The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is a collaborative effort among the State Board of Education (SBE)(opens in new window), the California Department of Education (CDE)(opens in new window) and the California State University (CSU)(opens in new window). The program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college-level English and mathematics in their junior year of high school, and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year.
Early Assessment Program
Goal
The goal of the EAP program is to have California high school graduates enter the CSU fully prepared to begin college-level study.
Why is EAP important?
The CSU wants to make sure that incoming first year students are prepared to succeed at the university level. Students who complete general education math and written communication courses during their first year save time, money, and are more likely to graduate than those who do not. Giving students an indicator of their preparation level during their junior year of high school allows them to focus on critical skills before they arrive on the CSU campus for their first semester.
Preparation is key!
High School students who take the junior CAASPP/EAP English and Math exams and receive a score of level 3 or better can enroll directly into college-level GE coursework without having to take supported GE classes and possibly making it take longer to complete a degree. Students who haven’t received these scores through CAASPP/EAP must take a more serious approach to their senior year coursework. Completing appropriate 12th-grade English and math courses with C- or better will result in students being better prepared for their collegiate studies. Know more about GE placement and measures that CSU will use to determine your math and English first-year courses. Knowledge and preparation are key!