Drexel University is one of my top choices, and I'm interested in their merit scholarships. Does anyone have experience with these? I'm curious about how competitive they are, what qualifications they're looking for, and if there's anything specific I should emphasize if I want to increase my chances of getting one.
Drexel University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships, which are highly competitive due to the large number of students who apply. These scholarships are available to both domestic and international first-year and transfer applicants. The scholarships range from partial to full tuition remission, and some even include benefits like study abroad stipends. They are renewable for all four years of your undergraduate study, provided you maintain a certain GPA and full-time status.
To qualify, Drexel looks at applicants' cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores (if provided). Therefore, a strong academic record is key. The exact GPA or test score needed can vary from year to year depending on the applicant pool but aiming towards the upper end of Drexel's average admitted student profile may help your chances. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Drexel is test-optional, however, students who've taken the SAT or ACT are certainly welcome to submit their scores.
In terms of what you should emphasize, demonstrating a high level of engagement and leadership in your extracurricular activities can be beneficial. Remember, Drexel is not just looking for students who excel academically. They're looking for students who will contribute to their community and beyond. Hence, illustrating your dedicated involvement in clubs, sports, community service, or other organizations can help distinguish your application.
Regarding the application process, Drexel’s merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission; there is no separate application. Just make sure to submit your admissions application by the appropriate deadline for each admission plan. Early action and early decision generally provide the highest chances for merit aid packages, although merit scholarships are available for regular decision applicants as well.
Last but not least, contact Drexel's financial aid office if you have any specific questions about scholarships. They'll be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can learn more about all of Drexel's scholarships on this page: https://drexel.edu/drexelcentral/finaid/grants/undergraduate-scholarships. Best of luck with your application!
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