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StEP UP College Program

StEP-UP College Program

The STEP-UP College Program supports undergraduate students who are pursuing careers in medicine and the biomedical sciences. Through a structured, multi-year cohort model, students enhance their pre-medicine and biomedical coursework with professional development, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities while receiving support with their medical or graduate school applications. Participants engage with Ϲ faculty, medical students, and graduate students while building the academic, professional, and personal skills necessary for success in medical or graduate education. The program is designed to complement each stage of the undergraduate experience and remains flexible for students who follow varied academic timelines.

Curriculum

Undergraduate students in STEP-UP move through the program in a supportive cohort model that supplements their pre-medicine and biomedical studies throughout each year of college. Designed to progressively prepare students for medical or graduate school, the curriculum integrates professional skill development, exposure to clinical and research environments, and structured preparation for the admissions process. Students have opportunities to work closely with Ϲ faculty, as well as medical and graduate students, building meaningful mentorship and professional connections.

Participants engage in Science Saturday sessions during the academic year, where they:

  • Strengthen study strategies and academic performance
  • Explore clinical specialties and research pathways
  • Prepare for the MCAT and other admissions requirements
  • Develop application materials, including personal statements
  • Build professional networks and mentorship relationships
While the program is structured to support students across each year of their undergraduate experience, STEP-UP recognizes that academic journeys vary. Students may continue participating even if they do not follow a traditional four-year timeline or transition directly into medical or graduate school.

Dates

For prospective Step 1 participants:
November 14, 2026
January 23, 2027 *
February 13, 2027 *
March 6, 2027
April 10, 2027
*virtual session

Cohort Structure

Students enter STEP-UP College as Step 1 participants and progress annually through a structured sequence of professional development milestones. Admission occurs at the Step 1 level, with students advancing to subsequent cohorts each year in alignment with the curriculum outlined below. College STEP-UP generally follows a four-year college path where freshmen students would start in Step 1 and senior students would end in Step 4. However, we acknowledge all paths are different. We just require that students can commit to a four-year curriculum.

Step 1: Building a Professional Perspective

Focus on strengthening study skills, engaging in scholarly activities, and developing professional communication. Students explore topics such as personal branding, work/life balance, and communication for professional school.

Step 2: Clinical and Research Exploration

Students gain exposure to clinical specialties and research opportunities, including shadowing experiences in clinical settings and conversations with physician and biomedical faculty. Early MCAT preparation is introduced.

Step 3: Application Preparation

Emphasis is placed on preparing competitive applications for medical or graduate school. Students focus on MCAT preparation, personal statement development, and securing letters of recommendation.

Step 4: Admissions & Leadership

Students receive guidance throughout the admissions cycle and connect with current Ϲ students and residents. Opportunities include leadership engagement and serving as peer mentors to incoming STEP-UP participants.

Application Timeline

All application materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.

May 1
Application Opens
Sept. 30
Application Deadline
Nov. 14
Next session

College Program Application Requirements and Procedure

How Do I Qualify?

How Do I Qualify?

Students must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing careers in medicine or the biomedical sciences and meet the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • High school GPA for incoming freshmen
  • College GPA for sophomores and above
  • Be enrolled at an accredited college or university in Wisconsin
  • Be able to travel to the Ϲ–Milwaukee campus one Saturday per month during the academic year
Eligibility

Eligibility

The STEP-UP College Program seeks undergraduate students who are academically prepared and committed to professional growth in the health sciences. Applications are reviewed holistically, with consideration given to academic achievement, demonstrated interest in medicine or research, leadership, and readiness to fully participate in program activities.
How to Apply

How to Apply

To complete your application, please submit/upload the following materials:

  • A completed online application
  • A current resume or CV
  • High school transcripts (for incoming freshmen) or college transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted)
  • Two completed recommendation forms (at least one must be academic; recommendations from friends or family members will not be considered)
Applications for the upcoming academic year open on May 1 and close on September 30. All materials must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

All eligible applicants will be required to participate in a virtual (Zoom) interview as part of the selection process.

Student Testimonials

"My favorite aspects of StEP-UP programming is that we are connected with people on campus who help us curate our road to medical school. I felt that I have been able to be a part of a community of people who cared for and looked out for one another."

College StEP-UP participant

"Although bitter sweet to see everyone leave for the summer, it was amazing to see participants matriculate into Ϲ."

College StEP-UP participant

"I enjoyed meeting students in all different stages of their careers with amazing and aspiring goals. I loved having a 1-1 mentor who was nothing less than empowering. I found myself looking forward to all sessions which were also enjoyable.”

College StEP-UP participant