StepUp Intensive English is a spring, summer or fall program for both conditionally admitted and non-degree seeking students at the high-intermediate to advanced levels of English proficiency.
The StepUp program involves intensive non-credit coursework and/or individual tutoring that provide comprehensive English language and cultural training at high-intermediate to advanced levels of proficiency. Students at lower levels of proficiency are offered tutoring sessions. Our goal is to help multilingual students develop sufficient of English language proficiency so they can communicate effectively and socialize into U.S. culture successfully.
Successful completion of advanced StepUp courses fulfills the requirements for students awarded Conditional Admissions. Conditionally admitted students must successfully complete one full semester of the StepUp Program.
Información para hispanohablantes
StepUp Program Dates and Application Deadlines
| Session | Dates | deadline for U.S. CItizens and permanent residents | deadline for foreign nationals requiring a student visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | Full term: February 6 - April 14 First half: February 6 - March 10 Second half: March 20 - April 14 | StepUp application, fee and deposit due before the first week of class | StepUp application, fee, deposit and visa documents due December 2, 2022 |
| Summer 2023 | Full term: June 19 - August 10 First half: June 19 - July 14 Second half: July 17 - August 10 | StepUp application, fee and deposit due before the first week of class | StepUp application, fee, deposit and visa documents due March 13, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Full term: September 6-November 3 First half: September 6-October 3 Second half: October 4-November 3. | StepUp application, fee and deposit due before the first week of class | StepUp application, fee, deposit and visa documents due June 1, 2023 |
StepUp Program Prices
The StepUp program offers flexible scheduling and pricing. Students have the option to study full-time or part-time.
Full-Time StepUp
The full-time program includes the three core courses, one elective and access to learning center, 4.5 days a week.
Full-time fee/Full semester (8-9 weeks): $4,900 ($3,920 for Conditionally Admitted students)
Full-time fee/Half semester (4 weeks): $2,450 (not available to Conditionally Admitted students)
Part-Time StepUp
Students can also design their own schedule, with fees based on credit hours. The following fees are based on a seven- to nine-week session.
| Course name | hours per week | fee |
|---|---|---|
Core courses
| 6 hours | $1,500 per course (8-9 weeks) $750 (4 weeks) |
Workshop courses
| 3 hours | $750 per course (8-9 weeks) $375 (4 weeks) |
IELTS or TOEFL Practice | 6 hours | $1,500 (8-9 weeks) $750 (4 weeks) |
Tutoring | Variable | Tutoring Pricing |
StepUp Sample Schedule
The following is an example of a schedule for full-time StepUp, including the three core courses, one workshop, and additional options. * Please note that these options require an additional fee.
| Table Header 1 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:20 am - 10:35 pm | Academic Writing and Grammar | Academic Writing and Grammar | Academic Writing and Grammar | Academic Writing and Grammar | Optional tutoring * |
| 10:45 am - 12:00 pm | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Learning Center |
| 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Reading and Discussion | Reading and Discussion | Reading and Discussion | Reading and Discussion | Optional social activity * |
| 2:40 pm - 4:10 pm | TOEFL class (additional fee) | Pronunciation Workshop | TOEFL class * | Pronunciation Workshop | Free time |
How to Apply
Complete the StepUp application and pay the application fee.
You can complete the application online. The non-refundable application fee is $50.
Wait for ICAPE's response.
We will send you an acceptance letter and instructions on obtaining your I-20 and visa if you need one.
Pay the program deposit.
To reserve your classes, pay the $500 program deposit. You can pay the deposit online.
Refund policy
The $50 application fee is non-refundable. Refunds for the $500 deposit are only granted in cases of visa denial/delay and other unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. In these cases, you must provide written notice to ICAPE (email is acceptable) at least 60 days before the program start date to receive a refund. If you have any questions, please contact the ICAPE office.