Early Assessment Program 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 SF State, 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.