CSU Early Start Program at Humboldt State
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. For more information about the math courses at HSU, as they relate to your major, see the HSU Math Department website. Early Start English is designed to improve your college-level writing skills and prepare you for writing assignments in all of your HSU courses. It will also help you use “directed self-placement” to find the best general education English choice for you.
Fall 2021 Freshmen Admissions and Early Start Important Dates
Date | Event | What you need to do |
May 1, 2021 | Deadline | Accept HSU offer of admission by May 1. |
May 3, 2021 | Early Start Program Page is available and course registration begins | Early Start Program Page is available and course registration begins for students who will take Early Start Courses at the campus they will attend in the Fall. If you choose to participate in Early Start at a campus that is different from the one you attend in the Fall, you will get an email from that campus when you're able to register for Early Start course(s). Register for courses by July 6. |
June 11, 2021 | Priority Deadline | Choose a campus where you will enroll in Early Start and register for courses by completing your ESP Program Page. |
July 6, 2021 | Deadline | Remember: Register for courses by July 6. |
July 6, 2021 | HSU Early Start courses begin | |
August 15, 2021 | Deadline | Complete your ESP courses at any campus. |
CSU Early Start Details
- The CSU requires Early Start for incoming freshmen who, by multiple measures including overall GPA, course grades in English and Math and (optional) test scores, 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 2021 (taking English as well is optional).
- 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 55/110: Early Start Math (2 units)
A 2-unit (1 baccalaureate unit and 1 pre-baccalaureate unit) online mathematics / transition to university level mathematics course administered by HSU for incoming CSU freshman. Completion of ESPM 55/110 will satisfy the CSU Early Start requirement. Students completing ESPM 55/110 will be better prepared to succeed in entry level mathematics courses in their first semester of study at HSU. Each ESPM 55/110 student will be placed into the correct entry level mathematics course, become familiar with successful strategies for university level mathematics courses and formulate a plan for success in her or his entry level mathematics course.
Four-week course: July 6, 2021 through July 31, 2021
Engl 180: Early Start Writing (1 unit)
A 1-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. As part of the course, students will complete coursework that prepares them for English 102/103 or English 104 at HSU. Students in HSU’s Early Start English course will write a letter to their first-year English instructor as a culminating assignment.
Four-week course: July 6, 2021 through July 31, 2021
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.
Neither of HSU’s Early Start courses require 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.