Supportive Pathways in Summer: Early Start Courses

We understand that transitioning from high school to college can be a big step, and we’re here to help make it easier.

If you're a first-year student, you can get a head start by enrolling in an Early Start course. By signing up for Early Start Composition (ESC) or Early Start Math (ESM) before the fall semester, you can earn 3 units of college credit! These in-person classes are designed to prepare you for college and give you a chance to connect with other students.

Participation is based on various factors, so if you're a provisionally admitted student, be sure to check your Cal State LA email for more information about your eligibility. Students who are distance/out-of-state, international, or athletes are exempt from these courses.

Important Dates Coming Soon! 
Last Day to Register: July 2025
First Day of Class: July 2025
Last Day of Class: August 2025

  1. Log in to your MyCalStateLA portal. Click on the GET icon. Select ‘Self-Service’, then go to ‘Student Center’.
  2. Click on the ‘Early Start Course’ link at the top left under 'Academic' on your GET page. This is where you will confirm your Early Start course participation and be notified if a fee-waiver is available to you.
  3. After selecting Cal State LA, you will be directed to a confirmation page. Click ‘Confirm Early Start Selection and you should be redirected to make your final confirmation where a link to ‘Enroll in Early Start’ will appear.
  4. Review the information regarding your course requirements options from the letter you received.
  5. Select the 'Enroll in Early Start' button located at the bottom of the page. A Financial Aid Waiver pop-up message may appear informing you of the financial aid waiver eligibility (subject to change, based on EFC).
  6. You should now be on the 'Add Classes' page. Click on the Search button
  7. In the subject box, enter the appropriate course to add, ESC for English or ESM for math. In the box right below, enter the course number (see your letter: 1090, 1082, or 1005A).  Then click ‘Search’.
  8. A list of courses should appear with a green circle indicating that the course is open, and seats are available. Make the selection that best fits your schedule. 'Select’ the course and then click ‘Next’ to continue. For math, repeat steps to add lab (ESM 90 or 82 )
  9. Review your selection and "Proceed to Step 2 of 3". Select 'Finish Enrolling'.
  10. If you come across any errors, please screenshot, and email to: [email protected]

Students requesting accommodations, please visit OSD Registration or contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (323) 343-3140.

Cannot attend this summer? Please let us know!

ESM 1090 and ESM 90: Early Start Quantitative Reasoning with Statistics

ESM 1090 and ESM 90 are for incoming freshmen who are non-stem majors. It is an introduction course in statistics and data analysis and interpretation using quantitative reasoning and mathematical concepts, including descriptive and inferential statistics and analysis methods for understanding basic research data, with real life applications in the contexts of education and human services. Students in ESM 1090 must also enroll in ESM 90, a co-requisite course designed to provide students with additional support. Classes will be held in-person.

Course Credit: Passing ESM 1090 will confer 3 units of college credit and fulfill the GE Block B4 requirement. ESM 1090 is graded ABC-/NC. ESM 90 does not carry college credit or count towards the degree and is graded CR/NC.
 

ESM 1082 and ESM 82 Early Start Precalculus: Functions

ESM 1082 and ESM 82 are for incoming freshmen who are in majors that require Precalculus or Calculus. This includes most STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) majors. The content of ESM 1082 is that of a standard precalculus Functions class (basic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions; polynomials and rational functions; sequences including arithmetic and geometric series).  Students in ESM 1082 must also enroll in ESM 82, a co-requisite course designed to provide students with additional support.  Classes will be held in-person.

Course Credit: Passing ESM 1082 will confer 3 units of college credit and fulfill the GE Block B4 requirement. ESM 82 does not carry college credit or count towards the degree. 
 

ESC 1005A Early Start Composition

ESC 1005A is a 6-week summer course designed to prepare first-time students for success in their college writing classes. Working with a supportive professor, you'll have the opportunity to explore new strategies for critical reading, research, and writing to build a strong foundation for the work you'll do in your future college courses. You'll develop your writing strengths by connecting and working with peers just like you.

Course credit: You will earn 3 units of college credit by passing this course and advance to the next level of English in the Fall semester (ENGL 1005B). Graded: ABC-, NC

  • The cost is $191 per unit plus a mandatory one-time fee of $1 for Health Facilities and $1 for the Student Union.
    • California residents who apply for financial aid and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $6,000 or less (at the time of enrollment) will be eligible for a waiver of the per-unit fee, the Health Facilities fee and the Student Union fee.
  • Refund Procedure and 2024 Proration Schedule, visit the One-Stop Financial Services Office website.
  • To pay online, please log on to your MyCalStateLA student portal and select Transact from the Quick Launch menu. You can also access the link directly here.

Students enrolled in one of our courses (ESM or ESC) will receive an email from Parking & Transportation services with information on how to obtain a parking permit (purchase is optional).

Please note: It is the responsibility of all drivers to know and under stand the University parking rules and regulations. Parking regulations are enforced 24-hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. Please obey all posted signs and/or curb markings. Please click here for more information about parking regulations. Click here for campus map.

Email Us | Call: 323.343.6860 | Or Stop by Library North Room 1034

Please let us know why you cannot attend Early Start.