Preparing for Your
One-Day Freshman Program

Prior to Orientation

  • Activate your Chico State Connection portal account .
    • Visit this link for information regarding the set-up of your portal account.
    • For additional support in setting up your portal account, contact Student Computing at (530) 898-HELP (4357).
  • All official university communication is done via email. Please make sure that your email and mailing address are current.
  • Accept your offer of admission and submit your “intent to enroll” by May 1.
    • Submit your intent to enroll via your Portal account by going to the Admissions & Orientation tab, and clicking on the link Accept/Decline Admission.
    • Please note: Failure to indicate your acceptance of CSU, Chico’s offer of admission will result in your admission being cancelled.
  • Take the English Placement Test (EPT) and/or Entry Level Math Test (ELM) by the May 3 test date or provide the Admissions Office with your documentation of a exemption(s).
    • For information regarding test exemptions and scores, visit ELM/EPT.
    • For a list of EPT/ELM test dates and locations, visit www.ets.org/csu.
    • Please note: You will not be able to sign up for classes without a placement test score or test exemption.
  • Check out our Travel & Accommodations section for information including maps/directions, lodging, and parking recommendations.
  • If you have declared or are considering any of the following majors, you are required to take the Calculus Readiness Test (CRT) offered the morning of your Orientation session:
    • Biological Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science
    • Construction Management
    • Engineering (Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronic)
    • Environmental Science
    • Geology
    • Geosciences
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
  • Interested in adding an outdoor adventure trip to your orientation session? Check out the Chico Bound website for all the details.

Day of Orientation

  • Bring copies of your original test scores from the ELM, EPT, SAT, ACT, and/or Advanced Placement (AP) in case they are needed.  You may be asked to show these in the event that Admissions has not received them.
  • Provide copies of Immunization Records.
    • Documentation must include immunization for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella.
    • Please note: We will not accept original immunization documents. Copies are acceptable.
    • For more information regarding immunization requirements, please contact Student Health Services at (530) 898-5879.
  • Remember to have a pencil or pen and something to write on so you can take notes and jot down questions.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes!
  • Dress appropriately for very warm Chico summer weather. However, we also recommend you bring a sweater or sweatshirt, as some of the air-conditioned buildings may get chilly! Check the weather.
  • Be prepared to have your picture taken for your Wildcat ID Card!
  • Make sure to park in the designated lots. Click here for parking information and directions.
  • Most important: Be ready to learn a lot about yourself, your choices, and your Chico experience!