Which Early Start class do I need to take?
Early Start Course Descriptions
How do I register for the Early Start Program classes?
How much will the Early Start Program cost?
What if I miss the June 13 deadline to register for Early Start?
Are students enrolled in the Early Start Program eligible for a Financial Aid waiver?
I’ve registered for the online Early Start English Composition (ESC 21) class. How do I access it?
What happens after I have completed the Early Start Course?
How can I get more information about the Early Start Program?
Is Student Housing available for students completing Early Start at CSULA?
Which Early Start class do I need to take?
Based on your ELM and EPT scores you will need to sign up for the appropriate level remedial course in mathematics and/or English composition:
EPT (English Placement Test) Scores
0-137 = ESC 21 Early Start Composition Workshop
138+ = Exempt from Early Start English composition requirement; you will register for ENGL 096 for fall if you scored below 146
ELM (Entry Level Math) Scores
0-29 = ESM 31A Early Start Introduction to Algebra
30-41 = ESM 32A Early Start Elementary Algebra
42-49 = ESM 33A Early Start Intermediate Algebra
50+ = Exempt from Early Start Mathematics requirement
Early Start English Composition (ESC) classes are online, and are offered June 24 - July 8, or July 24 - August 6. Early Start Math, part A (ESM A) classes are in-person, and are offered June 24 - July 8, or July 24 - Aug 61. Math classes are Monday-Thursday, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes per day.
In addition to the required two-week Early Start Math, part A (ESM A) class, Cal State L.A. is also offering an optional Early Start Math, part B (ESM B) class. Students who successfully complete ESM A&B can move up a level in their college math placement2. ESM B is optional, but strongly encouraged, for students who would like to take advantage of the opportunity to start at a higher math level course in Fall 2013. ESM B classes are in-person, and are offered July 9 - 23, or Aug 7 - 211.
1Service students, those who will be attending a CSU campus other than Los Angeles, may take their Early Start during the June/July sessions only. Because grades must be available to other campuses by early August, service students are not eligible to take Early Start during the August sessions.
2Ability to bump up is dependent on your destination campus.
Early Start Course Descriptions
ESC 21 Early Start Composition Workshop
- The goal of the course is to offer students the opportunity to begin critically thinking about college-level writing and to consider the degree to which they are prepared for college-level writing. The aim is to give students practice employing effective writing and reading strategies. To help students develop a critical perspective of college-level writing, this course will include instructional units about reading, researching and writing. This class satisfies the Early Start English requirement.
- Students who submit exceptional writing and coursework for ESC 021 will be referred to the Early Start Writing Coordinator for further review. A panel of writing faculty will review the writing and coursework of those students, and those students whose work shows competence above the level of the writing course they have been placed into will be offered the chance to enroll in the next highest course and ENGL 100. For example, a student placed into ENGL 095 could earn the opportunity to enroll in ENGL 096 AND ENGL 100 in the next Fall quarter.
- Students who complete ESC 021 and elect to attend CSULA in the Fall Quarter may be eligible to receive credit for the first level of English composition remediation based on their performance in ESC 021. Those students whose writing and coursework shows competence above the level of ENGL 095 will be referred to the Early Start Writing Coordinator for further review, and, if approved, will be offered the chance to enroll in ENGL 096, with ENGL 100 as a co-requisite, in the Fall quarter at CSULA.
ESM 31A: Intro to Algebra, Part 1
- This course is intended for students with Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test score below 30. This class satisfies the Early Start Math requirement. Various meeting times available. Class meets for 1 hour 40 minutes Monday-Thursday. Course content includes symbols and sets of numbers, fractions, variable expressions and equations, operations on and properties of real numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, addition and multiplication properties of equality, solving linear equations.
- For students who will enroll at CSULA in the Fall: ESM 31A by itself has no effect on which math class you will take in the Fall. In order to skip Math 89 in the Fall and enroll in Math 90, you must first enroll in and pass ESM 31B: Intro to Algebra, Part 2 this summer.
- If you enroll in and pass ESM 31B later this summer, you will be required to take Math 90 in Fall Quarter. Otherwise, you will be required to take Math 89 in Fall Quarter. Please remember that you are required to pass Math 89, Math 90, and Math 91 within your first year at CSULA.
- For all other students: ESM 31A satisfies the Early Start Math requirement. However, ESM 31A by itself has no effect on which math class you will take in the Fall. In order to obtain an ESM score of 30, you must first enroll in and pass ESM 31B this summer; only your destination campus for the Fall Term can decide whether that will allow you to move up a level in Math.
ESM 31B: Intro to Algebra, Part 2
- This course is intended for students with Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test score below 30. Students must first complete ESM 31A before taking ESM 31B. Various meeting times available. Class meets for 1 hour 40 minutes Monday-Thursday. Course content includes symbols and sets of numbers, fractions, variable expressions and equations, operations on and properties of real numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, addition and multiplication properties of equality, solving linear equations.
- For students who will enroll at CSULA in the Fall: If you get a passing grade in this class, you will be required to take Math 90 in the Fall. Otherwise, you will be required to take Math 89 in Fall Quarter. Please remember that you are required to pass Math 89, Math 90, and Math 91 within your first year at CSULA.
- For all other students: ESM 31A is a prerequisite for ESM 31B. Passing ESM 31B will give you an ESM score of 30; only your destination campus for the Fall Term can decide whether this will allow you to move up a level in Math.
ESM 32A: Preparatory Math, Part 1
- This course is intended for students with Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test score of 30-41. This class satisfies the Early Start Math requirement. Various meeting times available. Class meets for 1 hour 40 minutes Monday-Thursday. Course content includes the rectangular coordinate system, linear equations, slope, functions, systems of equations, exponents, operations on polynomials.
- For students who will enroll at CSULA in the Fall: ESM 32A by itself has no effect on which math class you will take in the Fall. In order to skip Math 90 in the Fall and enroll in Math 91, you must first enroll in and pass ESM 32B: Preparatory Math, Part 2 this summer.
- If you enroll in and pass ESM 32B later this summer, you will be required to take Math 91 in Fall Quarter. Otherwise, you will be required to take Math 90 in Fall Quarter. Please remember that you are required to pass Math 89, Math 90, and Math 91 within your first year at CSULA.
- For all other students: ESM 32A satisfies the Early Start Math requirement. However, ESM 32A by itself has no effect on which math class you will take in the Fall. In order to obtain an ESM score of 42, you must first enroll in and pass ESM 32B this summer; only your destination campus for the Fall Term can decide whether that will allow you to move up a level in Math.
ESM 32B: Preparatory Math, Part 2
- This course is intended for students with Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test score of 30-41. Students must first complete ESM 32A before taking ESM 32B. Various meeting times available. Class meets for 1 hour 40 minutes Monday-Thursday. Course content includes the rectangular coordinate system‚ linear equations‚ slope‚ functions‚ systems of equations‚ exponents‚ operations on polynomials.
- For students who will enroll at CSULA in the Fall: If you get a passing grade in this class, you will be required to take Math 91 in the Fall. Otherwise, you will be required to take Math 90 in Fall Quarter. Please remember that you are required to pass Math 89, Math 90, and Math 91 within your first year at CSULA.
- For all other students: ESM 32A is a prerequisite for ESM 32B. Passing ESM 32B will give you an ESM score of 42; only your destination campus for the Fall Term can decide whether this will allow you to move up a level in Math.
ESM 33A: Intermediate Algebra, Part 1
- This course is intended for students with Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test score of 42-49. This class satisfies the Early Start Math requirement. Various meeting times available. Class meets for 1 hour 40 minutes Monday-Thursday. Course content includes rational expressions, graphing linear and nonlinear functions, radical expressions, rational exponents.
- For students who will enroll at CSULA in the Fall: ESM 33A by itself has no effect on which math class you will take in the Fall. In order to skip Math 91 in the Fall and enroll in a 100-level math class, you must first enroll in and pass ESM 33B: Intermediate Algebra, Part 2 this summer.
- If you enroll in and pass ESM 33B later this summer, you may take a 100-level math class in Fall Quarter. Otherwise, you will be required to take Math 91 in Fall Quarter.
- For all other students: ESM 33A satisfies the Early Start Math requirement. However, ESM 33A by itself has no effect on which math class you will take in the Fall. In order to obtain an ESM score of 50, you must first enroll in and pass ESM 33B this summer; only your destination campus for the Fall Term can decide whether that will allow you to move up a level in Math.
ESM 33B: Intermediate Algebra, Part 2
- This course is intended for students with Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test score of 42-49. Students must first complete ESM 33A before taking ESM 33B. Various meeting times available. Class meets for 1 hour 40 minutes Monday-Thursday. Course content includes rational expressions‚ graphing linear and nonlinear functions‚ radical expressions‚ rational exponents.
- For students who will enroll at CSULA in the Fall: If you get a passing grade in this class, you may take Math 100, 102, 104A, or 109 in the Fall—consult an adviser to determine which one to take. (IMPORTANT: Please note that ESM 33B can be used as a prerequisite for one quarter only. So after you pass ESM 33B, you need to take Math 100, 102, 104A, or 109 the very next quarter, that is, in the Fall.)
- For all other students: ESM 33A is a prerequisite for ESM 33B. Passing ESM 33B will give you an ESM score of 50; only your destination campus for the Fall Term can decide whether this will allow you to move up a level in Math.
How do I register for the Early Start Program classes?
If you declared that you will be completing the Early Start requirement at CSULA, you will be able to register for Early Start classes beginning on June 3. The priority registration deadline is June 13, 2013. After June 13th, students may still enroll in CSULA Early Start classes on a space available basis.
Review our quick step-by-step instructions on how to register for your Cal State L.A. Early Start Program classes (PDF)
Review our detailed step-by-step instructions on how to register for your Cal State L.A. Early Start Program classes (PDF)
How much will the Early Start Program cost?
Enrollment fees for the Early Start classes are $182.00 each, plus a fee of $1 for Health Facilities and $1 for the Student Union at each campus. There may be additional fees charged for campus parking and course instruction materials.
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees.
Are students enrolled in the Early Start Program eligible for a Financial Aid waiver?
Yes. Students who have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $5000 or less will be eligible for an Early Start Financial Aid Waiver. A pop up message will appear on your Smart Page when you first log in.
NOTE: Students exempt from Early Start participation, who still wish to participate, are not eligible for an Early Start Program fee waiver, regardless of EFC.
How do I pay for the class?
After enrolling in the appropriate Early Start Program classes online, you may pay your fees by:
WEB - Online
Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments can be made online through CASHNet Smartpay via https://commerce.cashnet.com/csulapay. Please select "Early Start-Summer 2013" for payment type. (A nominal service charge will apply.) (NOTE: CashNet Smartpay does not accept VISA.)
MAIL
Print your Early Start class schedule from GET and mail it with a check (or money order), payable to Cal State L.A., to CSULA Cashier's Office, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8524. Please include your Cal State L.A. CIN (campus id number) on the check/money order.
IN-PERSON
Visit the Cashier's Office in Administration 128. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please have your CIN (campus ID number) available and inform them that you are paying for your Early Start Program fee. (NOTE: Credit/debit card payments are not accepted in person; they are only accepted online via CASHNet Smartpay.)
What is the refund policy?
Refunds will be given only prior to the start of the class.
What if I miss the June 13 deadline to register for Early Start?
The priority registration deadline for CSULA Early Start classes is June 13, 2013. After June 13th, students may still enroll in CSULA Early Start classes on a space available basis. If you are unable to register for classes due to class unavailability, and it is prior to the start of the Early Start Program summer classes, you may contact the College of Extended Studies and International Programs at 323-343-4900. If you have missed the opportunity to participate in Early Start and all CSULA Early Start classes have already started, see “What if I do not participate in the Early Start Program?”
If I plan to go to CSULA but will take the Early Start class at another CSU, how will CSULA get my grades?
All of the CSU campuses are coordinating with each other to ensure Early Start participation and class grades are provided to the student's final destination campus. You do not need to obtain a copy of your grades to provide to CSULA. The CSU where you take your Early Start class will send them to CSULA automatically.
I’ve registered for the online Early Start English Composition (ESC 21) class. How do I access it?
Beginning on the first day of the class, you may access the online ESC 21 class using Moodle. To learn more about Moodle, visit http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/aa/cetl/cetlmoodle_faq.php.
To login to Moodle, please complete the following steps:
- If you have not done so already, activate your myCSULA Identity
at http://id.calstatela.edu.
You will need your CSULA CIN and PIN
- If you do not know your CIN or PIN, please contact the GET Help Line at 323-343-7438.
- If you are having problems activating your myCSULA Identity, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 323-343-6170.
- After activating your myCSULA identity, login to the myCSULA portal at https://mycsula.calstatela.edu/.
- Once you have logged into myCSULA, you can access Moodle by clicking on the Moodle icon under the ‘Quick Launch Menu,’ which is located in the upper left hand portion of the web page.
What happens after I have completed the Early Start Course?
Successful completion of an Early Start course indicates that the student has fulfilled their Early Start requirement. Students will receive a grade of CR (Credit) or NC (No Credit) for the Early Start Course. A grade of CR (Credit) indicates you have satisfied the Early Start program requirement. It is does not indicate which English or math course you are now prepared to take in the fall and does not indicate successful completion of the student’s remedial requirement.
Your instructor will submit a separate Early Start placement score that will be used to determine if you can move to the next level of math or English course. Visitor students should contact their CSU campus. Students should note that placement scores for courses differ from CSU to CSU. Early Start scores will be interpreted based on the criteria determined by the CSU at which the student will enroll in the fall.
How can I get more information about the Early Start Program?
CSU site: http://www.csusuccess.org/earlystart
Is Student Housing available for students completing Early Start at CSULA?
Yes, housing is available for participants who are at least 17 years of age. Space is limited, and reservations are available on a first come, first serve basis. For additional information regarding temporary summer on-campus housing, Visit http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/admiss/estart/doc/Letter - Early Start Program.pdf
What can high school juniors do to prepare for College?
Math and English skills are critical to success in college regardless of
the intended major. Through the Early Assessment Program (EAP),
California public high school 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 augmented section of the California
Standards Tests (CST). 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 and technical based majors
(science, engineering, nursing, etc).
For more information on the CSU EAP program, visit the CSU English and Math Success web sites.
Additional questions?
- For application and admission requirements, see the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
- For testing dates and registration procedures, see the University Testing Center.
- For financial aid application procedures and information, see the Center for Student Financial Aid.
Please note that all fees are subject to change.
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees.