difficult to stand out with so few characters, and Im just discouraged knowing they get tons of applicants and I dont have the ability to show any of who I am through specific essay prompts. I feel like I have to be so general to make a 1500 character essay make sense. I shine through my personal experiences, but unfortunately those personal experiences take space in explaining and probably wouldnt fit the prompt of why I'd be a good fit. I can list characteristics about myself, but then I just seem like a jackass lol. I wish I could show not tell. What differentiates my "I love diversity and community service" over the next person's "I love diversity and community service?" Seeking advice but also just wanting to complain 🙁 lol

I don't think you need to take so many characters explaining your service since you did that all in your primary application. Connect your experiences to relevant specific opportunities that Drexel has to offer.

 

[mynamejef]

I don't think you need to take so many characters explaining your service since you did that all in your primary application. Connect your experiences to relevant specific opportunities that Drexel has to offer.

yeah fs I know, I dont mean necessarily explaining my service experiences, I mean explaining my desire to serve in general. Every premed applying will say they have a desire to serve and connect their experiences briefly to opportunities offered at Drexel, and thats all you CAN do, but thats my point in my complaint. I just wish I could explain more about who I am as a person and share why Id be a great physician through stories and experiences rather than relating my experiences in extremely brief ways making my application more generic and less noticeable. Granted everyone will be in the same boat as me, but it just sucks I cant really MAKE myself stand out like I can through other school essay prompts.

 

[ridebiker]

yeah fs I know, I dont mean necessarily explaining my service experiences, I mean explaining my desire to serve in general. Every premed applying will say they have a desire to serve and connect their experiences briefly to opportunities offered at Drexel, and thats all you CAN do, but thats my point in my complaint. I just wish I could explain more about who I am as a person and share why Id be a great physician through stories and experiences rather than relating my experiences in extremely brief ways making my application more generic and less noticeable. Granted everyone will be in the same boat as me, but it just sucks I cant really MAKE myself stand out like I can through other school essay prompts.

Just remember you already have done what you can to make yourself stand out through your primary application. Just think of this as one more piece of your entire story that they are getting, but it's not the only thing they will look at. I know it's frustrating when we get secondaries with just 1-2 prompts that don't allow for much elaboration or storytelling, but you've already done that in other places. I have to trust they are looking at the whole picture, not just the secondary app

 

[mynamejef]

Just remember you already have done what you can to make yourself stand out through your primary application. Just think of this as one more piece of your entire story that they are getting, but it's not the only thing they will look at. I know it's frustrating when we get secondaries with just 1-2 prompts that don't allow for much elaboration or storytelling, but you've already done that in other places. I have to trust they are looking at the whole picture, not just the secondary app

yeah, youre right. Thank you!

 

[LancesDragonite]

yeah fs I know, I dont mean necessarily explaining my service experiences, I mean explaining my desire to serve in general. Every premed applying will say they have a desire to serve and connect their experiences briefly to opportunities offered at Drexel, and thats all you CAN do, but thats my point in my complaint. I just wish I could explain more about who I am as a person and share why Id be a great physician through stories and experiences rather than relating my experiences in extremely brief ways making my application more generic and less noticeable. Granted everyone will be in the same boat as me, but it just sucks I cant really MAKE myself stand out like I can through other school essay prompts.

Right, your primary app was where you presumably explained who you are as a person and why you want to be a great physician. This prompt wants to know why you want to attend Drexel specifically, so briefly draw connections to what you already wrote in your primary to your secondary.

 

[dokiii]

"If you took time off that was outside of the normal breaks, where normal breaks include summer break, please answer yes and use the drop down box to explain. Do not use this box to explain activities after college."
I may be overthinking a simple question but is this where they want us to explain our gap year or not? 🙂

 

[wysdoc]

"If you took time off that was outside of the normal breaks, where normal breaks include summer break, please answer yes and use the drop down box to explain. Do not use this box to explain activities after college."
I may be overthinking a simple question but is this where they want us to explain our gap year or not? 🙂

No, things like needing to withdraw from college and go back.

 

[dokiii]

No, things like needing to withdraw from college and go back.

Thank you! I was overthinking the hell out of it

 

[River777]

I just want to confirm: when they ask if you've applied to medical school before, they mean any medical school right? I applied to only a few schools previously, but I understand that different schools may have different expectations when they ask this question.