hello.
instead of
$step == handle
try
$step == 'handle'
or even
$_GET['step'] == 'handle'
the same with $step=='college'...etc.
checking the level you'll have to use
if ($level == 3)
to check for equality with the value '3'.
or
if ($_GET['level'] == 3)
instead of
if ($level = 3)
at least it shouldnt end with a blank screen then.
good luck.