Early Assessment Program (EAP)

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is a collaborative effort of the CSU, the California Department of Education (CDE), and the State Board of Education (SBE). The goal of this unprecedented partnership is to ensure that eleventh grade students are “on track” to meet college entry-level standards in English and mathematics. Those students who do well on the EAP may earn exemption from the English and mathematics placement tests required of entering CSU freshmen.

Participating in the EAP

When juniors take the eleventh grade California Standards Tests (CSTs) in English-Language Arts and Algebra II or Summative High School Mathematics, they will find that each test is followed by a brief set of optional supplementary items. Students who complete these extra sections are participating in the EAP.

The EAP English Test is known as the Early Assessment of Readiness for College English. In addition to taking the English-Language Arts CST, students will be asked to answer 15 multiple-choice questions and write a 45-minute essay based on a short non-fiction passage.
The EAP Math Test is known as the Early Assessment of Readiness for College Mathematics. This test is only available to juniors who take the Algebra II or Summative Mathematics CST. To participate, students will be asked to answer 15 additional multiple-choice questions.

EAP Results

Student responses to selected CST items and the supplemental items will be scored, and students will receive notification at the start of their senior year about their readiness for college-level English and mathematics. Included with the results of their EAP report will be a discussion of the options for college preparation.

We hope students will complete the EAP portion of the CST and use the EAP results to help plan for college. More information about the EAP is available on the CSU EAP Web site at http://www.calstate.edu/eap popup window icon .