CSU Early Start Program

CSU Early Start Details

• Early Start is required for incoming students who have not fulfilled the Entry Level Math (ELM) and/or English Placement Test (EPT) proficiency requirements.
• The program takes place the summer before the freshman year.
• Upon admission, CSU campuses will inform students who must participate, how and where to sign up for Early Start.
• Early Start math and English courses will be available at every CSU campus and online.
• Financial aid will be available for those who demonstrate need (see below for details).

How will Early Start be implemented at CSU Long Beach for Fall 2013?

Admitted freshmen who are planning on attending CSULB or any CSU campus and are not exempt should take the ELM/EPT as early as possible preferably by April 6. Freshmen must accept their CSULB offer of admission by May 1 by submitting their intent to enroll and enrollment deposit. If required, they must take the ELM/EPT no later than the system-wide test date on May 4, 2013, but are strongly encouraged to take the tests by April 6. If their scores indicate they must participate in Early Start, they must declare how they will fulfill this requirement by June 1 using the new Early Start Declaration Page which will be available to them on MyCSULB.

Fall 2013 Freshmen Admission, Testing and Registration Key Dates

Who must participate in the Early Start Program?

• Math:
  All students who have not demonstrated college readiness must participate (ELM score less than 50). Please note that students who were deemed conditionally exempt in math based on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) do not have to participate.
• English:
  For Fall 2013, the Early Start Program will target students needing the most preparation in English (EPT score less than 138). Please note that students who were deemed conditionally exempt in English based on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) do not have to participate.
• Exemptions - The following students will not be required to participate in Early Start:
  • International students and residents of other states
  • Students participating in the CSULB EOP Summer Bridge Program
  • Students may appeal if circumstances beyond their control prevent participation. Appeals should be submitted in writing including any supporting documentation to the Office of Admission.

How can CSULB students fulfill the Early Start Program requirement?

• CSULB freshmen will be encouraged to complete their Early Start Program activities on our campus if at all possible. This will afford them an opportunity to begin to integrate into the campus and will provide the smoothest transition to their fall English or math instruction. CSULB will offer 3 unit developmental Math courses. Students are strongly encouraged to register for these courses as completion will likely result in reducing the number of developmental math courses required or in successfully completing remediation! This is especially important for students pursuing science, engineering and math. CSULB will offer 1 unit intensive options in English and math. Each can be completed in one week minimizing potential conflicts with work and family obligations. Courses will be scheduled from approximately June 17 until August 2. Students will be able to choose among sections offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
• Students may also participate in an Early Start program offered at any other CSU campus. This may be appropriate for non-local students. Some CSU campuses are planning to offer on-line course options as well.

How much will it cost?

• Early Start Programs offered at any of the CSU campuses will have a common fee. The fee for Summer 2013 is $182 per unit plus $2 in other mandatory fees. Campus parking and course instruction materials may also be charged.
• California residents who apply for financial aid or the California Dream Act and have an Estimated Family Contribution of $5,000 or less will be eligible for a waiver of the per unit fee.

How to declare where the Early Start program will be completed.

Admitted students who have accepted their admission offer will be given access to an Early Start link in the admission section of the Student Center in MyCSULB. This link will indicate whether or not the student is required to participate in Early Start. CSULB strongly recommends completion of this requirement on our campus. If that is not possible, this page provides a link to a detailed list of courses other campuses are offering which will satisfy the requirement. If required to participate, the student must update this page by June 1 with where they plan to complete the requirement. For assistance in understanding how to use the Early Start link, see the Early Start Intent Declaration how-to-guide.

What courses will CSULB offer that satisfy this requirement?

Special Note: If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodations for an Early Start course you will be taking at CSULB, please contact the Disabled Student Services Office by email at dss@csulb.edu as early as possible.

Mathematics

Early Start students are strongly encouraged to take a 3 unit developmental math that will likely result in reducing the number of developmental math courses required or in successfully completing remediation.

• ESM 3 is a 3-unit 4-week course for student with an ELM score 0-38. Successful mastery of the ESM 3 coursework will allow CSULB students to register for the second level of developmental math in the fall.
• ESM 21 is a 3-unit 4-week course for students with an ELM score of 40-49. This course is designed for students pursuing non-technical majors. Successful mastery of the ESM 21 coursework will indicate the completion of the developmental math requirement; students will be eligible for General Education math.
• ESM 33 is a 3-unit 4-week course for students with an ELM score of 40-49. This course is designed for students pursuing technical majors (including Business, Science, Math, Engineering, Education, Economics, Exercise Science, Nutrition and Dietetics or Food Science). Successful mastery of the ESM 33 coursework will indicate the completion of the developmental math requirement; students will be eligible for pre-calculus.

CSULB will also offer one-unit courses in developmental mathematics that allow students to brush up on their math skills or, for a few, even complete a level of developmental math. ESM 1 (ELM Score 0-38) and ESM 11 (ELM score 40-49) meet Monday through Friday for three hours, morning and afternoon sessions. Evening sessions meet Monday through Thursday for 3 hours and forty-five minutes.

Early Start Math Class Materials: You can access your class materials from the CSULB website - see Early Start Math materials. If you are enrolled in an Early Start Math class, you will need to download all the class materials for your particular ESM course and bring them to your first class meeting.

English

CSULB will offer a one-unit course in developmental writing to help students develop college-level literacy skills by reading texts for comprehension and critical thinking as well as writing summaries, paraphrases, and analytic responses. ESW 1 (EPT score less than 138) meets Monday through Friday for three hours, morning and afternoon sessions. Evening sessions meet Monday through Thursday for 3 hours and forty-five minutes.

Early Start Writing Class Materials: Early Start Writing Instructors will inform you at the first class meeting about the materials that will be assigned for your section.

How do I know what Early Start Classes I am required to take?

Your placement is based on your ELM and EPT scores. The appropriate ranges are included in the information about each course above. In addition, Early Start students will be sent detailed information when it is time to register for these courses.

How do I register for my Early Start Classes?

Early Start students will be sent a detailed communication when it is time to register for the courses. Students can see the dates and times classes are available by selecting the subject ‘Early Start Writing’ or ‘Early Start Math’ in CSULB’s Summer Schedule of Classes. Here are the essential steps to registration:

1. Review the information regarding your course requirements/options.
2. Review our ‘Enrolling in Early Start’ help guide for detailed instructions on how to register via MyCSULB
3. Go to MyCSULB and log in using your Campus ID and password.
4. Click on the ‘Student Center’ link under ‘My Menu.’
5. Click on the ‘Enroll in Early Start’ link at the top in the ‘Academics’ section
6. Click on the "Search" button below the 'Class Search' option on the left side and then select Early Start Mathematics or Writing and the course number you are looking for based on your EPT / ELM scores.
7. Select the section that meets your needs and complete the registration steps.
8. If you do not qualify for the Early Start Financial Aid Fee Waiver, you must pay your fees within 48 hours. Go to the ‘Finances’ section of the Student Center and select the ‘Make a Payment’ link to complete payment. You can pay via E-check or you can use MasterCard, Discover or American Express with the payment of a 2.9% convenience fee. If you qualified for a financial aid fee waiver, you will see a confirming message during the registration process.
9. We will send you a detailed message about a week before your class begins with information on parking, course materials, and other details to prepare for your first class meeting.

When must I pay for the Early Start course(s)?

If you do not qualify for the Early Start Financial Aid Fee Waiver, you must pay your fees within 48 hours of registration. This should be done online in the Student Center of MyCSULB. Select the "Make a Payment" link to complete payment process. You can pay via E-check or you can use MasterCard, Discover or American Express with the payment of a 2.9% convenience fee. You may elect to pay in person using either cash, check or debit card at the Office of Student Account Services Brotman Hall 148. If you qualified for a financial aid fee waiver, you will see a confirming message during the registration process. You are encouraged to make payment immediately to confirm your registration and avoid possible cancellation of your class.

I have registered for Early Start, now what?

Here is general information as you prepare for your class:

Early Start Class Materials: You can access your Early Start Math materials from the CSULB website - Early Start Math materials. Early Start Writing Instructors will inform you at the first class meeting about the materials that will be assigned for your section. If you are enrolled in an Early Start Math class, you will need to download all the class materials for your particular ESM course and bring them to your first class meeting.

Student ID cards: You may be asked to show an ID to receive services while on campus. You will receive an email with an attached Early Start Student ID card the week before you are scheduled to attend your Early Start class. Be sure to print and cut out the card to keep with you when you are on campus. If requested, show this card and a photo ID like a driver’s license.

Parking Permits: If you plan on driving a car to campus, you will need to purchase a parking permit. Daily or weekly permits may be purchased in any student parking lot at the yellow permit dispensers. The cost is $5 for a day or $25 for the week. Machines take cash or credit cards. You should plan on parking in the general parking structure on Merriam Way (see the campus map). CSULB is a large campus, we suggest giving yourself at least 30 minutes once you arrive on campus to find parking, purchase your permit and get to your classroom.

Alternate Transportation: Long Beach transit has service directly to the campus. Check out Long Beach Transit Options for more information.

Early Start Classrooms: The location for your Early Start class is listed in your 'Student Center' at MyCSULB. Click on the ‘Enroll in Early Start’ link and then click on the ‘my class schedule’ tab. All details of your class including time and location (building and room) are listed. Please print your schedule and bring it with you for the first day of class. Refer to the campus map to locate the building.

What happens if I cannot attend the Early Start Class that I registered for?

It is essential that you drop the course via MyCSULB as soon as you know you cannot attend so that the seat may be offered to other students. The final deadline to drop Early Start classes is the day before the class begins. Remember to sign up for another section to ensure completion of the required program. If you do not drop before the deadline and do not attend the Early Start course, you will be responsible for payment, will receive a grade of NC (No Credit) on your transcript, and will still need to complete an Early Start course. If you have a circumstance beyond your control that prevents you from participating in any Early Start class, you must submit an appeal for exception from the requirement to the Office of Admission including any supporting documentation. Remember, Early Start is a requirement for Fall enrollment!

What happens after I have completed the Early Start Course?

You will receive a grade of CR (Credit), RP (Fulfilled Early Start Requirement only) or NC (No Credit) for the Early Start Course. For CSULB students, a grade of CR indicates that you have satisfied the Early Start program requirement and can move up to the next level of math or English course. A grade of RP indicates you have satisfied the Early Start program requirement; but does not allow advancement to the next level of English or math course and does not indicate successful completion of your remedial requirement. An NC grade indicates that you did not fulfill the Early Start Requirement and must register for the course again.

If you are a CSULB student, your academic advisor will contact you if your Fall schedule needs adjustment depending on your ESP grade(s). CSULB students who have completed Early Start and have questions about their math or English placement should contact the University Center for Undergraduate Advising. Visitor students should contact their CSU campus. Students should note that placement scores for courses differ from CSU to CSU. ESP scores will be interpreted based on the criteria determined by the CSU at which the student will enroll in the fall.

Where can I get more information?

• For freshman application and admission requirements, see Freshmen Admission.
• For testing dates and registration procedures, see Testing, Evaluation and Assessment.
• For financial aid application procedures and information, see Financial Aid.
• For information on the California Dream Act, see California Dream Act
• For registration procedures and information, contact the College of Continuing and Professional Education at (800) 963-2250 or email EarlyStartProgram@csulb.edu
• CSULB students who have completed Early Start and have questions about their math placement should contact the University Center for Undergraduate Advising.
• For additional ways to contact Enrollment Services, see Connect with Us.

What can high school juniors do to prepare?

Math and English skills are critical to success in college regardless of the intended major. Through the Early Assessment Program (EAP), California juniors have the opportunity to measure their English and math skills towards the end of the 11th grade. As a result, juniors are strongly encouraged to take the EAP test. Results are available at the beginning of the senior year and can be used to ensure students are using their senior year to become “college-ready” if they are not already. As students are planning their senior class schedules, it is important to know that a math course in the senior year is good for all students in preparing them for college success! And it is really essential for those interested in science based and technical majors (science, engineering, nursing, etc.).

The best way to ensure success in college and to avoid spending the summer after high school graduation at a CSU is to be prepared in English and math!

For more information on the CSU EAP program, see the CSU English and Math Success web sites.