STEP-UP Application Process & Deadlines
How to Apply
- Create an account If you are eligible to participate in the STEP-UP program, create an account through the Student Portal. Confirm your eligibility by checking the Eligibility Requirements.
- Submit an application All applications must be submitted through the Student Portal prior to the submission deadline. Returning students will need to ensure that one of their letters of support come from the previous summers’ mentor.
- Submit required documents View the Required Documents Check List for a list of documents that need to be submitted in order to complete your application.
Status and Review Process
Your application status can be found online when you log in to the Student Portal. It is recommended that you check your application status weekly.
STEP-UP program staff will only review completed applications. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- If your application is incomplete, you will receive an email instructing you to check your application. Log in to the Student Portal to find out which components are missing and submit the missing documents prior to the deadline.
- Completed applications will be reviewed by STEP-UP staff. While staff are reviewing your application, your status will read ‘under review.’
Application Deadlines
Undergraduate: February 1
High School: February 15
All applications and supporting documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST.
After the respective deadline applicants will not be able to submit an application.
Notification of Acceptance
Notifications of acceptance into STEP-UP will be sent via email, starting March 15, and will continue until all available spots are filled.
Acceptance of Award
If offered a STEP-UP award, within one week of notification, you must confirm your acceptance and send the following to your coordinating center:
- Proof of existing medical insurance. If you do not have medical insurance, you will need to obtain it and show proof prior to the start of the program. Exceptions will be made for students residing in the following U.S. territories: Marshall Island, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Saipan, and Guam.
- A copy of your U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or a government-issued photo identification document.
FAQs
Application Procedure
Yes, the application deadline is February 15 for high school applications and February 1 for undergraduate applications. Note: Partial applications that are not completed by the deadline will not receive further consideration. The STEP-UP application is available online from October 15 through the respective end dates.
No. You will need to reapply and request new letters from your references.
All applications and supporting documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 15 for high school applications and 11:59 p.m. EST on February 1 for undergraduate applications. After the respective deadlines applicants will not be able to submit an application.
All letters of reference must be uploaded to the Student Portal by the respective deadlines.
No. Hard (paper) copies of letters will not be accepted. Reference letters must be submitted electronically through the Student Portal.
All students must upload an unofficial or official transcript through the online application system on or before the application deadlines.
Yes. Transcripts must reflect all earned credits and grades through December.
The STEP-UP application is web based and not available in paper form. Visit your local library or ask if your school has a computer that you can use.
After Applying
You should check the status of your application at least once a week until it has been marked “Under Review.” You can check the status of your application in the Student Portal by viewing the “Status” column under the “My Applications” tab.
Applications are reviewed by the STEP-UP staff. If your application has been deemed complete, the status of your application will read “Complete.”
After your application is marked “Complete,” STEP-UP staff will review it and send it to the review committee. Once your application is sent to the review committee, the status of your application will read “Review in Progress.” Once the review is completed, the status of your application will be changed to “Reviewed.”
If your application is marked “Incomplete” it means that we have not received your transcript and/or letters of recommendation. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Contact STEP-UP staff if you believe your application is marked “Incomplete” in error.
You will be notified by NIDDK STEP via email. Ensure that messages from the application system are not going into your spam folder.
The NIDDK STEP-UP Director will begin notifying applicants of acceptance into the STEP-UP program by email on March 15. This will continue until all available spots are filled. Accepted applicants will be required to confirm their participation within one week of notification.
STEP-UP Team
niddkstepup@nih.gov
Still have a question? Contact the STEP-UP team