English and Math Placement Requirements for First Time Freshmen

All incoming freshmen are required to take the appropriate steps to meet the placement requirements for English and math before they can register for courses at the California State University (CSU). There are several ways an incoming freshmen may meet the placement requirements.

Early Assessment Program (EAP)

While still in their junior year of high school, students who are seeking admission to the CSU should participate in the Early Assessment Program. EAP is a collaborative effort among the California State Board of Education, the California Department of Education and the California State University. The program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college-level English and mathematics, and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year of high school. More information about EAP is available from the CSU Chancellor's Office as well as how to determine a student's math and English status based on EAP results.

English Placement Test/ Entry Level Mathematics (EPT/ELM)

If an incoming first time freshman missed his or her opportunity for EAP or was unsuccessful in the attempt, the student may take the CSU placement exam(s) after being admitted to a CSU campus.

The results from the EPT/ELM will determine whether a student needs to participate in the CSU mandated Early Start Program (ESP) during the summer prior to the fall term the student has officially applied to.

Early Start Program (ESP)

If a student was required to take the EPT/ELM, his or her results could make the student a candidate for our Early Start Program (ESP) as a final attempt to provide readiness for entry into CSU English and/or mathematics courses before beginning courses at the CSU.

ESP is a program to be completed in the summer after graduation from high school and prior to taking courses at the CSU campus the student has been admitted to.