Advising for Incoming College of Engineering First Time, First-Year Students (Freshmen)

The Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC) would like to welcome all newly admitted students to ºÚÁÏÍø and the College of Engineering (COE)! The following information is for incoming first-time, first-year students who are Pre-Engineering Majors.

Steps to Start Your Journey

  1. Submit your Admitted Student Reply and Enrollment Deposit by Thursday, May 1, 2025 or by the deadline determined by Admissions. Use your MyºÚÁÏÍø account to accept admission and submit your deposit.
  2. Check your BeachMail and personal email accounts on a regular basis for directions and announcements. See .
  3. Reserve your SOAR date starting April 2nd.
  4. Complete the two online Canvas courses:
    • Online Pre-Orientation Program: this course is required as part of your orientation requirement.
    • Online Advising & Registration Course: this course is required for your advising & registration requirement.
  5. Complete the mathematics class placement by July 11, 2025. ALEKS Math Placement will become available on your once you submit your Intent to Enroll and Enrollment Deposit. Please see additional information regarding the ALEKS Mathematics Placement exam below.
  6. Submit all transfer credit:
  7. Complete the y to report AP scores, test scores, transfer credit, and other information that will pertain to your Fall 2025 schedule.
  8. Fulfill your Orientation Process and Advising & Registration Process by attending your in-person SOAR appointment.

 

The SOAR Experience Overview

Student Orientation, Advising, & Registration (SOAR) is a two-component comprehensive new student experience designed to support your transition to ºÚÁÏÍø. All new first-time students are required to attend SOAR, consisting of your Orientation and Advising & Registration. The Advising & Registration component of SOAR will be hosted by the ESSC Advising Office.

As a Pre-Engineering major, Advising & Registration will be offered late July- early August. Due to pending transfer credit (including AP, CLEP, IB test scores) and MATH ALEKS placement results, the College of Engineering opts to offer later Advising & Registration dates to ensure accurate course recommendations. During Advising & Registration, you will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding course placement and receive spring course registration assistance.

We look forward to meeting you and assisting you with registration!

 

Please note college advising and registration websites are still being updated at this time.

COE Pre-Majors who do not qualify for Calculus 1 (MATH 122) based on AP, CLEP, IB exams or SAT/ACT scores (see Math placement criterion/link below) are required to complete ALEKS Mathematics Placement. Chemistry Placement (CHEM ALEKS) is only recommended for Pre-Chemical Engineering majors. ALEKS Math and Chemistry placement programs require multiple days to complete. We recommend starting the placement modules no later than early/mid June.

ALEKS assessments for Math and Chemistry must be completed by July 11, 2025, for the College of Engineering.

COE Freshmen must officially submit all AP/IB exam scores and college credit(s) to ºÚÁÏÍø (via College Board, official community college transcripts, etc.) to receive appropriate ºÚÁÏÍø credit.Please see the for additional information on how credit will be awarded. 

Be sure to complete the Pre-Orientation and COE Advising & Registration Canvas courses prior to attending SOAR. These courses contain important information that will help you prepare for SOAR Orientation and provide resources for Pre-COE majors. Courses will become available on Canvas on: May 21, 2025. 

First-time, first-year applicants are required to declare a major at the time of application. Admission is competitive and acceptance criteria may vary by major. In rare instances, first-time students may be permitted to change their major after matriculation. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the student’s academic eligibility and the availability of seats in the desired major. 

Before requesting a major change, students should carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges of switching majors early in their academic journey. Changing majors may impact math and chemistry course placements, course sequencing, graduation timelines, and academic workload.

If you are considering a change of major, you must submit the at least five days prior to your scheduled SOAR workshop date. This allows ºÚÁÏÍø Admissions sufficient time to review your eligibility and gives you the opportunity to complete the required academic online Advising & Registration course and any necessary placement processes. We recommend completing this request as soon as possible to ensure you attend the appropriate Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) workshop specific to your major.

You will be notified of the decision of your change of major request within 48 hours. If your major change is approved into a COE major, please contact the SOAR Office to update your reservation and complete the ALEKS Mathematics Placement immediately.

Please note that major changes are rarely approved and generally not permitted on the day of your SOAR workshop.

Please contact the SOAR office at (562) 985-5515 or via email soar@csulb.edu to reschedule for the next available SOAR date.

The Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC) provides support to students with disabilities through accommodations and services, including but not limited to sign language interpreters, real-time captioners, assistive technology, and alternative media.

Complete the to request your needed accommodations/services. If you have additional questions, please visit the BMAC website, call (562) 985-5401, or email BMAC@csulb.edu.

If you have previously accepted your offer of admission and have decided not to attend ºÚÁÏÍø, please follow the Cancel Admission instructions.