myCSUSM
Early Start Classes
Your college success starts this summer.
The Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program offers special summer courses for new CSUSM students who need extra support in math or english. These classes help you build confidence and skills so you’re fully prepared for the fall semester.
All classes are in-person at CSUSM's San Marcos campus and are completed over six to eight weeks between June and August.
- GEW 101A (hybrid) is scheduled from June 30 to August 8 from 10 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
- Math 105 is scheduled from June 15 to August 8 from 10 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
- UNIV 101B is scheduled from June 29 to August 1 at 9-10:35 a.m.
Cost & Fee Waiver
California residents who have submitted the FAFSA and have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less may be eligible for a free or reduced course fee. Check your Student Center in MyCSUSM to see if you qualify.
Which Classes Should I Take?
For STEM, Pre-Business, Economics or Kinesiology Majors
- English courses required based on placement
Recommended English Courses English Placement Recommended Courses Fully met requirement No english course in the Early Start program needed Needs support Early Start courses recommended:
- GEW 101A
Strong support needed Early Start courses strongly recommended:
- GEW 101A
- Math courses required based on placement
Recommended Math Courses Math Placement Recommended Courses Fully met requirement No math course in the Early Start program needed Needs support Early Start courses recommended:
- Math 105
Strong support needed Early Start courses strongly recommended:
- Math 105
For All Other Majors
- English courses required based on placement
Recommended English Courses English Placement Recommended Courses Fully met requirement No english course in the Early Start program needed Needs support Early Start courses recommended:
- GEW 101A
Strong support needed Early Start courses strongly recommended:
- GEW 101A
- Math courses required based on placement
Recommended Math Courses Math Placement Recommended Courses Fully met requirement No math course in the Early Start program needed Needs support Early Start courses recommended:
- Math 105
Strong support needed Early Start courses strongly recommended:
- Math 105
Course Descriptions
Here’s a quick look at each Early Start course. Some classes must be taken together (called corequisites) — we’ll note that below.
- Math 105: Supported College Algebra
Description
College algebra with integrated review of intermediate algebra. Includes graphs, equations, inequalities, and functions (linear, polynomial, rational, root, exponential, logarithmic).Corequisite
Students are required to take ESM 5 course at the same time. Enrollment is restricted to incoming first-year students in Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Placement Categories III & IV.
Total Units: 1 unit - Writing - GEW 101A: Writing as Critical Inquiry
Description
Focuses on critical reading and thinking as foundational skills for academic writing. Emphasizes information literacy in the analysis of a variety of texts and in the practice of reading and composing in multiple genres. Includes a multi-draft writing process that requires revision in response to peer and instructor feedback.Corequisite
Students in ESW 101A are expected to pass the class with a C- (1.7) or better before progressing onto GEW 101B. ESW 101A is restricted to students in the Early Start Program. Cross-listed as GEW 101A.Total Units: 4 units
- University 101 - UNIV 101B: The First-Year Seminar
Description
Designed to equip first-year students at CSUSM with the personal and academic skills, motivation, and self-understanding necessary to meet the demands of CSUSM’s rigorous undergraduate curriculum as well as the demands of life beyond CSUSM. Includes the practical application of student development theory, information literacy, digital citizenship, self-advocacy, resource utilization, and intercultural competence necessary for college success and professional preparedness.Total Units: 3 units