Program Overview

Administered through the office of Continuing Studies and Enhanced Learning(CSEL), the Summer Transition at Eastern Program/Contract Admissions Program (STEP/CAP) is an alternative path to admissions at Eastern. Prospective STEP/CAP students submit a regular application to Eastern's Office of Admissions. Admissions will then determine if the student is a good candidate for the program. The prospective candidate will be invited to attend an on campus interview and assessment. Decisions on STEP/CAP admissions are usually made within two-to-three weeks of the student's interview.

For six weeks, five days a week, in the summer after high school graduation, STEP/CAP students live in an Eastern residence hall and participate in a variety of classes designed to improve writing, public speaking, and study skills. In addition to raising academic performance, the classes focus on time management, preparation, and establishing academic priorities. The work load includes studying for and taking tests, writing and revising papers, and developing skills essential to making a smooth transition to college life.

Throughout the six-week session and well into the undergraduate years, STEP/CAP students are expected and encouraged to work closely with faculty, professional support staff and peer mentors in classroom, residential and tutorial settings. Successful completion of the summer portion of STEP/CAP requires an overall 2.5 grade point average, which then qualifies a student to continue as a freshman at Eastern in the fall semester. This determination is made in mid-August.