Your  Account:

The CSU Early Start Program

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 Early Start Program on our campus and provide information on how to satisfy your math and/or English Early Start requirements.

Who Should Participate?

Per Executive Order 1110, the Early Start Program serves CSU 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.

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:


 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 Early Start.

Students that are considered Enroll with Support are recommended to participate in 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.