The CSU's Early Start Program

(Please note that Early Start is not required for transfer students or out-of-state students, but out-of-state freshman students are strongly encouraged to complete remediation courses during the summer before the freshman year)

The CSU system policy known as "Early Start" requires incoming students (California residents only) who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math and/or English to begin remediation (enroll in and complete approved courses) during the summer before coming to the CSU or they cannot enroll for any fall courses. The goal of Early Start is to better prepare students in math and English before their first semester, thereby improving their chances of completing a college degree.  Read on to see if Early Start is required for you.

1 - See if you have met proficiency in English and/or math.

- If you meet any of these English requirements, then you have demonstrated English readiness. No remediation courses are needed for you, and you do not need Early Start.

- If you meet any of these math requirements, then you have to demonstrated math readiness. No remediation courses are needed for you, and you do not need Early Start.

2 - If you have not met demonstrated readiness, Placement tests in English (EPT), and/or math (ELM) are required by the deadlines listed below. Students who score high enough on the EPT or ELM tests do not need Early Start.  The remaining students need Early Start (residents of states other than California are exempt from Early Start but are strongly encouraged to complete remediation courses during the summer before the freshman year)

• The program takes place the summer before the freshman year.
  
  
• To find out if you need remediation classes either this summer through the "Early Start" Program or in the fall, go to the "Early Start Smart Page" within your Student Portal.  Click here to follow simple instructions to sign in and try out the "Smart Page."
   
• If you think you may have missed that e-mail and want to make sure you are or are not waived from remediation or (if you need remediation) if remediation is required for you in the summer through Early Start..... Just Click Here for Instructions to Reach the Early Start Smart Page.  
  
  Those who are required to take part in summer "Early Start" must visit (By June 1st) the Smart Page and tell us at which school they plan to complete Early Start
   
• Early Start math and English courses will be available at almost every CSU campus, at a few community colleges, and online. 
   
• We strongly recommend you choose and pass a 3 or 4 semester unit remediation course this summer to fulfill Early Start. You are then likely to be fully remediated and can take the corresponding college-level course in the Fall. 
  If you choose a 1 semester unit Early Start course to fulfill Early Start, you are likely to still need a remediation course in the fall or spring that costs approximately $450 above normal tuition. 
   
• Financial aid will be available for those who demonstrate need (see below for details).
   
• Students who are required to participate in Early Start but do not enroll in a summer program cannot enroll in any Fall courses at Cal Maritime unless a waiver is granted for extenuating circumstance by Cal Maritime's Early Start Committee.

• Math: 
  An ELM Score of 0-49
  
  All students who have not demonstrated college readiness must participate (ELM score less than 50). Please note that students who were deemed conditionally exempt in math based on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) do not have to participate. 
   
• English: 
  An EPT Score of 0-137 needs remediation via Early Start (by Aug. 10, 2013).
  
  An EPT Score of 138-146 needs remediation by beginning of sophomore year. Students in this range are exempt from Early Start.
  
  An EPT Score of 147 and above requires no Early Start and no English remediation.
  
  The Early Start Program will target students needing the most preparation in English (EPT score from 1 to 137). Please note that students who are participating in the EAP English Conditionally Exempt/ERWC pilot may not have to participate.
   
• Exemptions - The following students will not be required to participate in Early Start:
  • International students and residents of other states
  • Students may appeal if circumstances beyond their control prevent participation

• Students may participate in an Early Start program offered at any other CSU campus(Cal Maritime offers no summer Early Start courses on our campus). Some CSU campuses are planning to offer on-line course options as well.
• Some 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. The Chancellor's Office is attempting to create Early Start Program offerings in remote areas in collaboration with community colleges serving those locations.
• Approved online courses through CSU campuses or other organizations such as BYU Online or Omega Math

• Early Start Programs offered at any of the CSU campuses will have a common fee.  The current fee estimate is $182 per unit and is subject to change based on approved fee increases.  Campus parking and course instruction materials may also be charged.
• California residents who have a Pell Grand as part of their financial aid package will be eligible for a waiver of the per unit fee.
• Remediation courses taken at Cal Maritime during the fall or spring semesters each cost approximately $450.