EOP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1-What does EOP stand for?

A-Educational Opportunity Program

Q2-What are the benefits of joining EOP?

A-EOPs goals and objectives are in assisting low income first generation college students. There are many comprehensive services available to assist students in reaching academic success and graduation. At SDSU some of the main benefits include receiving:

• Academic Counseling
• Free Academic Tutoring
• Access to the Learning Support Center (LSC) an EOP student exclusive Computer Lab and Study Lounge
• Eligibility to receive an EOP Grant up to $1,500 per year.

*You are only able to apply to/join EOP prior to starting at SDSU.

Q3-How do I apply to EOP?

A-Applicants need to submit their CSU admission application on Cal State Apply website between October 1st and November 30th. Right before the end of the application, in the third tile, you will be asked “Are you interested in applying to EOP?” Select “YES” and the application will open for you to apply.

Re-admit students, who previously were admitted through regular admissions at SDSU or any other CSU who were not admitted into EOP, are not eligible to apply and be admitted into EOP.

Note:

• Only marking the yes box without accessing and completing the EOP application will not get your application assessed for eligibility to the program.

Q5-What do I do if the online EOP application is not working properly?

A-You can access the CalState Apply Applicant Help Center page, call them at 857-304-2087 or email them at [email protected].

Their hours of operation is Monday through Friday, 6-5 pm, Pacific Time.

Q6-Can I submit a paper application?

A- No. Students are no longer able to submit a paper application due to the new electronic method of applying to EOP and the CSU. Students must apply online by the January 15th deadline via Cal State Apply in order to be considered for admission into EOP.

Q7-Can my recommenders FAX in the EOP Recommendation Form directly?

A- All letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically via the Cal State Apply Recommendation Portal by January 31st.

If you are unable to access the portal, or you are unable to change the recommender on your Cal State Apply application, please feel free to access SDSU’s EOP recommendation form.

Please Note: Not all CSU campuses will accept the recommendations via paper copy. Please check with each campus you are applying to.

Applicants who submit a completed EOP application by the January 15th deadline will be screened for our program and placed on a list sent to Admissions for their consideration. There are NO GUARANTEES for admission into SDSU!

Applicants to SDSU EOP may be accepted after March on a rolling basis, depending on space and availability.

Q9-Are EOPS Community College Students accepted automatically into EOP?

A-No, a completed EOP application is required. EOPS students are screened and selected based on the same criteria for all EOP applicants.

Q10-If I attended the SDSU New Student Orientation do I still have to attend EOP First Contact?

A-Yes, EOP First Contact is mandatory for all new, incoming EOP students. There is no charge. EOP First Contact provides an orientation specifically for the Educational Opportunity Program and allows you to connect with your counselor before the beginning of the year. In addition, First Contact occurs before New Student Orientation to help prepare our students for the intensive day’s festivities.

Q11-If I applied to several CSU campuses, will I also have to apply to each EOP program separately?

A-No! Now that the EOP application is incorporated into the online Cal State Apply application, each CSU campus will receive a copy of your application in order to evaluate for their specific program. Each CSU’s EOP operates and evaluates applicants differently and admission into one CSU’s EOP program does not guarantee you admission into another CSU’s EOP program. Please contact each campus individually.

Q12-Is there a special Financial Aid Application for an EOP grant?

A-No, the EOP Grant is part of the Financial Aid application process. You must submit the FAFSA or Dream Act between January 1st and March 2nd. EOP grants are awarded to EOP students with the most need. Priority is given to students who are living in the residential halls. Not all EOP students who qualify for financial aid will receive an EOP grant. Students are encouraged to check their financial aid status on AidLink.

Q13-Do I need to re-apply every year for EOP?

A-No, EOP is an admissions program and once admitted you will remain in EOP status throughout your undergraduate education. Students previously admitted through regular admission at SDSU or another CSU, who were not previously accepted into EOP, cannot be admitted to EOP. If you were previously an EOP student at another campus, you will need to contact our office to do a CSU EOP transfer. You do not have to reapply via Cal State Apply or submit letters of recommendation for consideration.

Q14-What constitutes a local vs. non-local student?

A-You are considered a NON-LOCAL student if you attend a high school north of highway 56 and are required to live in on-campus housing. If you attend a high school south of highway 56 in San Diego or Imperial County, you are considered a LOCAL student.

Q15-What are the differences in services provided by EOP and EOPS?

A-EOP and EOPS share the same goals and objectives in assisting students from low-income, first generation backgrounds. However, EOP is an admission program that provides comprehensive services to provide academic support to assist students with their success throughout their undergraduate studies through graduation.

Each EOPS program has specific services and programs. At SDSU EOP, we offer programs and services such as:

• Academic Counseling
• Free Academic Tutoring
• EOP Student exclusive Computer Lab and study lounge
• EOP Grant
• You must apply and be admitted before enrolling in your first semester at the university and adhere to EOP admissions deadlines.

Q16-If I am a transfer student who was not in EOPS at the community college, can I still apply for EOP.

A-Yes, the same qualification criteria will be applied to all students applying.

Q17-If I am admitted by the University, do I need to submit a complete EOP application via Cal State Apply?

A-Students interested in enrolling in EOP must apply by January 15th before receiving their admission decision from the university. The online application will not be available after this deadline, and we will not be able to determine your eligibility without this information. It is worth noting, that per state regulations students may NOT be admitted into EOP after starting their first semester at SDSU.

Q18-How do I follow-up on my EOP admissions status?

A-Admission notices will go out in mid-March and mid-April. If space is allotted, we will continue to admit students on a rolling basis through May 1st. You will receive an email regarding your admission status to EOP.

Non-acceptance notices go out in early June. If you do not hear from us, please feel free to call EOP for updates on your application status Monday-Friday after 2pm at (619) 594-6298. Please have RED ID number ready when you call. Ensure that the email address listed on your SDSU WebPortal is current.

Q19-Are non-resident students eligible for EOP services?

A-No, only California residents and AB540 students, are eligible to become EOP students.

Q20-Does EOP serve graduate level students?

A-No, EOP is a program for undergraduate students only.

Q21-Does EOP cost me anything?

A-No, all EOP services are at no cost to the student.

Q22-Is there a separate EOP on each CSU campus?

A-YES! Each campus operates a separate EOP department, and you must follow up with each campus individually regarding their application and admission decisions/criteria.

Q23-Where is the SDSU EOP Office located?

A-EOP is located in the Student Services East Building, room 2109. We are open from 8:00 am-4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Q24-Can EOP help me get into SDSU?

A-SDSU is an impacted campus, therefore EOP at SDSU does not have “special admits.” However, our EOP selected students are given additional consideration in the admission process which may help students gain access to SDSU. You may check at other EOP departments at non-impacted CSU campuses for their policy on special admits.

Q25-Where can I see what my Eligibility Index is?

A-Go to SDSU Admissions website Click on “Apply,” then click on “Freshman Admissions.” On the left hand side of the page, you will see a link which says “Eligibility Index.” This page will show you how to calculate your Eligibility Index for CSU admission eligibility.

You can also contact the Prospective Student Center at 619-594-6336 for this information directly if you would like to see what the university has calculated for you.

Q26-I am an AB540 student—May I apply to EOP?

A-Yes, EOP accepts applications for AB540 students who meet the program criteria and deadlines. Please be sure to submit your Dream Act application by January 5th for full consideration to EOP.

If your question was not answered above or for additional
SDSU EOP Admissions questions, please contact us at [email protected], or
(619) 594-6298 from 8:00 - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.