Fundamental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills are a great way to improve your ability to think critically, problem solve, and innovate. Many top U.S. universities recognize the importance of building such skills and offer programs that introduce students to the different career prospects in STEM and help encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers. 

If you’re a middle or high school student interested in pursuing STEM, we recommend you check out New York University’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). Extracurricular programs like this are a great way to gain a more in-depth view of a subject and show demonstrated interest in your college application!    

What is STEP? 

NYU’s STEP is a non-credit, state-funded pre-college program for high-achieving New York State students. It is specifically aimed at students who belong to ethnic groups historically underrepresented in STEM and who meet the financial need criteria. NYU faculty and students oversee the program, which is taught through college-level coursework, project-based learning, workshops, mentorship, and research opportunities. Grade 11 and 12 students part of the program get to undertake a research project and present their findings at the annual STEP State Conference in Albany, NY.  

What does the STEP curriculum include?

The STEP program is split into four main areas of study: English, math, research, and college preparation.

• English: the program includes an English seminar to help develop critical thinking and written communication skills.

• Math: students take classes in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus AB, and calculus BC, with coursework adjusted for students of different grade levels.

• Research: grade 11 and 12 students undertake a research program under the guidance of STEP teaching staff and present their findings at the annual STEP conference in Albany, NY. 

• College preparation: grade 11 and 12 students attend classes designed to prepare them for the college application, including test preparation, career guidance, and interactions with industry professionals. College-level academic tutors also counsel high school students with admission advice and any problems that may arise during their college journey.

How much does the program cost?

The program fees for the summer semester are $350. STEP also holds fall and spring semester classes that cost $100 each. Financially deserving students can avail of a fee waiver. 

Who is eligible to apply?

All middle and high school students (grades 7-12) who are New York State residents can apply for the program. Additionally, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have an 80 average in Math, Science, and English

• Must be economically disadvantaged (annual household income must be less than $55,500 for a family of four). You can check the income eligibility here.

• Must be from an ethnic minority group underrepresented in STEM. These could include African American, Native American, Alaskan Native, Hispanic or Latino, and South American natives with tribal attachments.  

What are the important dates?

The 2024 summer STEP program will run from July 5 to August 4. Applications for the 2024 cohort will open sometime in mid to end February. 

What does the application process include?

You have to apply for the program online. The application form includes providing basic personal information, academic transcripts or a report card, and a 500-word essay describing your interest in STEM and the program.

Is STEP prestigious?

The program is moderately prestigious and selective. While the program fee is minimal ($350 for the summer semester) and you must have good grades, it is only open to economically disadvantaged students within New York State who belong to ethnically underrepresented communities. This can limit the number of applicants. Additionally, NYU does not provide housing, which could deter students outside New York City from applying for the program, given the high cost of living in the city. 

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons to make an informed decision

Pros:

1. You are introduce to STEM from a young age

STEP is open to all middle and high school students (grades 7-12). This gives you the chance to experience college life and its coursework demands from a younger age, especially if you’re in grades 7-10, allowing you to make a more informed choice of the subjects you’d want to focus on more in high school.

2. If you’re a high school junior or senior, you can avail of college prep classes

STEP includes a college prep component for students in grades 11 and 12 that are part of the program. This includes test preparation (SAT, ACT, etc), college essay writing workshops, career counseling, and interactions with industry leaders to give you a better sense of the practical applications of your subject of interest.

3. You get to experience a slice of college life at NYU

The program is held on the NYU campus and you are taught by faculty members and college-going students, with whom you can interact for unique insights on college life. You also have access to NYU facilities like laboratories, libraries, etc.

4. You complete a research project during the program

If you’re a grade 11 or 12 student part of the program, you can complete a research project under the guidance of NYU faculty and teaching assistants. Such a project would be a great addition to your college portfolio! You would go on to present your findings at the annual STEP Conference in Albany, New York.

Cons:

1. You don’t get a college credit

STEP offers you the opportunity to study at a top U.S. university at a nominal cost. However, if you’re a highly ambitious student, you may want to consider alternative pre-college programs that give you a college credit that lets you get a headstart on college coursework.

2. You may not meet the eligibility criteria

STEP is specifically aimed at economically disadvantaged students belonging to ethnic minorities in the U.S. You will have to apply to other pre-college programs if you do not meet this criteria, which may be more competitive and expensive. 

3. You have to make your own housing arrangements

NYU’s STEP program does provide housing for students, which could deter some from participating in the program. Average rent in NYC in 2023 was $5,588 in 2023, which could be unaffordable for many eligible students. NYU offers limited housing and dining services to precollege students for $3,900 (2023 rates) for the duration of their program.

Our review — what do we think of the program?

STEP  is a great initiative to make STEM more accessible to young students and those who come from minority backgrounds. The program fees are minimal ($350) and you can study at a respected U.S. university! You get to participate in a research project during the project, which can add great value to your college portfolio. However, you do not receive a college credit, even if you complete a research project, the eligibility criteria limits the number of students who can apply, and you have to make your own housing arrangements, which can be quite expensive in NYC.  

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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