Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Information
WHO MUST SATISFY THE CSU ENTRY LEVEL MATHEMATICS (ELM) REQUIREMENT?
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 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
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.
WHEN WILL THE ELM EXAMS BE GIVEN?
Future ELM-EPT test dates are:
| REGISTRATION DEADLINE | |
| January 12, 2008 |
December 14, 2007 |
| March 15, 2008 |
February 29, 2008 |
| May 3, 2008 |
April 18, 2008 |
| June 7, 2008* |
May 23, 2008 |
| June 14, 2008** |
May 30, 2008 |
| July 19, 2008 |
July 3, 2008 |
| September 20, 2008 |
September 5, 2008 |
| January 10, 2009 |
December 12, 2008 |
| March 14, 2009 |
February 27, 2009 |
| May 2, 2009 |
April 17, 2009 |
| June 6, 2009* |
May 22, 2009 |
| June 13, 2009** |
May 29, 2009 |
| July 18, 2009 |
July 3, 2009 |
*Cal Poly SLO only.
**Other CSU campuses; not Cal Poly.
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.
If your ELM score indicates that developmental coursework is required, such course(s) must be completed by the end of the first year 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
or on campus in Building 25, Room 200.
Phone: (805) 756-2734.
Information regarding EPT/ELM test registration at Cal Poly can be obtained from
the Test Office (Building 124, Room 121, (805) 756-1551).
For EPT Information, contact
the Writing Skills Office (Building 10, Room 130, (805) 756-2067).