ELM: Entry Level Mathematics
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- EPT/ELM Information Bulletin
- Focus on Math study guide (pdf)
- Early Assessment Program
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WHO MUST SATISFY THE CSU ENTRY LEVEL MATHEMATICS (ELM) REQUIREMENT?
The CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Requirement is a requirement that all undergraduate students demonstrate a basic understanding of arithmetic, beginning algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra, and data interpretation/statistics before enrolling in any baccalaureate level mathematics or statistics course. These topics are part of a three-year high school mathematics sequence.
A student satisfies the ELM requirement (at the level of intermediate algebra) by
- Qualifying for one of the exemptions listed below, or
- Passing the ELM exam at the level of intermediate algebra, or
- Transferring to Cal Poly from another college a baccalaureate level mathematics or statistics course above the level of intermediate algebra with a grade of "C" or better (a transcript is needed to verify the passing grade), or
- Following the ELM examination placement advice and passing the necessary developmental courses.
At Cal Poly, ELM exam scores are valid for a period of two years.
WHAT ARE THE EXEMPTIONS?
The CSU Entry Level Math Test must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who meet of one of the following exemptions:
- a score of 550 or above on the mathematics portion of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test (previously known as SAT I: Reasoning Test.)
- a score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (levels 1 or 2) taken before March 2005.
- a score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test taken October 1989 or later
- a score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Mathematics Examination (Calculus AB or Calculus BC)
- a score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics Examination
- completion and transfer to the CSU of a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better
- placement in the "Ready for College" category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) test of mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II.
- placement in the "Ready for College-conditional" category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) test of mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II PLUS successful completion of a CSU-approved math or math-related course or activity taken before you enroll at a CSU campus.
How should you claim your exemption?
PENALTIES
Nonexempt students must take the ELM exam before enrollment at Cal Poly. Failure to do so will result in a registration hold. Additionally, if the ELM score indicates placement in developmental coursework, such course(s) must be completed within the first year of enrollment to avoid academic disqualification.
WHEN WILL THE EXAM BE GIVEN?
The ELM is given on the same dates as the EPT (English Placement Test). The ELM and the EPT may be taken individually or as a combination.
When should you take your EPT/ELM?
| 2008 TEST DATES | REGISTRATION DEADLINES |
|---|---|
| January 12, 2008 | 5pm - December 14, 2007 |
| March 15, 2008 | 5pm - February 29, 2008 |
| May 3, 2008 | 5pm - April 18, 2008 |
| June 7, 2008* | 5pm - May 23, 2008 |
| July 19, 2008 | 5pm - July 3, 2008 |
| September 24, 2008 | 5pm - September 5, 2008 |
*The June 2008 test date at Cal Poly is a week earlier than the Statewide test date of June 14. The June 14 test will not be given at Cal Poly because it conflicts with Graduation Day.
Students must pre-register for the exam by the registration deadline. Late or walk-in registration is NOT PERMITTED at Cal Poly.
REGISTRATION
Students may take their tests here at Cal Poly or at any other CSU campus that is convenient. When you take your test, there will be a place on your answer sheet where you will be asked to indicate which CSU campuses you want to receive your scores. (You may select up to four.) Official scores will then be automatically sent to the campuses you select, and you will also receive a personal copy for your own records, sent to the home address you provide on the answer sheet.
To register to take the ELM and/or the EPT at Cal Poly see our on-line registration page.
REQUESTING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: Students wanting to test at Cal Poly who need special testing accommodations due to disabilities or need non-Saturday testing due to religious convictions should see our on-line registration page.
To register to take the tests at another CSU campus see the EPT/ELM Information bulletin or visit other campus websites.
OUT-OF-STATE TESTING: Students can arrange to take the EPT and ELM tests outside the state of California. Call Educational Testing Service (ETS) at (925)808-2142 or e-mail csuout-of-state@ets.org. Out of state testing is arranged for the 2nd week of the month, except in May when the test is the first week. There is an additional fee of $50 for testing outside of California. ETS is the company that publishes and scores the tests. They can arrange for them to be given at a high school or college in your area.
FEES
The cost of the each exam (ELM or EPT) is $18, paid at the time the exam is taken. If both tests are taken, the cost is $36. You must present a check or money order on the day of the test, payable to "ETS". Cash will not be accepted.
ELM POLICIES AT CAL POLY
To find out more about the ELM testing policies at Cal Poly, see the Mathematics Department website.
WHAT THE TEST WILL COVER
Calculators are not allowed for the ELM placement test. The questions on the ELM do not require involved computation. Rather, the placement test includes problems that emphasize quantitative reasoning and problem solving.
The content of the ELM test changed in March 2002. An explanation of the new test is available in Focus on Math 2002 (pdf) and a set of sample problems may be found here (pdf). Both are publications of the California State University System.
See the CSU Math Success Website for test review questions.
Additional details may be found at the official CSU EPT/ELM Website.