CSU Early Start Program

The CSU system recently enacted a policy known as "Early Start" requiring incoming students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math and/or English to begin remediation during the summer before coming to the CSU. The goals of Early Start are to better prepare students in math and English before their first semester, thereby improving their chances of completing a college degree.

Early Start Student Participation
Fall 2012 Implementation
CSU Early Start Course Options
Fees and Financial Aid
Early Start Program "Smart Page"
Early Start Key Deadlines

Early Start Student Participation

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• Math: All students who have not demonstrated college readiness must participate (ELM score less than 50).
• English: For fall 2012, the Early Start program will target students needing the most preparation in English (EPT score less than 138).

Students requiring remediation in BOTH English and math will be required to begin to address BOTH subject areas in the Early Start Program.

Exemptions:
The following students will not be required to participate.

• International students
• Residents of other states
• Students participating in the CSUF EOP Summer Bridge program
• Admits after August 1st
• EAP Conditionally Exempt Math students

Fall 2012 Implementation

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• First-time freshmen who are planning to attend CSUF or any CSU campus (and have not earned an exemption from the ELM/EPT) are encouraged to take these required placement exams as early as possible, preferably by April 21st and no later than the May 5th test date.
• Upon admission, CSUF will inform students who are not exempt, how and where to register for Early Start.
• Admitted freshmen must accept their CSUF offer of admission and pay the enrollment deposit by May 1st.
• Students must declare how they will fulfill the Early Start requirement by June 1st using the CSU Smart Page.
• Students can start registering for their Early Start Program courses beginning May 18th.

CSU Early Start Course Options

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1. CSUF freshmen are encouraged to complete their Early Start program activities at CSUF, if at all possible. This will afford them an opportunity to integrate into the campus and will provide the smoothest transition to their fall semester English and math instruction.
   
   CSUF’s Early Start program consists of both one and three unit course options in English and math. One unit courses offer students an intensive week long learning experience and will fulfill the Early Start requirement. Three unit courses offer students the option of completing a full semester of remedial coursework; thus, enabling them to move up a level or complete remediation and enter college-level coursework in the fall. Courses will be scheduled from approximately June 25 until August 3. Some online courses will be available.
2. Students may also participate in Early Start program offered at any other CSU campus. This may be appropriate for non-local students. Some CSU campuses are planning to offer online course options as well.
3. Students may wish to take an approved course at their local community college. Be aware that space in traditional English and math developmental courses may be very limited at many community colleges. 

Fees and Financial Aid

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Early Start courses offered at any of the CSU campuses will consist of the same fee rate. The current fee estimate is $182 per unit and is subject to change based on approved fee increases. Campus parking and course books may also be required for purchase.

Early Start fee waivers will be available for those demonstrating need. California residents who apply for financial aid and have an Estimated Family Contribution of $5,000 or less will be eligible for a waiver for any course meeting Early Start Program requirements. 

Early Start Program "Smart Page"

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The Smart Page is where:

• Students will be able to view their current ELM/EPT status.
• If required, admitted CSUF students who have accepted their offer will be able to declare where they intend to fulfill their Early Start requirement.

A student will be able to access the CSUF Smart Page by:

1. Logging into their Student Portal at: www.fullerton.edu 
2. Clicking the Titan Online tab
3. Selecting the Student Center
4. Under Admissions, click on Early Start Program Sign-up link 

Early Start Key Deadlines

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Fall 2012	Deadlines
Opening of the Early Start Smart Page - students can view their status and declare intent to fulfill	March 15, 2012
ELM/EPT last date to take the test(s)	May 5, 2012
Registration opens for ESP	May 18, 2012
Deadline to complete Early Start Program Smart Page	June 1, 2012
ELM/EPT scores received by CSUF	June 25, 2012
Deadline to complete Early Start Program activities	August 13, 2012

*** Please visit the Admissions Deadlines page to view all admission deadlines for Fall 2012. ***