myCSUSM
Your Early Start to College Success at CSUSM
We’re so excited you’re joining us at CSUSM! If you’ve been selected to participate in the Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program, don’t worry — it’s just a way to give you a boost before classes begin. You’ll take a summer course in math or English, so you’re ready to hit the ground running in the fall. Think of it as your first step into college life — and a really smart one.
Explore our Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program
Why enroll in our Early Start Program?
1. Earn college credit toward graduating during the summer before the first fall semester.
2. Get support for your general education (GE) and major coursework requirements.
3. Exclusive access to in instructional support, tutoring, and an opportunity to establish connections with peers, faculty and staff.
2. Get support for your general education (GE) and major coursework requirements.
3. Exclusive access to in instructional support, tutoring, and an opportunity to establish connections with peers, faculty and staff.
What is Early Start?
The Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program supports students who haven’t yet met college-level placement in English and/or math based on the CSU Systemwide Placement Standards using multiple measures determined for College Success.
You’ve been placed into one of four placement categories using multiple measures (like GPA, test scores, and high school coursework):
| Category | Placement Summary | Early Start Participation |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Requirement fulfilled | Enrollment not required |
| Category 2 | Enroll in GE-level English/Written Communication and Math/Quantitative Reasoning | Enrollment not required |
| Category 3 | Enroll in GE-level English/Written Communication and Math/Quantitative Reasoning with support | Enrollment is recommended |
| Category 4 | Enroll in GE-level English/Written Communication and Math/Quantitative Reasoning with support | Enrollment is strongly recommended |
Your placement can also vary depending on your major. Students in STEM or majors that
are math-intensive may be required to enroll in higher math classes such as Math 185
if available. Below is a list of STEM majors:
- CSUSM STEM or Algebra-Intensive Majors
- Applied Physics (Applied Physics, Applied Electronics)
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration (Accountancy, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Business Management, Global Supply Chain Management, Management Information Systems, Management, Marketing)
- Chemistry (Chemistry, Science Education, Biochemistry)
- Computer Science (Computer Science, Computer Information Systems)
- Economics
- Engineering (Electrical, Software)
- Kinesiology (Physical Education, Applied Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy, Health Science)
- Mathematics
Who should participate?
If your placement category is:
- "Enroll with Support – Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program strongly recommended" then you should participate
- "Enroll with Support – Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program recommended" then participation is encouraged
Not sure where you fall? Check your MyCSUSM account or contact us for help.
Take the Next Step
Our Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program staff are ready to help you take the next steps to academic success. Contact us to
get more information.
earlystart@csusm.edu