Early Start Program
The Early Start Program serves CSU admitted first - time freshman requiring skills development in written communication and/or mathematics/quantitative reasoning. The goals of Early Start are to better prepare students in written communication and math/quantitative reasoning before their first term, thereby improving their chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree in a timely manner.
Early Start Program participation is recommended or required for students needing skills development, as determined by the Early Assessment Program, College Board SAT®, ACT® Test, high school coursework and grades. Many factors, also known as "multiple measures" are used to evaluate a students' academic preparation and to place them into general education (GE) English and math courses that are right for them.
Students may complete the Early Start Program at CSUSB or any other CSU, a listing of courses at all campuses can be found at https://csustudentsuccess.org/course-list.
Learn more about CSU Multiple Measures Placement:
Early Start English
New CSUSB first-time freshman are invited to get an early start and take a 1-unit English support course designed develop strategies for writing and reading as a college student. This program is FREE for students attending CSUSB in the fall.
CSU Academic Preparation Placement
Determine if you will need to participate in the summer transition programs by visiting the CSU Student Success website.
*Important Update: The CSU recognizes that due to COVID-19 disruptions, standardized assessment test results (CAASPP/EAP, ACT, SAT, AP, IB, CLEP) may not be available. In absence of test results, CSU campuses will use high school GPA, high school math GPA, high school and college coursework to evaluate a student's placement in GE English and math/quantitative reasoning courses. Students with assessment test results should submit results for the purpose of placement evaluation.
Please Note: ACT and SAT results will not be used for 22-23 CSU admission.
| PLACEMENT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Fulfilled Requirement: Has fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 or B4 requirement | Student has met the CSU GE Breadth Subarea A2 and/or B4 requirement via Advanced Placement (AP) examination, International Baccalaureate (IB) examination or transferable course. |
| Enroll in GE Course: Ready for placement in a GE Subarea A2 or B4 course | Student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards and is ready for GE Subarea A2 or B4 course. |
| Enroll in Supported GE Course: Placement in a supported GE Subarea A2 or B4 course and recommended Early Start | Based on new multiple measures, student needs additional academic support Participation in the Early Start Program (ESP) is recommended and may be highly advisable for some students, particularly STEM majors. |
| Early Start Program Required Enroll in Supported GE Course: Require placement in a supported GE Subarea A2 or B4 course or the first term of an applicable stretch course and required Early Start | Based on new multiple measures, student needs additional academic support Participation in the Early Start Program (ESP) is required. |