Admission Requirements

NEW FOR FALL 2012 FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN (Download PDF Version)
View upcoming Early Start Online Informational Workshops

The CSU Early Start Program (ESP)

The CSU system recently enacted a policy known as "Early Start" requiring incoming students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math and/or English to begin remediation during the summer before coming to the CSU. The goals of Early Start are to better prepare students in math and English before their first semester, thereby improving their chances of completing a college degree.

Early Start is required for incoming students who have not fulfilled the Entry Level Math (ELM) and/or English Placement Test (EPT) proficiency requirements.
The program takes place the summer before the freshman year.
In early spring, CSU campuses will inform students who are not exempt, how and where to sign up for Early Start.
Early Start math and English courses will be available at every CSU campus, at a few community colleges, and online.
Cost per unit is $182.00. Financial aid fee waiver will be available for those enrolled in early start courses who demonstrate need. This waiver is applicable to Early Start course fees only.

Who must participate in the Early Start Program?

Math:
All students who have not demonstrated college readiness must participate (ELM score less than 50).

English:
For Fall 2012, the Early Start Program will target students needing the most preparation in English (EPT score less than 138).

Exemptions - The following students will not be required to participate in Early Start:

International students and non-residents;
Students participating in the EOP Summer Bridge Program;
Students who were deemed conditionally exempt in math based on the Early Assessment Program (EAP)

Can I be exempt from taking the English Placement Test (EPT) and/or the Entry Level Math (ELM) and not have to participate in the Early Start Program?

Unless you meet the requirement in one of the ways described below, you must take the EPT and/or ELM before enrolling at the CSU.

English Placement Test (EPT)

Early Assessment Program (EAP) – A status of "Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level English courses" indicates that you have met the EPT requirement.
National Standardized Tests – A qualifying score on one of the following college placement tests fulfills the EPT requirement:

Test	Required score for EPT Requirement
SAT	500 or more on the Critical Reading section
ACT	22 or more on the English Test
AP	3 or more on either the Language & Composition or Literature & Composition exam

Community College Course – A grade of C or better in a qualifying English transfer course (Area A2) at a community college satisfies the EPT requirement. See your academic advisor or check the ASSIST course transfer website for more information.

Entry Level Math (ELM)

Early Assessment Program (EAP) – Receiving a status of "Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level mathematics courses"
National Standardized Tests - A qualifying score on one of the following college placement tests fulfills the ELM requirement:

Test	Required score for ELM Requirement
SAT	550 or more on the mathematics portion of the SAT reasoning test 550 or more on a mathematics subject test (leve 1 or level 2)
ACT	23 or more on the mathematics test
AP	3 or more on Advanced Placement Calculus or Statistics

Community College Course – A grade of C or better in a qualifying general education transfer math course (quantitative reasoning, B-4) at a community college satisfies the ELM requirement. See your academic advisor or check the ASSIST course transfer website for more information.

How can I Fulfill the Early Start Requirement?

Fresno State freshmen are encouraged to complete their Early Start program activities at Fresno State if at all possible. This will afford them an opportunity to integrate into campus life and will provide the smoothest transition to their fall English or math instruction.
Students may also participate in an Early Start program offered at any other CSU campus. This may be appropriate for non-local students. Some CSU campuses are planning to offer online course options as well.
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.

How will Early Start be implemented at Fresno State for Fall 2012?

Admitted freshmen who are planning on attending Fresno State or any CSU campus and are not exempt should take the ELM/EPT as early as possible, preferably by the March test date but no later than the system-wide test date on May 5, 2012.
If the ELM/EPT score indicates they must participate in Early Start, they must declare how they will fulfill this requirement by June 1, using the CSU Smart Page.
Beginning March 15, freshmen must accept their Fresno State offer of admission by submitting their Intent to Enroll, register and pay for Dog Days-New Student Orientation, and if required, sign up for Early Start. Deadline to submit Intent to Enroll, register and pay for Dog Days is May 1 and deadline to sign up for Early Start using the CSU Smart Page is June 1.

How much will it cost?

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.

Is there a fee waiver for the Early Start Program?

Yes, California residents who apply for financial aid and have an Estimated Family Contribution of $5,000 or less will be eligible for a waiver of the per unit fee.

Fresno State 2012 Freshmen Admission & Testing Key Dates

Application Deadline	November 30, 2011
Take the SAT or ACT	No later than December 2011
Admission notification begin	October 2011
All freshmen admission decisions sent	January 2011
Deadline to accept offer of admission	May 1, 2012
Final date to take ELM/EPT	May 5, 2012 (system-wide test day)
Deadline to complete Early Start Program Smart page	June 1, 2012
Deadline to complete Early Start Program activities	August 2012

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