Contents
Cal Poly Pomona

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions:

1.Must I take the ELM?
2.When must I take the ELM?
3.What does the ELM consist of?
4.How can I prepare for the ELM?
5.How will my performance on the ELM affect me?
6.If I do poorly on the ELM, may I take it again?
7.When is the ELM offered, and how much does it cost?
8.How do I sign up for the ELM?
9.What should I bring on the day of the test?
10.When will I receive my score?

 

Must I take the ELM?
All undergraduates admitted to a CSU campus are required, unless exempt, to take the Entry Level Math Test (ELM). Students are exempt if they meet one of the following:
* A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of either the College Board SAT or SAT I: Reasoning Test
* A score of 550 or above on Level I, IC, II, or IIC (C=calculator) of either the College Board Mathematics Achievement Test or SAT II: Mathematics Test
* A score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test taken October 1989 or later
* A score of 24 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test taken before October 1989
* A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Mathematics Examination (Calculus AB or BC) or Statistics Examination
* For transfer students, completion and transfer to the CSU of a college course that satisfies the requirement in quantitative reasoning, provided the course was completed with a grade of C or better

 

When must I take the ELM?
Although the ELM is not a requirement for admission, you must take the ELM and receive a score prior to enrollment in any coursework.

 

What does the ELM consist of?
This multiple-choice test assesses the student's basic mathematics skill level. You will receive an EPT/ELM Registration Bulletin, which contains a complete description of the test, from the Admissions Office. Bulletins are also available in the Test Center. You can get a complete description of the test at http://www.calstate.edu/ar/fom.pdf.

 

How can I prepare for the ELM?
To prepare for the ELM, please read Focus on Mathematics, which is available at http://www.calstate.edu/ar/fom.pdf. Mathematics workbooks can be purchased at any CSU campus bookstore.

 

How will my performance on the ELM affect me?
ELM scores will be used to place you in college-level mathematics or a developmental course. If you do not qualify for college-level mathematics, you will be required to enroll in the appropriate developmental course during your first quarter of enrollment. For course-placement information, visit http://www.csupomona.edu/~academic/testcenter/test_score_elm.htm.

 

If I do poorly on the ELM, may I take it again?
You may repeat the ELM but NOT during the same testing periods. Specific testing periods can be found in the CSU EPT/ELM Information Bulletin at http://www.ets.org/csu/.
Scores from the ELM must be received before students begin classes at the University and the ELM may not be taken again after that date.

 

When is the ELM offered, and how much does it cost?
ELM test dates and registration deadlines are posted in the Test Center and in the Schedule of Classes. If you would like to see the dates on which the ELM will be given at Cal Poly Pomona, please visit http://www.csupomona.edu/~academic/testcenter/test_sched_elm.htm. You may take the ELM at any CSU campus. The fee is $18, which must be paid on the day of the test with a check or money order made out to ETS. You may not pay by cash or credit card.

 

How do I sign up for the ELM?
ELM registration packets are mailed by the Admissions Office to each entering student. They are also available in the Test Center. You may mail or take the registration form to the Test Center on the campus where you wish to take the test. If you wish to download a registration form for Cal Poly Pomona only, please visit: http://www.csupomona.edu/~academic/testcenter/reg_form.htm.

 

What should I bring on the day of the test?
You will need photo identification to be admitted, If you arrive late or without photo identification, you will not be admitted to the test. You may bring only #2 pencils with erasers. No other materials will be allowed in the testing room.

 

When will I receive my score?
ELM tests are scored by Educational Testing Service. Your score will be mailed to you and to the CSU campuses you designate approximately four weeks after the test date. You may also view your scores online under Test Scores at http://www.csupomona.edu/resources. Please be sure to retain your score report and present it to college officials if necessary.