Drexel University: An International Student’s Journey to College Success

Why I Chose Drexel University 

Despite the fact that I submitted applications to nine different universities, I was only accepted into four of them: Drexel University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Syracuse University, and Bentley University.  I was looking for schools that had strong business programs, offered financial aid to international students, and had a good reputation when I was making my decision about where to apply.  I also placed a significant amount of importance on the location.  

My decision to attend Drexel University was ultimately influenced by the university’s distinctive co-op program.  Before graduating, students have the opportunity to gain six months of professional work experience through participation in this program.  Because of the difficulties that come with obtaining visas and finding work after graduation, this was a significant benefit for me as an international student living in the United States.  Another reason I went with Drexel University was because of its business school, which is well-known for its innovative teaching methods and emphasis on practical experience.  Finally, being in Philadelphia meant that I was able to pursue my education in a large, dynamic city that offered a plethora of opportunities. 

My Application Journey 

When I was in the eighth and ninth grades, I started getting ready for the college application process.  During this time period, I participated in the FLEX program in the United States, which meant that I was exposed to the educational system in the United States.  I began the actual application process in November of my senior year, and I made it through all of them in approximately two months.  

My participation in extracurricular activities was another significant aspect of my journey, and it was one of the reasons I decided to attend Drexel University.  Due to the fact that I participated in a variety of programs beginning at a young age, my application was later strengthened.  In retrospect, I am aware that each and every activity that I took part in contributed to my development into a more formidable candidate. 

Test Scores 

I decided to apply for the SAT-optional program and submitted an IELTS score of 7.0 when I submitted my application.  Because of this flexibility, the process required less stress on my part, and I was able to concentrate on developing my overall profile. 

Extracurricular Activities 

The extracurricular activities I participated in were a significant factor in my application, and they were also a factor in my decision to attend Drexel University.  I included the following on my Common App:  

• I am the founder of Teenage Hub, an educational project that my friend and I created in order to share information about higher education.  

• There were two internships available: one with Impact Admissions and another with ConnectMe, a marketing company based in the United States.  

• After nine years of training, including participation in Olympiads and graduation from music, dance, and modeling schools, the individual has achieved success.  

• I also volunteered as an English tutor, worked as a shop manager through the FLEX program, and maintained an Instagram blog.  

• In addition to my academic pursuits, I participated in extracurricular activities that primarily focused on the arts, community service, and education.  My personal statement was centered on my enthusiasm for dance, which served to highlight both my creative abilities and my dedication to the field. 

Finding Internships as a High School Student 

Early on in my high school career, I was able to secure internships, which not only helped me gain experience prior to attending college, but also reinforced my decision to attend Drexel University because of its co-op opportunities.  

I applied for my first internship at Impact Admissions after seeing an opening on Instagram. I was successful in getting the position.  After conducting a search on Google for “internships for high school students,” I discovered ConnectMe, which ultimately led to the second internship opportunity.  Even though I am a student, I have learned that taking initiative is the most important factor in locating opportunities from these experiences. 

Financial Aid and Fee Waivers 

One more significant factor that contributed to my decision to attend Drexel University was the availability of financial aid.  By reaching out to universities and explaining my situation, I was able to receive fee waivers for both the Common Application and the CSS Profile.  

Despite the fact that I was late for the deadlines for a few merit-based scholarships, I still included the CSS Profile in my application 

The First Semester at Drexel 

My mother and I traveled from New York to Philadelphia after we arrived in the United States. She was my traveling companion.  Welcome week at Drexel made the transition both exciting and comfortable for everyone involved. 

During this time, the reasons I decided to attend Drexel University became even more apparent to me.  Because I had prior experience with the FLEX program, it was much simpler for me to adjust to my new environment this time around in the United States.  My experience at the university has been everything I had hoped for so far: it has been engaging, supportive, and inspiring each and every day. 

Academics at Drexel 

  This system was one of the primary factors that led me to select Drexel University as my university of choice.  

The learning experience is made more personal by the small class sizes, which average 19 students, and the ratio of 11 students to faculty members.  Professors are also active researchers, which means that they provide students with opportunities to participate in projects that have significant meaning.  

In my first year of college, I participated in a project with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, in addition to taking classes in business, mathematics, and English.  Based on these experiences, I can confidently say that I made the appropriate decision. 

FAQs About Why I Chose Drexel University 

1. Why is Drexel University a good choice for international students? 

A wide range of financial aid options, a community that is welcoming to students from other countries, and a co-op program that assists students in gaining experience in the real world are all things that the University of Drexel offers to its students during their time there. 

 
2. What makes Drexel University different from other schools? 
Students who attend Drexel University have the opportunity to gain practical experience and flexibility thanks to the university’s co-op program and quarter system.  They have an advantage over students who attend other universities as a result of this, which gives them a competitive advantage over those students. 

3. How much financial aid can international students receive at Drexel? 
For international students, there is a possibility that they will be eligible for a combination of financial aid based on merit and financial need.   In my particular situation, Drexel covered approximately sixty percent of my tuition, which amounted to a grand total of one hundred seventy thousand dollars over the course of four years. 

4. Is Philadelphia a good city for students? 
It is a well-known fact.    There were a number of factors that played a role in my decision to attend Drexel University of Philadelphia. These factors included the city’s thriving student life, opportunities for professional development, and the city’s rich cultural diversity. 

5. Can high school students apply for internships before Drexel? 
To put it succinctly, yes.   Not only do you gain experience through participation in internships while you are still in high school, but you also prepare yourself for the co-op program at Drexel, which makes the transition to Drexel more manageable.