Create a new application or log-in to an existing application here.
Or, read below for all the details on deadlines and application requirement.
Wondering about financial assistance? Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate your actual cost to attend Drake.
As you’re going through the Drake admission process, keep track of these due dates.
December 1 is the Early Action Priority Deadline for all programs.
Early Action Priority Applicants are eligible for the following:
March 1 is the regular decision to submit your application and supporting materials for all programs.
We send admission decisions through the mail. Applicants for all undergraduate majors will be notified of an admission decision on a rolling basis beginning in October. Notification after this date typically take 2-5 weeks after your file becomes complete.
Please use the accordian below for specific details on requirements.
Complete one of the following:
Choose either method to apply. Both options are given equal consideration for admission. There is no application fee when applying online.
Since we review each application for admission individually, there is no single, inflexible set of standards—such as GPA or test score. First-year students are required to complete an online application and submit high school transcripts. In addition, first-year students can choose the Test Score Pathway or Test-Optional Pathway.
You can visit our Test-Optional FAQs for more details.
Your official high school transcript is required for admission to Drake.
If you have taken any college classes for credit, you may submit your college transcript as well. The college transcript is not required for an admission decision, but an official transcript is required for transferring credits to Drake. We recommend sending college transcripts upon completion of all credits.
Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school–not from the applicant. In addition, faxed transcripts, scanned documents, and transcripts photocopied without an original seal are not considered official records.
If you are using the Common Application, Drake will accept transcripts sent through the Common Application process. If your school can provide an official electronic transcript, it should be submitted to admission@drake.edu.
Drake University offers both a "Test Score" pathway and a "Test-Optional" application pathway. Drake only requires an official test score from applicants who choose the "Test Score" pathway.
If submitting a score, Drake University will only review your highest composite. Drake University does not superscore test scores. The writing section of the ACT or SAT is not required, and is not considered as part of your application.
Self-Reported Test Scores:
Drake University accepts self-reported ACT and SAT test scores to meet admission checklist requirements. The scores reported on your application will be used. If admitted, and upon enrollment at Drake, you will be required to submit your official score report for verification.
Submitting official test scores:
There are two ways you can submit an official score to Drake:
1. Request an official copy of your ACT or SAT test scores be sent to the Office of Admission from the appropriate testing agency:
-OR-
2. Test scores are also accepted when included on your official high school transcript*.
*Home school students: Test scores can be submitted for admission on a home-school transcript but an official test score from the testing agency will be required, upon enrollment at Drake, for verification.
Applicants who choose the Test-Optional pathway are required to either submit an essay or schedule an admission interview, in lieu of submitting the ACT or SAT score report.
You may also reference our Test-Optional policy and FAQs, if needed.
Submitting an essay to Drake is optional. (Those who choose the Test-Optional pathway must choose between submiting an essay or conducting an admission interview.)
If you choose to submit an essay, you must use one of the essay prompts provided in the Drake Application or Common Application. Please do not submit a paper you wrote for a school assignment; the admission committee would rather read something more personal.
A recommendation, while not required, is strongly encouraged. Letters of recommendation can be submitted on your behalf by a teacher or high school counselor.
Music
In order to be admitted to the Department of Music, and to be considered for scholarship awards as a Music major, Music minor, or non-major participant, prospective students are required to audition with Drake Music faculty. To learn more about upcoming Department of Music audition dates and audition requirements, visit the Department of Music Audition Information page.
Theatre
In order to be admitted to any of the B.F.A. Theatre Arts degree programs or the Musical Theatre minor, and to be considered for a Departmental Fine Arts scholarship award, prospective students are required to audition/present their portfolio either on campus at the Drake Theatre Audition Day or the National Unified Theatre Auditions. To learn more about upcoming Theatre audition dates and audition requirements, visit the Theatre Arts Off Campus and On Campus Auditions page.
If at any point in the application process you have questions or concerns, please contact your admission counselor or get in touch with Drake Admission.
1-800-44-DRAKE (1-800-443-7253), x3181
515-271-3181
Mailed or emailed documents should be labeled with your full name and date of birth and directed to:
Office of Admission
Drake University
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505
Now - Apply for Admission for Spring or Fall 2021
January 26 - Virtual Sneak Peek at Drake
February 1 - Actuarial Science Scholarship(s) deadline
February 1 - Journalism & Mass Communication Scholarship(s) deadline
Februray 5- Submission Deadline for Virtual Theatre Auditions
February 5 - Virtual Music Audition Day
February 10 - Virtual Sneak Peek at Drake
February 12 - Virtual Music Audition Day
February 15 - Adams Leadership Institute Deadline