Division of Continuing and Global Education
Early Start at Fresno State
June 20 - July 29, 2022
Registration Closed
Early Start registration at Fresno State is now closed. Contact us with any questions.
About Early Start
Launched in 2012, the Early Start Program is designed to improve English and Mathematics college readiness for first-year CSU students.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Details and dates for Early Start at other CSU campuses will vary. The dates below are subject to change.
- March 15 - May 1: Accept/Decline admission and registration period for Dog Days: New Student Orientation.
- March 15: Early Start page opens in MyFresnoState. (see below)
- March 31: Fresno State closed for Cesar Chavez Day.
- May 4: Students will receive an email from Fresno State concerning their Early Start status.
- May 18: Early Start registration opens. Fees must be paid by June 13 (for students without fee waivers).
- May 31: Fresno State closed for Memorial Day.
- June 10: Deadline to update your Early Start campus on the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState.
- June 10: Deadline to submit completed English and/or Mathematics Exemption Request forms, if needed. You will be notified in the May 4 email if this form is required.
- June 13: Early Start fee payment deadline. Students who do not pay by 11:59pm will be dropped and must re-enroll after June 14.
- June 14: Early Start registration unavailable for all students.
- June 15: Early Start registration reopens. Fees must be paid immediately upon registration (for students without fee waivers).
- June 20: EARLY START CLASSES BEGIN.
- July 5: Fresno State closed in observance of Independence Day.
- JULY 29: EARLY START CLASSES END.
- August 17: First day of Fall 2022 semester at Fresno State.
- August 22: First day of Fall 2022 instruction at Fresno State.
Early Start Page
The Early Start Page in MyFresnoState allows you to make changs to your Early Start preferences.
- Selecting a campus: You may complete Early Start at any CSU campus. June 10 is the last day to update this preference.
- Opt out (if eligible): If you are required to take Early Start English and Math, you may opt out of one subject.
- Enroll in classes: Early Start enrollment will open on May 18. Classes will run from June 20 - July 29.
To access the Early Start Page:
- Login to MyFresnoState
- Click "Student Self Service"
- Click the "Student Center"
- Click "My Academic Records & Registration"
- Click "Early Start"
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University. See the "Placement and Exemption" tab for more information.
Early Start ID Cards
Early Start students are encouraged to register early (recommended by June 2) to receive a Fresno State ID Card in a timely manner. While an ID card is not required to attend Early Start, it may be necessary to access certain services on the Fresno State campus.
After you enroll, you receive an email prompt from the Bulldog Card office to submit two documents; 1) a photo and 2) government issued ID. This prompt may take up to seven days to arrive.
NOTE: The sooner you provide the necessary documentation, the sooner you will receive your ID card.
Requirement 1: Photo
Below are guidelines for ensuring your photo is accepted. It is best practice to follow the US Passport guidelines.
- Submit a color photo taken within the last 6 months (No pictures of other pictures).
- Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters. No shadows or underexposed photos.
- Have someone else take the photo. No selfies.
- No eyeglasses or hats.
- Use a plain white background.
- Both eyes must be open.
- Face the camera directly with head and shoulders centered in the frame and not tilted or angled.
- Photo must be in JPG, PNG, or GIF format.
Requirement 2: Government-Issued ID
You must also submit a government issued identification. Government issued ID's include:
- State Issued Identification Card
- Driver's License
- Driver’s License Learner Permit (with photo)
- U.S. Green Card
- Passport/Visa
- U.S. Military ID (must be valid)
After the Bulldog Card Office has verified your identity, they will delete your Government ID from their system.
WARNING: If you do not submit both documents (photo and ID), your submission will be denied.
If Submission is Approved:
- You will recieve an email stating your submission was approved.
- All cards will be mailed to students via USPS.
- Make sure your mailing address is up to date on your Fresno State Portal on Student Self Service > Student Center > My Personal Information > Mailing Address.
If Submission is Denied:
- Check your email for the reasoning behind the denial.
- Please make sure your photo adheres to US Passport Submission Guidlines.
Placement and Exemption
Opt-Out Option
If you are required to take Early Start English and Mathematics, you may opt-out of one class in MyFresnoState.
Student readiness for college level English and Mathematics is evaluated using multiple measures (SAT, ACT, CAASPP/EAP, high school GPA and high school coursework). Students who are conditionally exempt from supported GE may request updates to their exemption statuses based upon their grades in applicable Senior Year Expereince (SYE) courses.
NOTE: The California State University no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses. If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures to place students in the appropriate mathematics course.
You will receive an email from Fresno State Admissions about your Early Start status on May 4. If you participated in an eligible Senior Year Experience course, you may be required to submit an Exemption Request in that email. You may also view your statuses on the Early Start page in the MyFresnoState Student Center.
View Early Start Status in MyFresnoState
To view your Early Start status:
- Login to MyFresnoState
- Click "Student Self Service"
- Click the "Student Center"
- Click "My Academic Records & Registration"
- Click "Early Start"
This page allows you to:
- View your Early Start status (exempt, recommended, required)
- Opt out of English or Mathematics if you are required to take both
- Enroll in classes
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University.
English Placement and Exemption
The Bulldog English Readiness standards apply to all incoming freshmen. You will be placed in one of these four categories:
Your GE requirements in English are fulfilled. You must meet at least one of the following criteria for this category:
- Pass AP Composition/Language Exam with a 3 or higher
- Pass AP Composition/Literature Exam with a 3 or higher
- Pass approved community college course with a C- or better
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University.
You are ready to take a General Education (GE) English course. You must meet at least one of the following criteria for this category:
- Score "Standard Exceeded" on EAP/CAASP/SBAC
- Score "Standard Met" on EAP/CAASP/SBAC AND pass Senior Experience*
- SAT: 550 and above
- ACT: 22 and above
- Weighted HS GPA: 3.3 and above
- Weighted HS GPA: 3.0 - 3.29 AND pass Senior Experience*
- Complete an approved Early Start substitute course at a California Community College (Full list: Early Start substitute course)
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University.
You are ready to take a supported General Education (GE) English course. Supported courses include a co-requisite class that provides additional academic support. You must meet at least one of the following criteria for this category:
- SAT: 510-540
- ACT: 19-21
- Weighted HS GPA: 3.0-3.29 AND 4 years of English
NOTE: Early Start is not a requirement for students in this category. As an alternative, students are encouraged to enroll in an approriate writing course and take advantage of supplemental instruction in the First-Year Writing Program.
Ready to take a supported General Education (GE) English course. Supported courses include a co-requisite class that provides additional academic support. Criteria for this category:
- "Score "Not Yet Ready" or "Not Ready" on EAP/CAASP/SBAC
- SAT: below 510
- ACT: below 19
Is Early Start English right for me?
Early Start English will best serve English learners. Students who do not have reliable internet access at home are encouraged to opt-out or request an exemption.
REMINDER: students who are "Early Start Required" for both English and Mathematics may opt-out of one subject.
Incoming Fresno State students are encouraged to use the First-Year Writing Program resources to plan their classes. A Directed Self Placement tool is available to help students select a GE Area A2 writing course (either ENGL 5A/5B or ENGL 10), with supplemental instruction.
Learn More About the First-Year Writing Program
Download the Bulldog English Readiness Categories (PDF)
*Senior Experience English Exemption Request: In order to clear the “Conditional Exempt” status, you must have completed an approved one-year course in English and earned a grade of “C” or better during their senior year. The deadline to submit this request is June 10.
Submit a Senior Experience English Exemption Request
Math (non-STEM) Placement and Exemption
The Bulldog Math Readiness (non-STEM) standards apply to incoming freshmen who have not declared STEM majors.
NOTE: a score of 40 or more on the ALEKS exam will clear a student's Early Start requirement and allow them to enroll in a GE Area B4 quantitative reasoning class without a support lab.
NOTE: The IB and CLEP exams will not fulfill CSU General Education area B4 at Fresno State.
Your General Education (GE) requirement in math is fulfilled. You must meet at least one of the following requirements for this category:
- Pass AP Calculus exam with a 3 or higher
- Pass AP Statistics exam with a 3 or higher
- Pass approved community college mathematics course with a C- or better.
- Pass IB Exam with a 4 or higher (does not fulfill GE at Fresno State; may fulfill GE at other CSU campuses)
- Pass the CLEP (does not fulfill GE at Fresno State; may fulfill GE at other CSU campuses)
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University.
You are ready for a General Education (GE) math course. You must meet at least one of the following requirements for this category:
- Score "Standard Exceeded" on the EAP, CAASP, or SBAC exams.
- Score "Standard Met" on the EAP CAASP, or SBAC exams and pass an approved Senior Experience*
- SAT: 570 and above
- SAT: 520-560 and pass an approved Senior Experience*
- SAT Math Subject Test: 550 and above
- ACT: 23 and above
- ACT: 20-22 and pass an approved Senior Experience*
- Graduate high school with a weighted GPA of 3.7 or higher.
- Graduate high school with a weighted GPA of 3.5-3.69 AND pass an approved Senior Experience*
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA of at least 3.0 AND pass an approved Senior Experience*
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA of at least 3.0 AND have taken at least 5 years of math.
- Complete an approved Early Start substitute course at a California Community College.
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University.
You are ready to take a supported General Education (GE) math course. Supported courses include a co-requisite class that provides additional academic support. You must meet at least one of the following criteria for this category:
- Graduate high school with a weighted GPA of at least 3.0.
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA of at least 3.3.
Ready to take a supported General Education (GE) math course. Supported courses include a co-requisite class that provides additional academic support. Criteria for this category:
- Score "Not Yet Ready" or "Not Ready" on the EAP, CAASP, or SBAC exams.
- Graduate high school with a weighted GPA below 3.0.
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA below 3.3.
Download the non-STEM Bulldog Math Readiness Categories (PDF)
*Senior Experience Mathematics Exemption Request: In order to clear the “Conditional Exempt” status, you must have completed a one-year
course in Math and earned a grade of “C” or better during their senior year. The deadline
to submit this request is June 10.
Submit a Senior Experience Mathematics Exemption Request
Math (STEM) Placement and Exemption
The Bulldog Math Readiness (STEM) standards apply to incoming freshmen who have declared STEM majors.
NOTE: a score of 40 or more on the ALEKS exam will clear a student's Early Start requirement and allow them to enroll in a GE Area B4 quantitative reasoning class without a support lab.
NOTE: The IB and CLEP exams will not fulfill CSU General Education area B4 at Fresno State.
- Pass AP Calculus exam with a 3 or higher
- Pass AP Statistics exam with a 3 or higher
- Pass approved community college Mathematics course with a C- or better
- Pass IB exam with a 4 or higher (does not full GE at Fresno State; may fulfill GE at other CSU campuses)
- Pass the CLEP (does not fulfill GE at Fresno State; may fulfill GE at other CSU campuses)
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University.
You are ready for a General Education (GE) math course. You must meet at least one of the following criteria for this category.
- Score "Score Exceeded" on the EAP, CAASP, or SBAC exams.
- Score "Standard Met" on the EAP, CAASP, or SBAC exams and pass an approved Senior Experience*
- SAT: 570 and above
- SAT: 520-560 and pass an approved Senior Experience*
- SAT Math Subject Test: 550 and above
- ACT: 23 and above
- ACT: 20-22 and pass an approved Senior Experience*
- Graduate high school with a weighted GPA of at least 3.7.
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA of at least 3.5 ad pass an approved Senior Experience*
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA of at least 3.5 and have taken at least five years of math.
- Complete an approved Early Start substitute course at a California Community College.
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University.
You are ready to take a supported General Education (GE) math course. Supported courses include a co-requisite class that provides additional academic support. You must meet at least one of the following criteria for this category:
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA of at least 3.3.
Ready to take a supported General Education (GE) math course. Supported courses include a co-requisite class that provides additional academic support. Criteria for this category:
- Score "Not Yet Ready" or "Not Ready" on the EAP, CAASP, or SBAC exams.
- Graduate high school with a weighted GPA below 3.6.
- Graduate high school with a weighted math GPA below 3.3.
Download the STEM Bulldog Math Readiness Categories (PDF)
*Senior Experience Mathematics Exemption Request: In order to clear the “Conditional Exempt” status, you must have completed a one-year course in Math and earned a grade of “C” or better during their senior year. The deadline to submit this request is June 10.
Submit a Senior Experience Mathematics Exemption Request
Glossary
- ESP: Early Start Program
- EAP/CAASP/SBAC: Test taken in 11th grade
- EAP: Early Assessment Program
- CLEP: College Level Examination Program
- CSU GE: California State University General Education
- HS: High School
- IB: International Baccalaureate
Register and Pay
PAYMENT DEADLINE: If you do not qualify for the fee waiver, you must pay fees by June 13, 2022. If you enroll after June 13, you must pay fees immediately after enrolling.
Early Start classes will be in-person and online in 2022. Online classes utilize Canvas and Zoom for instruction and participation. Classes may have required Zoom meetings at set times each day.
How to Register
NOTE: Only students who are in category M3-M4 and/or W3-W4 will see the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState. Students who are in category M1-M2 AND W1-W2 are exempt from both Early Start subjects and will not see the page. Students' placement criteria are continually updated as new test scores and transcripts are received by the University. See the "Placement and Exemption" tab for more information.
An Early Start Registration Guide will be made available during the next program cycle.
Available Classes
ESE 1. Introduction to Academic Literacy
This 1-unit course will be taught over two weeks. Class will meet via Zoom at scheduled times.
ESM 1. Early Start Mathematics (non-STEM)*
This course offers 1-unit of baccalaureate credit and 2-units of additional support (total of 3-units). Also requires enrollment in ESM 1L. Classes meet on-campus for six weeks.
ESM 1-STEM. Early Start Mathematics*
This course offers 1-unit of baccalaureate credit and 2-units of additional support (total of 3-units). Also requires ESM 1L-STEM. Classes meet on-campus for four weeks.
*Your major will determine which Early Start Math classes you see during registration. Non-STEM and undeclared majors will see ESM 1 and ESM 1L. STEM majors will see ESM 1-STEM and ESM 1L-STEM.
Program Fees
$191
Early Start Class Fee (per-unit)
$1
University Student Union Fee
$1
Student Health Center Fee
Additional Information
Please review this information carefully.
Course Materials
Some Early Start courses may require purchase of additional course materials. Course materials, if required, are not covered by the Early Start fee waiver.
- Early Start English: no textbooks or course materials required.
- Early Start Math: no textbooks or course materials required.
Fee Waiver
An Early Start fee waiver is available if you have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less. If you are not eligible to submit a FAFSA, you should file the State Financial Aid application prior to enrolling in Early Start. A formula similar to the EFC is used to determine your waiver eligibility.
The fee waiver fully covers the Program Fees. It does not cover supplies, reading materials, parking, or room and board.
If you are a host student attending another CSU in the fall, you may check your fee waiver eligibility on your home CSU student account.
Dropping Classes
You may use the Student Center in MyFresnoState to drop classes. Full refunds are available for students who drop before the first day of instruction. Drops are not permitted after the first day of class without a serious and compelling reason. (see "Late Drop/Refund Petition" below)
Refunds
You may receive a refund of your Early Start fees if you:
- Drop your class before instruction begins for any reason. Submit a Schedule Change/Refund Form to moacosta@csufresno.edu receive your refund.
- Become eligible for a fee waiver after enrolling and paying. Submit a Schedule Change/Refund Form to moacosta@csufresno.edu receive your refund.
- Enroll in a class and later become exempt from that subject area (see "Placement and Exemption"). A refund will be automatically mailed to the address you have on file in MyFresnoState (no form needed).
You are NOT eligible for a refund if none of the reasons above apply and you drop your class after instruction begins. You may petition for a refund with approriate documentatin (see below).
Refund Petition for Serious or Compelling Reasons: You may petition for late drop and/or refund consideration if you have a serious or compelling reason to drop your class after instruction begins (e.g. called for military service, jury duty, illness, childbirth, etc.). Submit a Schedule/Change Refund Form to moacosta@csufresno.edu and include an explanation for your petition with supporting documentation (e.g. a doctor's note).
Host Students
Students heading to other CSU campuses in the fall may attend Early Start at Fresno State. The program fees and expenses are the same for host students. If you are a host student, your Early Start grades will be automatically sent to your home CSU campus.
Selecting Fresno State
You must use your home CSU campus student account to select Fresno State for Early Start. Fresno State will email you (usually within 1-2 business days) with more information.
If you have previously applied to or taken classes at Fresno State, you will already have a student account, ID, and login credentials. Your account will be updated with an Early Start registration link after you select Fresno State as your Early Start campus.
NOTE: You may see some "leftover" notifications on your MyFresnoState account if you attended or applied to Fresno State (e.g. a notification to attend Dog Days orientation). Contact us with any questions.
Early Start Updates
Host students should continue to refer to their student account at their home CSU campus for updates on Early Start placement and fee waiver eligibility.
NOTE: Any changes to your Early Start exemption statuses or fee waiver eligibility will take 1-2 business days to update at Fresno State.
Access to Campus Services
All Early Start students have access to campus services offered by the University Student Union and Student Health Center for the duration of the program.
Host students may obtain a free Early Start student ID card from the Bulldog Card Office to access campus services during the program. (refer to the instructions on the "About Early Start" tab)
Fresno State Grading Policies
Host students may review the University Catalog for detailed policies on grading and grade forgiveness.
FAQ and Contact
About Early Start
Early Start is a program used across the California State University system to prepare incoming freshmen for college-level English and Math courses.
There are community college courses are available that substitute for either Early Start or the applicable GE classes at Fresno State.
NOTE: YOU MUST forward an official transcript of the completed work to Fresno State after receiving your grade in a community college class.
Contact Admissions if you have any questions about substituting a community college class.
Early Start Substitutes
community college courses that fulfill Early Start requirements is available online. You will still be required to take the GE courses when you attend Fresno State.
General Education (GE) Credit Substitutes
If you pass a community college course that substitutes for a GE course at Fresno State, you will not need to complete that Early Start subject. Please contact Admissions first to confirm that your course is an adequate substitute.
You may use the Early Start Page in MyFresnoState to select another CSU campus or community college.
If you select a different CSU campus, they will contact you via Fresno State Mail within a few business days with registration information.
If you select a community college, you are required to register for classes on your own and make sure the transcripts arrive at Fresno State in a timely manner.
If you have submitted a FAFSA and have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less, you may be eligible for a waiver of program fees for the Early Start Program.
Students who are not eligible to submit FAFSA, including AB 540 students, should file the State Financial Aid application prior to enrolling in Early Start. A formula similar to the EFC is used to determine eligibility for the waiver.
The program fee waiver does not cover course materials, such as reading materials, room and board, or supplies.
If you are "Early Start required" for both subjects (English and Mathematics), you may opt-out of one subject on the Early Start page in your MyFresnoState Student Center.
Yes. All CSU campuses offer Early Start.
For any other institution: please contact Admissions first to confirm that your course is an an adequate substitute.
NOTE: YOU MUST forward an official transcript of the completed work to Fresno State after receiving your grade.
Enrolling in Early Start
Students may register until the first day of class.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to register early, as classes may fill up.
Early Start classes cost $191 per unit. Each student will also be charged mandatory University Student Union and Student Health Center fees. All program fees are covered by the Early Start Fee Waiver.
- Early Start English (1-unit) fee: $191
- Early Start Math (3-units) fee: $573
- University Student Union fee: $1
- Student Health Center fee: $1
If you register between May 18 - June 13, you must pay by 11:59pm on June 13. If you register on June 15 or later, you must pay immediately upon registration.
You do not have to pay program fees if you have an Early Start fee waiver.
Students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less are eligible for the Early Start fee waiver. Late or incorrect financial aid applications may cause problems with the fee waiver.
You should confirm that there are no Financial Aid-related activities on the "To Do" list in your MyFresnoState Student Center and contact the Financial Aid Office to verify that your EFC is correct and/or determine if any required documents are missing from your financial aid application.
NOTE: The Financial Aid office cannot assist with Early Start enrollment or change your fee waiver status.
Monitor your Early Start page. If the fee waiver status changes to "eligible," please submit a refund form and we will contact you with further instructions.
NOTE: If you are a host student (i.e. attending another CSU campus in the fall), contact your home campus staff for assistance with any unfinished financial aid paperwork. Monitor your fee waiver status on your home campus student account. It may take 1-2 business days for your waiver eligibility to update at Fresno State.
Attending Early Start
Early Start English classes at Fresno State will be held in a virtual synchronous format, and classes will meet at scheduled times via Zoom. Early Start Math classes will be met in classrooms on the Fresno State campus.
Students, please check your class schedule in MyFresnoState for the approriate classroom and locate the building on the Fresno State Campus Map.
We strongly encourage you to select an Early Start class that does not conflict with your Dog Days orientation.
If you do have a scheduling conflict, you are responsible for alerting your Early Start instructor of your absence and making up any missed work.
Early Start students are encouraged to register early (recommended by June 2) to get a Fresno State ID Card in a timely manner. While an ID card is not required to attend Early Start, it may be necessary to access certain services on the Fresno State campus. See "About Early Start" for more information.
University Dining Services will be available in the summer.
Campus Pointe (located on the east side of campus on Chestnut Avenue) has a variety of dining options as well. Visit the Campus Pointe website.
COVID-19 may affect available of many services.
Online Early Start classes are accessible via Canvas.
Make sure to login to Canvas using your Fresno State username and password.
Textbooks, reading materials, and course materials are not covered by the fee waiver and, if required, must be purchased by the student.
Early Start English: no additional course materials required.
Early Start Math: no additional course materials required.
COVID-19 may affect available of many services. Click below to learn more about popular services:
These resources may help:
Contact Us
Admissions
Contact Admissions with questions about English and Mathematics readiness and placement
Contact AdmissionsContinuing and Global Education
Contact Continuing and Global Education with questions about Early Start classes, enrollment, and payment.
Contact CGEInstructor Contact Information
The Campus Directory includes contact information for most instructors. Email cgeinfo@csufresno.edu if you cannot find the instructor you are looking for in the Campus Directory.
Campus Directory