Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Information
Who must satisfy the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) requirment?
How do I register for the ELM exam?
What is the deadline for taking the exam?
When will the ELM exams be given?
What is the purpose of the ELM requirement?
How long do I have to complete the ELM requirement?
How can I document an exemption to the ELM exam?
If my ELM score is below 50, what developmental Math courses must I take?
If my ELM score is 50 or above, what Math and/or Statistics courses am I eligible for?
Can I take the MAPE exam instead of the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam?
Where can I get help to study for the exam?
Who can I contact for advice?
Who must satisfy the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) requirment?
The CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Requirement states that all undergraduate students must 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 by:
- Qualifying for one of the exemptions listed below, or
- Passing the ELM exam at the appropriate level, or
- Placing 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, or
- Placing 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 and successful completion of a CSU-approved math or math-related course or activity taken before you enroll at a CSU campus, or
- Passing a transferable mathematics or statistics class with a grade of "C" or better at another college (a transcript is needed to verify the passing grade, and beginning and intermediate algebra courses taken at other institutions are NOT transferable and will NOT satisfy this requirement), or
- Following the ELM examination placement advice and passing the necessary developmental courses.
A student who has completed one of the following examinations at the specified level or above is exempt from the ELM exam:
- a score of 550 or above on the Math SAT I/II
- a score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test
- 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
Nonexempt students must take the ELM exam before enrollment at Cal Poly (see deadline below for 2009 students). 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. Students are also required to enroll in a remedial math course each quarter until the requirement has been met.
How do I register for the ELM exam?
Register online at the Test Office's On-line Registration Site. You may register there to take the test at Cal Poly, or use the link provided for information on taking the test at another CSU campus. If you would like to register by mail, call one of the contact numbers listed below to request a registration packet.
What is the deadline for taking the exam?
Students must take the exam by last statewide date in mid-June every year. NEW STUDENTS ENTERING CAL POLY IN SUMMER OR FALL 2009 MUST TAKE THE EXAM NO LATER THAN JUNE 13, 2009. Please note that failure to comply with this deadline will result in a hold on your fall registration privileges.
When will the ELM exams be given?
Future ELM-EPT test dates for all CSU campuses are listed in the ELM/EPT Bulletin. The tests are given at every CSU in March, May and June. The following is a list of future dates for the ELM-EPT exams at Cal Poly:
Test Dates |
Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| September 19, 2009 | September 4, 2009 |
| January 9, 2010 | December 11, 2009 |
| March 20, 2010 | March 5, 2010 |
| May 1, 2010 | April 16, 2010 |
| June 19, 2010 | June 4, 2010 |
| July 17, 2010 | July 2, 2010 |
The ELM and the EPT may be taken individually or as a combination. The cost of the ELM exam is $18, paid at the time the exam is taken. Students must pre-register for the exam by the registration deadline. Cal Poly does not allow walk-in testing.
What is the purpose of the ELM requirement?
Each major program of study at Cal Poly requires at least one mathematics course above the level of intermediate algebra. A statistics class may also be required. The ELM exam is a test of the minimum mathematical skills needed for baccalaureate level courses. To progress effectively and without interruption at the university, students need to demonstrate that they have a basic understanding of arithmetic, beginning algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra, and data interpretation with counting, probability and statistics.
The ELM exam serves as a placement tool. Students who need remedial help are directed to take a course in beginning algebra and/or intermediate algebra. Students who place into Beginning Algebra, Math 100, must also take Intermediate Algebra, Math 104. Successful completion of Math 104 satisfies the ELM requirement.
How long do I have to complete the ELM requirement?
Nonexempt students are required to take the ELM exam before enrollment at Cal Poly. 2009 Students: You must take the exam no later than June 13, 2009. If your ELM score indicates that developmental coursework is required, such course(s) must be completed by the end of the first year (June 2010) to avoid academic disqualification. In addition, students must enroll in the appropriate developmental math course each quarter of their first year until the ELM requirement has been fulfilled.
How can I document an exemption to the ELM exam?
Review the list of ELM exam exemptions at the top of this document. If you are exempt, please return the ELM Exemption Form and a copy of the exemption (photo copy accepted) to the ELM Office, c/o Mathematics Department, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0403, or fax the exemption form and proof of exemption to (805) 756-6537.
NOTE: If you are exempt, and have received notification you are to take the ELM Exam, it is likely we do NOT have a record of your exemption. It is very important to send this information to the ELM Office as soon as possible.
If my ELM score is below 50, what developmental Math courses must I take?
If your score was below 41, you should register for Math 100, then Math 104 the following quarter. If your score was between 41 and 49, you should register for Math 104.
If my ELM score is 50 or above, what Math and/or Statistics courses am I eligible for?
If you score 50 or above, you may enroll in any of the following courses: Math 112 or Math 116, and Statistics 130, 217, 218, or 221. A score of 65 or above also qualifies you to enroll in Math 118. Enrollment in higher level coursework requires a passing score on the MAPE.
Can I take the MAPE exam instead of the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam?
No...The MAPE is used at Cal Poly only if students have satisfied the ELM requirement. You will not be allowed to take the MAPE if you do not have an ELM exemption, or if you have been directed by your ELM score to take developmental math courses.
Where can I get help to study for the exam?
Reference books at the level of intermediate algebra and the ELM Workbook, giving sample problems and a topic outline of the ELM exam, are available at many college bookstores. Sample problems are also available in the CSU's Focus on Mathematics, the ELM Bulletin, and the online version of the ELM Workbook.
Who can I contact for advice?
The Cal Poly Catalog, the EPT-ELM Information Bulletin, and the Schedule of Classes list the ELM requirements. You can also find more information in the MAPE Information and Selecting Your First Math Course documents. We suggest that you print this information for future reference.
Sheryl O’Neill, the ELM/MAPE Coordinator, can be reached by email at soneill@calpoly.edu, on campus in Building 25, Room 200, or by phone (805) 756-2734.
Information regarding EPT/ELM test registration at Cal Poly can be obtained from the Test Office in Building 124, Room 121 or by calling (805) 756-1551.
For EPT Information, contact the Writing Skills Office in Building 10, Room 130 or call (805) 756-2067.