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FAQs

This page includes some of our most frequently asked questions about ¶¶Òõ̽̽'s STEM Scholar program. If you have a question that you do not see the answer to here, please feel to free to reach out to a ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Representative by email at STEMScholars@uvm.edu.

STEM Scholar FAQs

How many students will be in STEM Scholars?
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We anticipate having 30 students across 35 majors in three of ¶¶Òõ̽̽’s Schools and Colleges (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences).    

What is the acceptance rate for STEM Scholars?
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The 2025 incoming cohort will be the first for the program, so there is no rate to cite yet! 

How does financial aid work?
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Enrolled STEM Scholars who are eligible to file a FAFSA and CSS Profile and receive Federal aid will have their full financial need, as determined by the University, met for up to four years through a combination of University, Federal, and State grants, scholarships, need-based loans, and/or Work Study. Aid is dependent on good academic standing and full-time enrollment in an eligible STEM major.   

We will re-evaluate any existing financial aid awards for students admitted into the STEM Scholars program by mid-March.  Any merit scholarship would remain unchanged.  If you did not apply for Financial Aid at ¶¶Òõ̽̽, you will not be eligible for the additional STEM Scholars aid. 

Is the Summer Bridge Program required?
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The Summer Bridge component of the STEM Scholars program is required, mainly as the students move onto campus on July 13th and will begin their summer course the next day.  It's a four-week course that concludes in August, followed by participation in one of ¶¶Òõ̽̽'s Pre-Orientation programs or research opportunities before Orientation begins on August 20th.     

During the summer bridge, students will have a 6 hour / week laboratory internship, and for the last two weeks of the program, will be paid for 20-30 hours per week if they choose to work in a lab for that time (there will be other options such as community projects). 

How does housing work?
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STEM Scholars students will be living with other STEM Scholar students in University Heights campus housing, beginning with the Summer Bridge Program in July.  University Heights will be your residence for both the summer and the academic year.  STEM Scholars will live on campus for two years, then have the option to remain on campus or live off campus.  

If I change my major to something outside of the 35 eligible majors, can I still be a STEM Scholar?
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Participation in STEM Scholars is contingent on remaining in one of the 35 different majors.  Students who leave the STEM Scholars program will also have their financial aid award adjusted to reflect their withdrawal from the program.  

Can I be in Honors College or the Liberal Arts Scholars Program and be in STEM Scholars?
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Unfortunately, not.  You would have to choose one of the programs, mainly due to the academic, research, internship and Learning Community specifics associated with each program.  

Are the summer internships (after the first year) and academic year research paid?
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Yes – while the first few months may be volunteer in the medical school, students typically are paid for their participation in on campus research.  Summer internships are also typically paid unless a student chooses a volunteer opportunity. In cases of unpaid research experiences, The STEM Scholar program would provide a small stipend.

If I am admitted to STEM Scholars: Leading Change, but decide I want to not participate, does this mean I can’t attend ¶¶Òõ̽̽?
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You are able to decline your STEM Scholars offer and still attend ¶¶Òõ̽̽.  You have until May 1st to make your enrollment decision, but we would ask that if you are not going to participate in the program, to let us know when possible so we can offer the space to another student.  

Is there any additional cost to participate in STEM Scholars: Leading Change?
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The Summer Bridge is entirely covered by the HHMI Grant.  Students will be responsible for their travel from home to campus.   

Are there any courses I need to take while at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ to be in STEM Scholars: Leading Change?
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The only academic course you will have will be part of the Summer Bridge program.  During the academic year, there will be required meetings, research, internships, and social engagements, but not academic coursework.