Do you prefer the GRE or the MCAT, what are competitive scores, and is there a lower limit (minimum score)?
We prefer that applicants submit GRE scores, but will also accept MCAT results as part of the application. Competitive applicants have scores on either exam in the 50th percentile or greater in all categories. Any score below the 20th percentile in any category is unacceptable.
Must I take the general or a specific subject GRE?
Applicants must take the general GRE.
Where should the ETS send my GRE scores?
The scores should be sent to Institutional code 2194 (Drexel University College of Medicine) and Departmental code 0215 (Office of Professional Studies).
What is the minimum undergraduate GPA required for applicants?
Competitive applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of approximately 2.75.
What courses must I take to be eligible to apply for the program?
NAACLS, our accrediting agency, requires the following prerequisites:
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English composition
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College mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
Other courses that strengthen an application are:
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Histology
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Human Anatomy
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Microbiology
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Biochemistry
What is the earliest I can apply and when is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted year round as we have rolling admissions. The deadline for application is the second Friday in June of the year you wish to enroll.
Is there an online application?
We do not currently offer online application services. You can download the application from our website and mail the completed application to us.
Should I send all my application materials together or can the transcripts and letters of recommendation be sent separately?
The application form and fee must be submitted together.
All other documentation (transcripts and recommendation letters) may be sent under separate cover from the individual or institution, if desired.
Regardless of whether they are sent with the application itself or separately, each transcript and letter of recommendation should be received in a sealed initialed envelope to be considered an official part of the application.
How many students are accepted for each class?
We accept 4-6 students per year.
How many applications do you receive per year?
We receive an average of 10-15 applications for each class.
What work experience is necessary to be eligible for application?
We do not require our applicants have actually been employed in a histology laboratory. However, we favor applicants who at least have shadowing experience in the field. The admissions committee looks favorably upon candidates who have shadowed and who have a good understanding of the profession.
Do you conduct open houses for prospective applicants?
We do not conduct general open houses. However, if a prospective applicant wishes to make an appointment with the program co-director for a general information question and answer session and facilities tour, this can be arranged on an as needed basis.
How long is the program?
The program is 12 months in length. We begin in August, and the training is completed 12 months later in August. This includes the summer semester.
Can this program be completed online?
No, we do not offer an online program.
Is on-campus housing available?
Limited housing is available for graduate and professional students. Information can be found at the graduate housing website.
Can international students apply and what are the requirements?
We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, including those outside the US. In addition to the general requirements (undergraduate degree, prerequisite courses, official transcripts, GRE or MCAT, letters of recommendation, etc.), applicants must:
Submit all transcripts from institutions outside the US for evaluation by WES. WES will then forward the official evaluation to us.
If English is not your first language, provide proof of English proficiency with academic TOEFL scores no more than 2 years old.
In addition, non-US citizens accepted for enrollment at Drexel University College of Medicine shall make or cause to be made a payment ("deposit") to the Office of the Bursar for the purpose of ensuring financial stability to meet a full year's educational costs in advance of matriculation.
What do you expect as a letter of recommendation? Are there forms to be filled out? Should I submit the letters with my application form, or can they be submitted by the various persons providing the recommendation?
All recommendations should be in the form of a letter written on official letterhead and sent in a sealed and initialed envelope. There are no official recommendation forms to be completed.
Letters may be included in a package with the application, but may also be sent separately by the individual providing the recommendation.
I am a graduate of a foreign medical school. Will you waive the requirement for GRE/MCAT?
We are unable to waive this or any other requirement for anyone wishing to apply to the program, regardless of prior experience.
I am already a trained histotechnician/histotechnologist. If I complete the didactic portions of the program can I use my previous experience as the practical portion of the training?
No, in order to complete the program and be deemed eligible by Drexel University to sit for the ASCP board exam you must compete the entire 12 months of training.
Can I complete the didactic portion of my training on site and then choose where I want to do my practical rotation?
No, all practical rotations are to be completed at our official affiliate institutions.
This sounds like an expensive proposition! Are there grants or scholarships available? What kind of financial aid can I expect?
We do not offer any grants or scholarships. The medical center financial aid office works with our accepted applicants to provide enough aid to cover tuition, fees, living expenses, etc.
The ASCP offers scholarships for qualified students. That website is: http://www.ascp.org/membership/benefits/scholarships.aspx
How many hours per day are devoted to classes and rotations? Will I be able to work while I am a student?
The curriculum is quite rigorous and we strongly discourage students from holding jobs. Although the length of time spent in class and lab may not be a full 8 hour day, the necessary study time precludes employment.
Practical rotations are from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily during weekdays, so a traditional job is difficult to fit into that schedule. We do, however, allow students to hold positions that do not interfere with the rotations.
I applied last year and was not accepted. If I wish to reapply for next year what materials must I submit and what can be carried over from the previous application?
We will use your application materials for one additional year. It is your responsibility to send us any documentation of updated transcripts, letters, work experience, shadowing experience etc. After this two year period you will be required to re apply.
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