STEP FAQ's

The cost of the program is $3,000, and the money is not refundable.

60 - 75 students may participate in the program.

Transportation to and from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is available through a van shuttle service or the Smart Way Bus.

Here is a link to Blacksburg Lodging information - http://www.blacksburglodging.com/

Here is a link to Virginia Tech Visitor Resources - https://vt.edu/admissions/undergraduate/visit/resources.html

You may drive yourself to Blacksburg for the program, but you are required to leave your keys with the Program Director. You are not allowed to drive it for the duration of the program because of liability issues. You will also be required to buy a parking pass.

Please keep in mind that rooms may vary, but a typical room includes:

• Two desks
• Two chairs
• Two chests of drawers (or one double chest)
• One bunk bed with two mattresses (may be debunked)
• Overhead florescent light
• Sink
• Mirror and medicine cabinet with light
• Two closets
• Coat hooks
  
• Towel racks
• Typically, about four outlets
• Window coverings (blinds/shades)

Yes. For STEP 2024, participants will reside in double-occupancy rooms with one other participant for their roommate.

Yes, you are required to have a laptop.

Once you are accepted into STEP, you need to purchase your computer immediately. It takes 2-3 weeks to receive it, so if you order right away, you will have it in time for the program.   Visit the College of Engineering computer requirement page.

If you have financial issues or concerns, please contact step@vt.edu.

No. Courses taken during STEP are taught by university instructors and follow the work load and pacing of fall courses but the courses are not for credit.

Yes. Students will take tests and have homework very similar to what they will experience during their fall courses. Students will be graded on assignments and will receive final course grades. However, these courses are not for academic credit.

You will have the opportunity to meet a number of people who will be involved in your academic career at VT - faculty, staff, other students, and corporate representatives. The schedule includes activities such as guest speakers and various social events.

No. Students are not permitted to leave during the program. It is very important that particpants engage in all aspects of STEP and be present for all activities.

No. Students are not permitted to leave the program. 

No. Participants are expected to be actively engaged and present for all STEP activities and programming.

Yes.  Parents and immediate family members are approved visitors.

You may not leave your belongings in the residence hall! You will need to rent a unit in a local storage facility.

Once you have been accepted into the program, you will receive an email with all of the follow up information and forms that need to be returned. If you do not return required information by the deadline, you can be dropped from the program.

Freshman orientation is conducted on-line. Students in STEP will be reminded to complete the virtual orientation, however, students are repsonsible for completing orientation, meeting with their advisor and scheduling classes. STEP personnel will be available to assist students as needed.