Early Start Classes: Your Ticket to Success

Recently we talked about being exempted out of the Early Start Program through qualifying test scores, but what happens to students who aren't exempt through testing?  What’s their next step?

Students who do not have a qualifying score on the SAT, ACT, or AP tests and do not pass the Entry Level Math Test (ELM) with a 50 or higher or the English Placement Test (EPT) with a 138 or more have to enroll in an Early Start experience.  Let's look at how Early Start will work:

• Students who are determined to need Early Start in math and English must register for an Early Start course in each subject.  If students only need Early Start in English, they only have to register for an English course. Likewise, students who only need a math experience, only have to register for a math ESP course. 
• Every CSU campus is developing Early Start courses and students may take Early Start courses at any CSU campus they choose.  Students will be able to select courses that are held on campus, online or a hybrid of both.
• Registration for Early Start classes will be done through an online Smart Page to be linked through your University portal.
• Early Start classes will cost $180 per unit plus material fees. 
• Fee waivers for Early Start classes will be available for students whose Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is less than $5,000.
• Students who are required to participate in an Early Start experience, but do not register may be disenrolled or prevented from enrolling in their fall classes.

The best action steps students can take is to watch for communications from their University about Early Start.  Checking University portal and email accounts on a regular basis is great way to stay up to date.  Remember, enrolling in Early Start is your ticket to success.