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Entry Level Mathematics (ELM)

ELM General Information	ELM Test Registration Information
ELM Test Dates	ELM Online Registration NEW
ELM Sample Questions	ELM Test Scores
ELM Exemptions

Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) General Information

All new undergraduate students entering the California State University are required to take the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) except those who qualify for an exemption. If you are not exempt, you must take the ELM and provide scores to the university prior to beginning your first semester of enrollment. Failure to take the ELM prior to registering for your first semester will result in your not being allowed to enroll at the CSU.

The ELM is designed to assess the skill levels of entering CSU students in the areas of mathematics typically covered in three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses in high school. Those undergraduates who do not demonstrate college-level skills will be directed to courses or programs designed to help them attain these skills.

The ELM examination contains 50 multiple-choice questions. Students are allotted 90 minutes to complete the test. Because the ELM is a placement test, "cut scores" determine what courses students must attend. The cut score for the ELM is 50, on a scale that goes from a lowest possible score of 0 to a highest possible score of 80.

Calculators are not allowed for the ELM placement test. The questions on the ELM do not require involved computations. Rather, the placement test includes problems that emphasize quantitative reasoning and problem solving.

The test content of the ELM emphasizes working with numbers and data, the connections between algebra and geometry, and problem solving. The test provides the major geometric formulae for reference because its purpose is to assess understanding of mathematical concepts and problem solving skills rather than recall of facts and equations.

The ELM examination is given in conjunction with the English Placement Test (EPT). Students may take the test at the most convenient CSU campus. Many campuses have online registration available. Other campuses require you to complete the registration form and mail it to the Test Office. Go to the CSU EPT/ELM Information Bulletin for a complete list of ELM and/or EPT test dates and registration procedures on all the CSU campuses.

If you wish to take the ELM at CSU Fullerton, online ELM and/or EPT registration is available.

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Exemptions from the ELM

The CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:

	placement in the "Ready for CSU college-level mathematics courses " category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II
	placement in the "Ready for CSU college-level mathematics courses - Conditional" category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) 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 appropriate math-related course or activity taken before you enroll at a CSU campus
	a score of 550 or above on the mathematics section 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)
	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 requirement in Quantitative Reasoning provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better

If you have any questions about being exempt from the ELM, check with the Admissions and Records Service Center, Langsdorf Hall - room 114 or call (714) 278-7601.

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ELM Test Dates

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination is given in conjunction with the English Placement Test (EPT). Students may take the test at the most convenient CSU campus. Many campuses have online registration available. Go to the CSU EPT/ELM Information Bulletin for a complete list of ELM test dates and registration procedures on all the CSU campuses.

There is an $18 charge for the ELM, payable on the day of the exam. Payment must be made by check or money order, payable to ETS. Cash will not be accepted. No student will be admitted without proper payment and picture identification with a signature.

If you wish to take the ELM at CSU Fullerton, online ELM and/or EPT registration is available. The ELM will be offered at CSUF on the following dates:

California State University, Fullerton ELM Test Dates

NOTE: Test registration may close early if maximum seating capacity is reached.

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ELM Test Registration Information

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam is given in conjunction with the English Placement Test (EPT). Students may take the ELM at the most convenient CSU campus. Many campuses have online registration available. Other campuses require you to complete the registration form and mail it to the Test Office. Go to the CSU EPT/ELM Information Bulletin for a complete list of ELM and/or EPT test dates and registration procedures on all the CSU campuses.

There is an $18 charge for the ELM, payable on the day of the exam. Payment must be made by check or money order, payable to ETS. Cash will not be accepted. No student will be admitted without proper payment and picture identification with a signature.

If you wish to take the ELM at CSU Fullerton, online ELM and/or EPT registration is available.

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ELM Test Scores

ELM Score Information for Exams Taken March 23, 2002 or Later:

Because the ELM is a placement test, "cut scores" determine what courses students must attend. The cut score for the ELM is 50 on a scale that goes from a lowest possible score of 0 to a highest possible score of 80.

Students will receive three scaled subscores - one for each content area (Numbers and Data, Algebra, and Geometry) - as well as a total scaled score. Mathematics class placement is based on the total scaled score.

If your ELM score is 50 or above, you are ready for college-level mathematics courses.

At CSUF, students who have earned an ELM scale score below 50 must enroll in a remedial mathematics class during the first semester of enrollment. Please contact the Intensive Learning Experience (ILE) office in University Hall-room 234, or telephone (714) 278-7236.

If you score 32 to 48 on the ELM, you are required to register for MATH 40 the first semester of enrollment.

Freshmen and sophomores who score 30 or below on the ELM must participate in the Intensive Learning Experience (ILE) program by enrolling in MATH 30A the first semester followed by MATH 30B the second semester. In addition, any student enrolled in MATH 30A/30B is required to make an appointment with an ILE counselor. Contact the Intensive Learning Experience (ILE) located in University Hall-room 234, or telephone (714) 278-7236.

Failure to complete any remedial mathematics requirement in two semesters will result in disenrollment from CSUF. Students who do not pass the ELM may gain access to required university general education mathematics courses via any of the following methods if completed prior to their first semester of enrollment at CSUF:

	Pass with a "C" or better a course in Intermediate Algebra offered by an accredited college once the ELM has been taken (bring official transcript to Langsdorf Hall, Room 114, Attention Nancy J. Dority.
	Retake and pass the ELM.
	Complete one or more lower level mathematics course(s) and retake/pass the ELM.
	Complete course(s) offered by the CSUF Intensive Learning Experience (ILE), MATH 30A, MATH 30B or MATH 40.

See the English Placement Test/Entry Level Mathematics Bulletin of Information for further information.

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