Early Assessment Program

The Early Assessment Program at SFSU works in collaboration with Bay Area high schools to support students’ transition to college and encourage student success through curriculum alignment, an 11th grade success indicator (CAASPP) and a senior year experience.

The CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP)

The CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) gives high school juniors an early signal of their level of academic preparation for college and connects them with rigorous coursework in their senior year.

1. Junior Year Testing: In the spring of their junior year, students take the CAASPP exam at their high schools. Their results indicate their current level of academic preparation in mathematics and writing. (The CAASPP is NOT used for admission purposes). Juniors are still strongly encouraged to enroll in the most academically rigorous senior-year English and senior-year math that matches their current preparation.
2. Senior Year Coursework: Students’ CAASPP results direct them toward rigorous senior year coursework to help them maintain a high level of academic preparation for college.

We encourage high school students to do the following:

• Ask as many “how” and “why” questions to practice curiosity and listening skills.
• Find allies in teachers, counselors, friends, families, and community members who can help you reflect on your strengths and dreams.
• If you haven’t already, join an activity (sport team, community volunteer effort, internship, art group…) to sharpen skills and improve group communication.
• Explore the admissions process at campuses you are interested in.
• Explore the FAFSA or Dream Act after you have taken time to understand college costs and understand financial aid.
• If thinking of SFSU, check out both EOP and Metro: programs that create community and help students excel.

EAP and CSU Course Placement 

The CSU uses CAASPP results, along with other test scores (ACT, SAT, and AP) as well as high school grades and coursework to place students in one of four enrollment categories/pathways:

English Categories/Pathways

• Pathway I: English Composition requirement completed; no course needed. Check your Degree Progress Report to be sure that English Composition/Area 1A is met. For questions: email gatorsmartstart@sfsu.edu.
• Pathway II: Choose single semester course - ENG 114 or ENG 209 (for multilingual students)
• Pathway III: Choose either the single semester course - ENG 114 or ENG 209 (for multilingual students) or the stretch option - ENG 104 + ENG 105 or ENG 201 + ENG 202 (for multilingual students)
• Pathway IV: Choose stretch option - ENG 104 + ENG 105 or ENG 201 + ENG 202 (for multilingual students)

Math Categories/Pathways

• Pathway I: Math/Quantitative requirement completed; no course needed. Check your Degree Progress report to be sure that Math/Quantitative requirement Area 2 is met. Certain majors may require further math classes.
  • For questions: email gatorsmartstart@sfsu.edu.
• Pathway 2: Choose single semester course appropriate for major.
• Pathway 3: Choose either the single semester course or the stretch/supported option course appropriate for major.
• Pathway 4: Choose stretch/supported option appropriate for major.

Note: In addition, 13 of 23 CSU campuses (including SF State) allow students to supplement enrollment category guidance with a self placement exercise to determine the math/quantitative course that is best for them.

At SFSU, this means that incoming students should complete the online First-Year Math Advising before choosing whether to enroll in stretch/supported option or the single semester option appropriate for major during their first year. The First-Year Math Advising should be completed before students enroll in any courses during orientation.