Early Start Program FAQ
Please Note: We anticipate the Smart Page opening late March
What is the Early Start Program?
The Early Start Program was mandated by the CSU Board of Trustees in response to the number of new students requiring remediation in mathematics and English. The goals of the Early Start Program include better preparation of new students in mathematics and English by starting in the summer preceding their first fall semester, provide better assessment of academic preparation and improve students' likelihood of a successful completion of a college degree.
Early Start Timeline |
|
| April 8 | Enter Early Start Smart Page (link available through student portal) |
April 10 |
Register for Early Start courses (email will be sent when available to student) |
TBD |
Payment due for Early Start courses, if required |
June 14 |
Deadline to declare Early Start Intent |
Who is required to participate in the Early Start Program?
New first time freshman who have the following ELM and/or EPT scores will be required to begin remediation during the summer prior to Fall enrollment.
ELM less than 50 |
EPT less than 138 |
What if I do not participate in the Early Start Program?
If you are required to complete the Early Start Program but you do not, there will be consequences affecting your fall enrollment.
What ways can I complete the Early Start Program?
You may complete the CSU Early Start Program by:
- Completing an on-campus course at CSU Stanislaus
English Early Start Options |
Mathematics Early Start Options |
| ESE 0110: Composition Workshop | ESM 0099: College Prep Math |
| ESE 1000: Introduction to Composition | ESM 0103: Pre- and Beginning Algebra |
| ESM 0106: Inter Algebra for Non-Math/Sci |
- Completing an on-campus course at another CSU campus.
The state wide Early Start Program schedule, including CSU Stanislaus courses can be found at http://earlystart.csusuccess.org/csu_campus.
Which Math class(es) should I choose?
• If you scored 32 or below on the ELM, it is recommended you enroll in ESM 0103 (Pre- and Beginning Algebra – 4 units).
• If you scored 34 - 48 on the ELM, it is recommended you enroll in ESM 0106 (Inter Algebra for Non-Math/Sci - 4 units).
• Any student who scored below 50 on the ELM can enroll in ESM 0099 (College Prep Math – 1 unit). However, this option is highly recommended only for those students with an ELM score of either 28-32 or 44-48.
Which English class(es) should I choose?
Students may take either course in English, but the English Department highly recommends completing ESE 1000.
How do I indicate the way I will complete the Early Start Program?
You must indicate your plan to complete the Early Start Program on the Early Start Smart Page. The Early Start Smart Page will be a link made available in your student portal April 8th ONLY to students who accept their admission. The deadline to complete the Early Start Smart Page is June 14.
How do I register for the Early Start Program?
Once you have completed the Early Start Smart Page, you will receive specific registration information from the campus you selected to complete this requirement. If you selected CSU Stanislaus as the campus where you will complete the Early Start Program, registration will open on April 10th.
How much will the Early Start Program cost?
The cost of the Early Start Program will be $182 per unit plus $1 for Student Union and $1 for Health Fees. Costs will vary if you elect to complete this requirement through an approved California Community College course, or through another CSU program (such as Summer Bridge). Please visit our Fees Schedule for more information.
Are students enrolled in the Early Start Program eligible for a Financial Aid waiver?
Yes. Students who have an EFC of 5000 or less will be eligible for an Early Start Financial Aid Waiver.

