CSU Early Start Program at Humboldt State
NOTE: 2019 Early Start dates and details are not finalized and are subject to change.
Early Start is designed to strengthen your math and/or English skills and help you transition to the learning environment at Humboldt State. Successful completion of Early Start Math can help you do well in the math class(es) needed to complete your degree. Early Start English is designed to improve your college-level writing skills and prepare you for writing assignments in all your HSU courses. It will also help you use (“directed self-placement”) to find the best general education English choice for you.
Fall 2019 Freshmen Admissions and Early Start Important Dates
Date | Event | What you need to do |
April 15, 2019 | Early Start Program Page is available | Choose the campus where you want to take your Early Start courses. Go to: CSU Early Start Course Listings |
May 1, 2019 | Deadline | Accept HSU offer of admission and pay $50 Enrollment Deposit by May 1 |
April 15, 2019 | Early Start course registration begins | Check your email. You’ll receive registration information from the campus you chose for each course. Remember: Register for courses before July 2 |
June 2, 2019 | Deadline | Sign up for freshman orientation by June 2 |
June 15, 2019 | Deadline | Complete your ESP Program Page |
July 2, 2019 | Early Start course registration ends | Remember: Register for courses before July 2 |
July 2, 2019 | HSU Early Start courses begin | |
August 15, 2019 | Deadline | Complete your ESP courses |
CSU Early Start Details
- The CSU requires Early Start for incoming freshmen who, by multiple measures such as test scores, overall GPA, course grades in English and Math, will likely benefit from additional support the summer before your freshman year. Students will also have a combination math course in the fall that provides support in transitioning to a college learning environment.
- The program takes place the summer before the freshman year.
- Early Start Math and English courses are offered by every CSU campus (online options available).
- Financial aid will be available for those who demonstrate need (see below for details).
- Students required to take both math and English will be asked to take only Early Start Math for the summer 2019.
- For more information go to: CSU Success
Early Start Courses at HSU
You are encouraged to complete your Early Start courses at HSU if at all possible. This will give you an opportunity to learn about HSU and will provide the smoothest transition to your fall English or math instruction.
ESPM 55: Early Start Math (3 units)
A one unit course using a web-based assessment and learning program to help students designated for Early Start to prepare for college-level mathematics courses. There will also be a final assessment in the course. Based on this final assessment, students may move into a new Enrollment Category and be eligible to complete their Mathematics requirements faster. Completion of ESPM 55 will satisfy the CSU Early Start requirement. Students attending HSU will also be advised on entry-level mathematics courses for their major based on a final assessment in the program
Four-week course: July 1, 2019 through July 26, 2019
Engl 180: Early Start Writing (3 units)
A one-unit online course to help students designated for Early Start to prepare for college-level writing courses. Completion of ENGL 180 will satisfy the CSU Early Start requirement. In the course, students will complete the Writing Course Survey which is a pre-requisite for both English 102/103 and English 104 at HSU, and will help students choose which writing course to enroll in.
Four-week course: July 1, 2019 through July 26, 2019
Who must participate in the Early Start Program?
Please check your Early Start Program Page for your Early Start Status for Math and English
Exemptions:
Incoming freshmen who are International students and residents of other states.
Early Start Programs offered at any of the CSU campuses will have a common fee. The current fee estimate is $191 per unit and is subject to change based on approved fee increases.
The additional cost for the web-based computer program used in Early Start Math is $32 for a six-week subscription. Neither of HSU’s Early Start courses requires you to purchase a textbook.
California residents who apply for financial aid and have an Estimated Family Contribution of $5,500 or less will be eligible for a waiver of the per-unit fee.
Where can I get more information?
- For freshmen application and admission requirements, see Freshman Admission.
- For financial aid application procedures and information, see HSU Financial Aid. Or email earlystart@humboldt.edu.