The CSU's Supportive Pathways for First Year Students

Welcome to California State University, San Marcos! We are thrilled that you have chosen to pursue higher education with us. This page will help explain the Supportive Pathways for first-year students on our campus, Cougar Scholars: Early Start and provide information on how to satisfy your math and/or English requirements.

Who Should Participate?

Per Executive Order 1110, Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program serves CSUMS's admitted freshmen who have not demonstrated proficiency in English/Written Communication and/or Math/Quantitative Reasoning as determined by the CSU Systemwide Placement Standards using multiple measures.

Guide to College Success

Multiple measures are divided into four categories:

• Fulfilled Requirement
• Enroll in GE English/Written Communication  and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses
• Enroll in Supported GE English/Written Communication and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses. 
  Participation in Early Start is recommended.
• Enroll in Supported GE Written Communication and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses. 
  Participation in Early Start is strongly recommended.

Multiple measures takes into consideration Algebra-Intensive and non-Algebra Intensive majors.

The following majors are considered Algebra-Intensive STEM+ at CSUSM:

• 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

 CSU Placement of First Year Students

Who should participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start?

Math

Students that are considered Enroll with Support, Cougar Scholars: Early Start strongly recommended should participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start.

Students that are considered Enroll with Support are recommended to participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start.

English

Students that are considered Enroll with Support, Cougar Scholars: Early Start strongly recommended should participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start.

Students that are considered Enroll with Support are recommended to participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start.