Frequently Asked Questions
Frequent Questions
1. What math requirements does a GMS 91/99C class satisfy?
Receiving a credit satisfies the ELM requirement (as long as you have already attempted the ELM), and the SDSU Math Placement, Part IA (Intermediate Algebra) requirement.*Please note that the SDSU Transfer Math Assessment requirement is no longer an SDSU requirement. Check with your major advisor if you are a transfer student and have questions about this.
2. Is the final in any GMS class the ELM?
No. The final in all GMS courses is a department final that is only part of your grade in that course. ELM scores have no impact on GMS course grades.3. Should I take the ELM through the Test Office?
Though GMS 91/99C students may reattempt the ELM, there is no need to do this since a credit in GMS 91/99C satisfies this requirement. Also, passing the ELM does not satisfy the SDSU Placement Exam, Part IA requirement that is a prerequisite for most entry level math courses nor does it impact a course grade in GMS 91/99C (see #5). Typically, 91/99C students should only attempt the ELM if they have never attempted it before at all.GMS 90/99A students may wish to take the ELM at the end of the semester if they need to satisfy the ELM requirement (though an ELM score will NOT impact your GMS course grade). An ELM score between 41 and 49 will qualify a student for GMS 91 regardless of GMS 90/99A course grade.
4. I’m in 90A. What if I take and pass the ELM? Do I have to take the final? Do I need to keep going to class? Should I drop the course?
Passing the ELM exam satisfies the ELM requirement, but it does not exempt you from any GMS course requirements. If you need the units (i.e.--want to get a credit in the class, perhaps for financial aid), you must complete all course requirements, take the final exam, and earn the required number of points to receive a "credit." In other words, students who stop going to class or fail to take exams receive a “no credit.” NOTE: students passing 90/99A but not satisfying the ELM go to 91/99C--NOT to 90B.5. I am in GMS 91/99C. What if I take the ELM through the Test Office and pass?
While passing the ELM does satisfy the ELM requirement and the SDSU Math Placement, it does not exempt the student from our GMS 91 final or course work, nor does it satisfy the Placement, Part IA requirement, which is a prerequisite for many entry level mathematics classes. In other words, passing the ELM has no impact on your course grade in GMS 91/99C.6. Can I take the Part IA exam through the Test Office? Does that satisfy the ELM?
You can take the exam when it is offered by the Test Office. However, the IA test now has no bearing on your ELM status or your grade in GMS 91, so it is unlikely you would have any reason to take this exam.7. Will passing GMS 91/99C satisfy the Part IA requirement?
Yes, it will.
8. How can I satisfy the ELM requirement? What are my options?
Basically, there are two ways to do this--
1) Take and pass an appropriate course--i.e.--GMS 91/99C.
2) Take and pass the ELM exam (this method does not satisfy the Part IA requirement)9. Can I take a course at a community college that would satisfy the ELM requirement?
Technically, yes, this is possible. However, you need to be aware that these grades sometimes take months to be received and recorded in Admissions and Records. Students concerned about a T-hold or the current three-semester limit need to be aware that this time factor makes this option extremely dangerous. Also, choice of an appropriate course is critical. Students should check with Advising to be sure they have chosen an appropriate course. In addition, remember that satisfying the ELM this way has NOT satisfied the SDSU Math Placement, Part IA requirement.10. What if I am on a T-hold?
If I register for a GMS class, will that be lifted? In the fall, T-holds will be lifted before REGLINE for spring classes opens if you are making satisfactory progress in your GMS course. In the spring, you must receive a credit in order to have the T-hold lifted for the fall.11. Once I pass the ELM, what course do I take next?
That depends on your major. A few examples: Business majors usually take Statistics 119; other possibilities include Sociology 201, Economics 201 (both statistics courses for social scientists), Psychology 270 (statistics for psychology majors), Math 118 (math for non-math related fields), or Math 141 (precalculus--for students pursuing a technical field such as engineering). Students with a life science emphasis should take Math 121 (calculus for life sciences), and education/liberal studies majors should take Math 210. For more information, consult the Catalog or a department counselor.12. I am a student who has passed the ELM requirement, but I need to review math before taking my next GE math course. What class should I take?
Students in this situation are eligible for any GMS course. You should choose a course according to your math confidence level and the math skill level required for your major.