California State University Placement Tests
Current section: Frequently Asked Questions > ELM
Frequently Asked Questions About the ELM
- Is this an admission test?
- I have not yet been admitted. Can I still take the test?
- I took the SAT examination and I scored 610 on the math part. Do I need to take the ELM examination?
- What about the UC/CSU Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Program (MDTP) tests? I took one of those and did well. Do I have to take the ELM test?
- I have a high GPA in my high school math classes. Do I still have to take the ELM?
- I am still unsure whether I am required to take the ELM test. What should I do?
- May I use a calculator during the ELM exam?
- Why are you testing math?
- What is the relationship of this test to the graduation requirements of my campus?
- How do I prepare for the test?
- I had plenty of math in high school. Shouldn't I be ready for college-level math?
- Suppose I don't do well on the test?
- Will I have to pay for extra help if I receive a low score?
- I will be out of the country on the first date available. What do I do?
- Must I take the test at the campus I will be attending?
- How do I receive my test scores?
- How long are my ELM testing materials and scores retained by ETS?
Is this an admission test?
No. The results of the test will not affect your admission to any CSU campus.
I have not yet been admitted. Can I still take the test?
You should wait for the first scheduled test administration after you have been admitted unless the campus asks you to take the test earlier. However, you should take the test at your earliest opportunity after admission. You must take the test before you can enroll in CSU General Education mathematics courses.
I took the SAT examination and I scored 610 on the math part. Do I need to take the ELM examination?
No. If you scored 550 or above on the mathematics portion of the SAT Reasoning Test, 550 or above on a SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (Level 1 or Level 2), 23 or above on the ACT® math test (given October 1989 or later), 3 or above on the AP mathematics test (Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics) you are exempt from the ELM examination. Transfer students may be exempt through transferred coursework. See page 3 of this Bulletin for more details.
What about the UC/CSU Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Program (MDTP) tests? I took one of those and did well. Do I have to take the ELM test?
Yes, you do. However, those are rigorous tests and are excellent indications of mathematics skills. If you scored well on the MDTP intermediate algebra examination, you should do well on the ELM examination.
I have a high GPA in my high school math classes. Do I still have to take the ELM?
Yes. GPA is not a consideration in determining whether or not you have to take the ELM. The only grounds for exemption are those listed under Who Must Take the ELM.
I am still unsure whether I am required to take the ELM test. What should I do?
The staff of the Admissions Office or the Test Office of the CSU campus that you plan to attend will be able to answer your questions.
May I use a calculator during the ELM exam?
No. The questions on the ELM do not require involved computation. Rather, the test includes problems that emphasize quantitative reasoning and problem solving.
Why are you testing math?
With science and technology playing an increasingly important role in our society, all college-bound students — not just those who show special aptitude or interest — must have an adequate grasp of mathematics. More and more undergraduate majors require some proficiency in math, and many require either calculus or statistics or both.
What is the relationship of this test to the graduation requirements of my campus?
Basic mathematics provides the necessary background for the CSU general education quantitative reasoning requirement, which consists of a course at the level of college algebra or higher. Such a course is required for graduation. Completion of the ELM requirement is prerequisite to that course.
How do I prepare for the test?
Studies have shown that if you do not continue to use the math you have learned, you may have trouble recalling simple principles. If you have taken less than three years of college preparatory mathematics or have not used your math knowledge in some time, additional work and review may be necessary. An algebra review text, learning assistance center, or a copy of the ELM Problem Book (PDF) may be of use in helping you prepare. Additional help can be found at http://www.csumathsuccess.org.
I had plenty of math in high school. Shouldn't I be ready for college-level math?
Probably. But if you have not had very much practice in using your math recently, you will still benefit from a review.
Suppose I don't do well on the test?
CSU requires that all students who don't do well on the ELM be placed in a developmental course or activity during the first term of enrollment. The test is designed to help your college give you help if you need it. A low score means that you probably need extra help in order to do well in general education courses that require skills in algebra, geometry, data interpretation, and statistics.
Will I have to pay for extra help if I receive a low score?
Probably not. Each campus offers different services for students who need help in basic mathematics. For example, some campuses offer prebaccalaureate courses in the mathematics department, others have established remedial courses in the continuing education program, and still others have instituted tutorial programs using graduate students and peer tutors. Some campuses are developing modularized programs, structured so as to parallel cluster topics in the ELM specifications; others are exploring programmed instruction, especially using the interactive computer.
I will be out of the country on the first date available. What do I do?
You must take the test at the next opportunity. It is to your advantage to take the test as soon as possible, and you must take it before you can enroll in CSU General Education mathematics courses.
Must I take the test at the campus I will be attending?
No. Plan to take the test at whichever campus is most convenient for you. Your score will be sent to the campus that has admitted you.
How do I receive my test scores?
Your test scores will be mailed to you at an address you will provide on the day of the test. In addition, at the time of testing you will be asked to provide a Personal Identification Number (PIN) so you can retrieve your scores on-line at www.ets.org/csu. See the Test Dates for the score report release dates.
How long are my ELM testing materials and scores retained by ETS?
ETS retains answer sheets and test books for 18 months. Although answer sheets (not test books) are available for review at the ETS office in Concord, they may not be returned to students. ELM scores are retained for the life of the program and are available from 1983 to the present.
