Early Start Program

Early Start Program

The California State University’s Early Start Program (ESP) is designed to prepare students for the first semester of college and to help them improve their skills in quantitative reasoning (Math) and written communication (English).  Thus, being better prepared and successful in college and improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.  The Early Start Program is required for students needing support in these areas.  A student's readiness for college level English and math courses is evaluated using multiple measures (SAT, ACT, CAASPP/EAP, high school GPA and high school coursework).

• The program is highly recommended and a requirement for some.
• The program takes place the summer before their freshmen year.
• Early Start Math and English courses will be available by campus-based and online.
• The program is available to all incoming freshmen.
• Registration and Schedules will be available starting in May.
• The program is fee-based and costs $191 per unit plus a mandatory fee of $1 for Health Facilities and $1 for the Student Union.  Eligible financial aid applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver. 

There are many campus-based and online courses in both English and math offered throughout the CSU.  Starting in May campus selection will be available.  After you have indicated Sonoma State University you will receive an email to register for the course and date of your choice.  Registration and payment will be through your MySSU.  

Placement and Early Start can be confusing, so we are here to help!  

• Questions regarding Early Start and Placement, please contact the Office of Admissions by emailor by calling (707)664-2778.
• Questions regarding the Fee Waiver, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email or by calling (707)664-2389.
• Questions regarding Registration and/or Payment, please contact the School of Extended and International Education by email or live chat.
• Questions regarding additional assistance, please contact Disability Services for Studentsat (707) 664-2677 / TTY (707) 664-2958.

For additional information visit, The California State University Student Success on Early Start.

Is Early Start “Recommended” or “Required”?

Both!  Recommended for Category III and Required for Category IV.  There are many ways to determine which first-year GE English and math/quantitative reasoning (QR) courses are right for each student. Factors known as “multiple measures” are used to evaluate each student’s academic preparation in these subjects.  To learn about the criteria the CSU utilizes to place students in their first-year GE English and Math and weather Early Start is “Recommended” or “Required” visit: 

• Multiple Measures for Placement in GE A2 (English) 
• Multiple Measures for Placement in GE B4 (Math Non-STEM)
• Multiple Measures for Placement in GE B4 (Math-STEM)

*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. 
 

Campus Selection, Registration, and Schedule information will be available in May.

 
Early Start English Course Dates: 

 
Early Start Math Course Dates:

 
Go to class, study hard, and get ready to begin your journey as a college student!