What is the CSU ELM Requirement?
The Entry Level Mathathematics (ELM) Requirement is a CSU mandate that students demonstrate mathematical competencies before their freshman year at CSU, or before transferring to the CSU from another college. The ELM Exam is one way to meet the ELM Requirement, but there are
other new options as well.
Click here to create a personalized roadmap for meeting the ELM Requirement.
The purpose of the requirement is to make sure that students have the mathematical skills to succeed in general education courses and courses for their major that require quantitative reasoning.
The competencies for the ELM Requirement consist of quantitative reasoning skills from three main areas of mathematics: number sense and data, algebra, and geometry. High school students typically prepare for this material in the math courses required for CSU admission: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. However, simply completing this sequence of courses does not satisfy the ELM Requirement. Click here to see options for meeting the ELM Requirement.
IMPORTANT: If you do not meet the ELM Requirement before your freshman year at CSU, you will be required to complete up to three semesters of ELM Equivalent Coursework prescribed by your CSU campus within the first year of attendance. This non-credit coursework will not count toward your degree, and if you fail to complete it with a grade of C or better within the first year of attendance, you will be dismissed from the university. Listen to college freshmen who are taking this coursework now.
Links of Interest: