The Early Start Program (ESP) is a transition program offered by Colorado Mesa University (CMU) to incoming first-time students. The course is held on campus the week prior to the start of fall classes. With three different “tracks,” ESP students are placed in a class based on their admission level to CMU. Each class kicks off with an introduction on Sunday from 3:30pm-5:00pm. Starting Monday, the class runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including an hour lunch) until Friday. The cost of the program will depend on the track you’re placed in (visit https://www.coloradomesa.edu/admitted/early-start/ for more information).
So, what is the benefit of a 36.5 hour course shoved into six days? “If nothing else, it’s two easy credits and a chance to meet friends,” my mom told me as I registered. And that’s exactly what it ended up being.
The content of the UNIV 101 course consists of tips for effective studying, time management skills, campus resources and games with your class to spark new friendships. I attended an early college high school where I started taking college courses as a freshman. With high expectations being already drilled into me, I did not find the college success tips helpful. I discussed this with some of my ESP classmates, but they felt encouraged by the strategies we were being taught. They mentioned that the course helped the idea of college become less intimidating.
While I was glad to have my high school habits reinforced, the days were too long. Rather than an interactive course as I was expecting, the majority was read from a textbook. It was more dull than most of the lectures I’ve attended.
Also, when talking to some of my residence hall floormates about their ESP classes, we discovered there were a lot of differences. Some were given nightly homework (myself included), others were only assigned simple tasks to prepare for the next day (i.e. printing a worksheet). We also found out that not every ESP class was required to take a final. Some of my floormates had to take a written exam, I had to write a final essay and others were given no final at all. We all paid for the same course, so why were our experiences so vastly different?
The only part of my ESP class that made the long days bearable was the time I got to spend making new friends. These first friendships eased my adjustment into college and continue to support me. However, students have plenty of opportunity to make these connections during New MAV Days and Welcome Week.
So, was it worth it? Personally, no. If you are nervous about your college transition, the ESP might be beneficial for you. However, students who are confident in their academics and ability to adapt to a new environment should save their money and enjoy an extra week of summer vacation.
