Early Start Program Overview and Important Dates

The CSU Early Start Program gives students an opportunity to sharpen their mathematics and writing skills in the summer before the start of their freshman year. Early Start mathematics classes also give students an opportunity to complete their mathematics/quantitative reasoning requirement (Area B4) in the summer before their freshman year. Admitted students are notified in the first week of May if Early Start classes are required or recommended. 

If you received notification that Early Start is required or recommended, please visit our Course Recommendations page for a list of courses that will fulfill the requirement. 

Exemption from Early Start

The following students are categorically exempt from Early Start:

• Residents of a state other than California
• International students (F1 and J1 visas only)

Students who feel that attempting to participate in the program would cause unreasonable hardship may apply for an exception to the Early Start requirement.

Although students may satisfy the Early Start requirement through any CSU campus, local students are strongly encouraged to attend Early Start through SJSU to ensure that their classes count toward their degree program. 

Important Dates