Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program

CSTEP Advising Connections
Every CSTEP student meets with program staff at least twice per semester. The first meeting takes place within the first few weeks of the semester, followed by a second meeting after midterm grades, and a third meeting just before finals. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed throughout the semester. Topics usually include academics, campus engagement, college adjustment, connectivity, and career preparation.

Tutorial Assistance and Study Groups: Connect with a student
tutor individually or in a group setting to improve your understanding of assignments and classroom notes, thereby boosting your performance on quizzes and exams. Work alongside and learn from other students who have completed the courses where you are seeking support.

Academic Success Workshops
Explore key study skills, including time management, test-taking strategies, note-taking, and textbook reading. Learn how to integrate these and other skills into your daily routines. 

Peer Mentoring
CSTEP participants are paired with an upper-class student mentor when they join the Summer Transition Program. Student mentors assist first-year and transfer students in navigating campus and making a smooth transition to college life.

Student Research
Explore research options and ways to get involved with a research project. There are also opportunities to present at the Annual CSTEP Statewide Student Conference and other events across the US, with funding available to attend.

Academic Student Conferences
Attend selective professional development conferences across the US, including the Annual CSTEP Statewide Student Conference.

Tutoring and Mentoring High School STEP and LPP Students
Build your resume by tutoring or mentoring pre-collegiate students in the Hofstra University Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) and the Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP), where the main focus is on areas like math and science.

Professional Networking
Stay competitive by networking with industry professionals and guest speakers, and engaging with professional associations.

Develop strategies for selecting graduate schools, covering the application process and timeline, personal statement, graduate assistantship, and letters of recommendation.

Graduate School Preparation Seminars and Workshops
Attend co-sponsored seminars and workshops throughout the year to strengthen your graduate school application, including your resume and personal statement.

Practice Graduate School Exams
Prepare for higher scores with free practice exams, including MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, or GRE.

Kaplan Partnership
Eligible for free Kaplan preparation courses for a graduate school entrance exam (MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, DAT, or GRE).

Textbook Assistance Program
Access to textbooks for classes in biology, chemistry, and other subjects.

Technology Loaner Program
Access to a laptop/iPad/Apple pen for use throughout the semester to assist with completing papers, exams, or classroom notes. Laptops/iPads provide internet access, whether via Wi-Fi or other methods.

Center for Educational Access and Success (CEAS) Computer Lab and Printing
Access to computers and printing for classroom reports, homework, resumes, and cover letters.

Extended Office Hours
Extended study hours, supplies, and equipment are available to students, especially during midterms and finals—contact staff for more information.

Internship and Scholarship Database via Canvas
Gain access to opportunities such as attending conferences, applying for scholarships and internships, participating in enrichment programs, and discovering job openings.

Student Community Board
Join the CSTEP Community Board, our student leadership team. Mentor peers, develop and run programs, and help introduce pre-college students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through engaging projects and community service.

Faculty Networking
Connect with faculty about study habits, meeting with professors, and choosing an internship.

Summer Transition Program
The Summer Transition Program aims to introduce students to Hofstra University campus life, including services designed to support student success. Student experiences will focus on six key themes: academic exploration, academic achievement, community-building, campus involvement, mentorship, and student life. This three-week academic course is designed to engage students in activities and workshops that boost performance both inside and outside the classroom. Students will work alone and in groups. Weeks 1 and 3 occur both online and on campus, while Week 2 is the residential component, happening entirely on campus.

What can I expect from the Summer Transition Program?

Week 1:
The first day starts with orientation on Hofstra University's campus, where you'll meet your peers, upper-class student mentors, staff, and faculty. We will explain the program and how the themes relate to your experiences both inside and outside the classroom. After orientation, you'll be at home for the following days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday), working on biology, chemistry, mathematics, and writing assignments through Canvas. You'll engage and learn with peers and faculty remotely via online chat and Zoom.

Week 2:
Week 2 is the residential part of the transition program, where you work directly with peers, upper-class student mentors, faculty, and support staff. Campus living involves learning both inside and outside the classroom, experiencing different teaching and learning styles, and exploring campus life and student services. Paired with an upper-class peer mentor, you’ll directly experience one of the core aspects of the program—building community. Team-building activities help foster a close-knit community of students working together to succeed in areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Week 3:
On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, you will once again participate in interactive assignments and activities online through Canvas discussion boards, where you will continue to develop concepts and ideas introduced earlier. The transition program concludes with an induction luncheon hosted by the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, during which you will be installed as a CSTEP member. In many ways, this marks the beginning of your college journey, especially with the upcoming academic year. We will outline your next steps as you begin an enriching college experience that leads to graduation, with CSTEP supporting you every step of the way.

Will a week of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and writing help me once I start school?
We will explore effective learning and engagement strategies to help you succeed in biology, chemistry, writing, and other subjects. These experiences will help strengthen your focus on becoming a successful college student. Additionally, access to a supportive, close-knit community of peers, mentors, and professors can help you thrive both as an individual and as a student.

What kind of assignments can I expect during the online portion?
The curriculum is delivered through videos, readings, and other methods to engage students. The content is designed to involve students both individually and as a group through forums that promote learning and community.

Does the CSTEP Program provide additional services throughout the academic year?
We work closely with students during the school year(s), offering services in the following categories:

• Summer Transition Program
• Academic Support Services
• Student Academic Resources
• Student Career Development
• Graduate School Preparation

Is there a cost to enroll in the program?
The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program is funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Education and is available to students.

Student testimonials from the Summer Transition Program

“The Summer program has helped me to find my best friends and my family at Hofstra. I would have been so lost during the Fall without the Summer program. “

"My mentor has given me encouragement, helped me with (my) classes, work, (and) studying, and was available to answer my questions.”

“Being able to look up to someone for encouragement and motivation.”

“The material that was presented, and the way it was presented, greatly increased my confidence for the upcoming academic semesters, as well as the duration of my academic career.”

"It was better than I thought - it was more hands-on and educational, which (I) liked.”

“It was a great way to get a head start on adjusting to the atmosphere, environment, workload, and the people in college.”

“It’s a community of people always willing to help you throughout your academic journey.”