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Science Summer Transition Program for York students

Transition to University Success: Create a Confident Start for Fall

To help our students feel more confident about starting university this fall, we have developed the York Science Summer Transition Program, a series of Essentials in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, and our University Transition modules. The program will complement a student’s final year high-school courses while bridging your learning into first year university.

Our data shows that students who completed an SSTP module achieved over 10% higher average GPA in their first term of university studies than those who did not complete a module.

Students who participated in previous years reported that all modules increased their preparedness for University and across the five modules, between 90-100% of students would recommend it to friends.

Group of female students looking at shared computer.

We were able to learn without any pressure and really engage with the content. The professor explained everything well and was very understanding of each student’s unique background knowledge.

Science Summer Transition Program 2021


Taught by full-time York University instructors, each summer module course (SMC) covers core material in that subject. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss material and chat with their future university classmates, as well as gain a feel for the university class experience.

Please note that these modules will not take the place of grade 12 courses in those subjects, do not count for academic credit, require no pre-requisite classes and will not appear on your academic transcript. These modules are meant to help consolidate students’ knowledge from their grade 12 classes in preparation for university level study.

Delivered online, the York Science Summer Transition Program will include at least three hours of live discussion each week with instructors. Students will receive practice assignments and quizzes to provide students with immediate feedback on how they’re doing. The purpose of the program is for you to consolidate your learning and feel confident in understanding your strengths and areas of focus.

Students can enroll in an individual module or as a comprehensive group of modules that work together to help you transition to a successful university start. They are scheduled so that no live sessions will overlap, allowing you to attend all sessions or just the few that you have chosen.

Explore the SSTP Modules

Read more about the SSTP modules in Chemistry, Biology, Math Essentials, and The University Experience, as well as module timing, and instructors


There were a lot of fun lecture activities and interactive games we played during this course. This created a more enjoyable experience when reviewing concepts and made me feel more welcomed by the York community.

Science Summer Transition Program 2021

I loved the interaction with other students and the professor, as well as the risk-free and safe-place-to-make-mistakes environment.

Science Transition Program 2020

SSTP Student Testimonials

Avantika Utam

“SSTP proved to be an exceptional pathway to actual university classes. Witnessing the staff/professors working around the clock without losing their cool was inspirational to me. The professors taught us every concept meticulously, clearing all of our past doubts. Choosing to be a part of this program turned out to be my finest decision.”

— Avantika Utam

Hanaah Khann

“As an international student, I was initially unaware of the many policies and regulations followed at the academic university level in Canada, thus, learning through the online classes, quizzes, tests, and short assignments, I gained confidence in myself before actually starting out with my major in the Fall term.”

— Hanaah Khann

Ejiroghene Ugolor

“Although the program was online, the professors were easy to understand and created an enabling environment where students could ask questions and express themselves properly. The Science Transition Program helped in thoroughly preparing me for my first year at York University.”

— Ejiroghene Ugolor

Carmella Setiabudi

“Transitioning from high school to university, SSTP really helps me understand university-level science courses and learning strategies that will be used in my future courses. This program boosts my confidence and helps me succeed going into my first year of university.”

— Carmella Setiabudi

Want to learn about other supports for starting university? Click here to find out more about York’s YU Prep for newly admitted students.

FAQs

We all know that to make the most of your university experience you need to have studied, worked hard, and committed to learning the content taught in your high school courses. However, we also know that confidence in your preparation is also important. We want you to feel confident in your ability to succeed at university. We hope that these courses will help students feel surer about starting their program and, perhaps, fill in some of the knowledge gaps they discover.

You can enroll in any or all of the modules if:

  1. You are a domestic Canadian or international Visa student who has been admitted to York University, and;
  2. You are planning to enroll in your first year of York University studies in the next coming Fall.  Please ensure that you have accepted your admission offer to York University prior to registering for the Science Summer Transition Program.

Each module will be offered for a minimum of three hours per week of live face time with the instructor(s).  They will be scheduled so that if you register in all of the modules, no module times will overlap. You will be able to attend all lectures and participate in all activities. In addition to each week’s live discussion, you will receive practice assignments and quizzes in order to provide you with quick feedback on how you’re doing.

The Science Summer Transition modules will be delivered remotely in virtual meetings.

View the minimum technical requirements needed to participate in the York Science Summer Transition Program.

Yes, the synchronous (real-time) lectures or components of the modules will be recorded and posted on eClass for registered students to access.

Female student studying in dorm room.

I really like how the professor connected and reviewed what we learned in high school to what we might learn in university. It helped me refresh the course content and makes me feel a bit more ready using my previous knowledge.

Science Summer Transition Program 2021


If you have any questions, please contact us at science@yorku.ca.