Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the STEP program. If you have any further questions that are not answered on these FAQs, please feel free to email us. Our contact information can be found here.
Application and Eligibility
- Who is eligible to participate in STEP?
- STEP primarily serves first generation, low income, EOP eligible first-year students.
- How can I apply to STEP?
- STEP is by invitation only.
- How do I know if I have been invited to apply to STEP?
- The application will be found on your MyAdmissions page’s checklist.
- When is the application deadline?
- All materials including the STEP application, FAFSA/DREAM Act applications, etc. are due on May, 15 2026.
- What do I need to turn in to apply to STEP?
- Please see STEP application requirements
- When will I know if I have been accepted to STEP?
- STEP decisions will be sent out to your UC Davis email by late June. Please make sure to set up your UC Davis email address. Decisions will not be sent to other registered emails (ex: Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc).
- I got off the UC Davis waitlist, can I still apply to STEP?
- Please contact the STEP office for more information.
- How much does STEP cost?
- STEP is funded through a combination of Financial Aid and STEP funds. Housing, classes, and a meal plan are covered; all other personal expenses are out-of-pocket.
- Do I have to complete TWO FAFSA/Dream Act Applications?
- Yes. Students must complete the 2025-2026 and the 2026-2027 FAFSA/DREAM Act applications for STEP.
- What if I have other questions about financial aid?
- We recommend you reach out to Financial Aid directly. Contact info can be found on the Financial Aid website.
- Where do I take the Math Placement Exam?
- The Math Placement Exam determines which math class you will be allowed to take. Learn more about the Math Placement Exam.
- Where can I take the Writing Placement Exam?
- Similar to the Math Placement, the Writing Placement System determines where to begin your writing education at UC Davis. Information about the Writing Placement System can be found on your MyAdmissions page and the Writing Placement website.
- I declined the invitation to apply to STEP but have decided that I want to apply. What should I do?
- Please email [email protected] with your full name and UCD Student ID number if you are interested in applying to STEP after declining the invitation.
- What should I do if I applied to STEP but I am no longer interested in being considered for the program?
- Please email [email protected] with your full name and UCD Student ID number if you are no longer interested in STEP.
Benefits
- Why should I consider applying to STEP?
- STEP students get the opportunity to adjust to the academic rigor of UC Davis before the academic year starts. Students receive six units of graded coursework and build relationships with other students. Students also receive priority registration for the first four quarters of undergrad after completing summer STEP.
- How long is STEP?
- STEP begins with a six-week residential Summer Bridge program and continues through the end of students’ second year at UC Davis. During this time, students meet quarterly with STEP staff and complete program requirements to maintain priority registration. Although the formal program lasts two years, the STEP community is lifelong; once a STEPper, always a STEPper.
Summer STEP
- What are the dates of Summer STEP?
- Summer STEP will take place August 1 - September 13, 2026.
- Can I work during STEP?
- Students selected to participate in STEP can not work during the program. Students need to attend ALL STEP courses and activities that amount to at least 35 hours per week between the hours of 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM PDT, Monday-Saturday.
- Will I have free time during STEP?
- Attendance in all classes and required STEP programs is mandatory. STEP students do have free time and at the same time, are expected to commit the time to adequately prepare for their classes.