<p>Does anyone have information about the STEP program? How does the selection process work and what are the benefits of participating? </p>
<p>Also does that forfeit any chance of merit aid by requiring your participation in STEP?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Hi MCGCVI --</p>
<p>STEP is a summer enrichment experiential program for incoming AU students to get a head start on college life. During the program, as you probably already know, you get to take classes with your STEP classmates and do important volunteer work and explore DC even before school starts! American University will not publish how they pick this group of 40-50 students, however, let me tell you that this program usually brings together lots of minority groups. Although some may think being admitted to STEP is a hurdle for students who need more help, I would advise you to not think of this program in that fashion and take advantage of the resources AU is giving you. </p>
<p>Let me give you some background information. I’m a second year student and I got to know about 30 or so STEP kids even without being in the program. This is because my roommate did STEP during the summer and introduced me to a lot of his friends. Guess what? My roommate was the valedictorian of his class and scored extremely high on the SAT so he was a bit confused too when he had to do the program, but that didn’t deter him from coming to AU. In the end, he loved the program and was SO much more knowledgeable about DC, internships, campus life, how college classes were like, and already had friends at the school before the Fall semester.</p>
<p>Understand this: STEP is a gift from American University to you. You get to take one of your introductory classes during the summer as a step up against other freshman. In total, from housing to programs to being able to take classes for free, the STEP program (if I remember correctly) invests $8,500 in each student who completes the program. </p>
<p>I’m not sure I understand your 2nd question about merit aid. It is my understanding that if you don’t do STEP you won’t be able to come to American University in the Fall. I doubt they changed this policy… If you participate in the program, you will still have your merit aid. I speak to you on this issue having known nearly 30 STEP students in 2011 and I know about 5 in STEP 2012. </p>
<p>If you have any questions, I can get you in contact with some STEP students if you’d like. Just let me know! STEP is an amazing program and I hope you come to American University.</p>
<p>Here are the two big negatives of this program: (1) Your summer ends very early and you will (2) miss family and friends</p>
<p>BK4972b - Thank you for such a detailed response. Very helpful. To clarify my merit aid question: As you may know, the AU acceptance is conditional upon enrollment/completion in the STEP program. As a STEP participant will my D be ineligible for Merit Aid? There was no indication of merit aid in the packet.</p>
<p>Ah, so it’s not you but your D. </p>
<p>The STEP program and merit aid are completely irrespective of one another. If you didn’t receive merit aid, it is likely that your D simply did not qualify for merit aid. AU is currently switching most of its financial aid to need based aid for students who are less well off so merit aid has been sparse in the past few years. </p>
<p>You can appeal your financial aid. However, I have known at least 4 people who have done so and none of them have been appealed. What your D got in her acceptance packet for financial aid should be final. However, just to make sure why not call AU Central at 202-885-8000? Hope everything works out.</p>