ELM/EPT Requirements

 

Why must I take the ELM and/or EPT exams?

Entering freshmen must take the Entry Level Math Exam (ELM) and English Placement Test (EPT) unless they are exempt because of SAT scores, AP scores, or college courses. This policy is strictly enforced - if you don't take these required tests you will not be allowed to register for any classes at Sac State. It's best to take these tests at least two months before Freshman Orientation.

I took the tests...now what?

Depending on your score, you may be required to enroll in the preparatory course(s) that corresponds with your score.

May I retake either test (ELM or EPT)?

You may retake the ELM, but not the EPT. Meanwhile, you must enroll in - and attend - the courses determined by your score. If you retake the ELM and pass it, you may drop your preparatory math course.

What happens if I don't register for my required preparatory class?

You will not be able to continue at Sac State unless all preparatory classes are completed in the first academic year.

How do I know which preparatory course to take?

Check the chart below to see which English and/or math course you must take. If you are a multilingual student, you will also have an English Diagnostic Test(EDT) score that places you in a multilingual version of the English courses. Check the chart for multilingual students.

English Placement Test Scores and Courses - Not Multilingual
EPT Score	Required Course
120-141	LS 15 followed by ENGL 1
142-146	ENGL 1
147-148	ENGL 1A with ENGL 1X
149-150	ENGL 1A must be taken in first or second semester
151 & above	ENGL 1A (ENGL 2 for multilingual students)

 

English Placement Test Scores and Courses - Multilingual
EPT Score	Required Course
120-141, EDT=3	LS 86 followed by LS 87
142-146, EDT=4	LS 87
147-148, EDT=5	ENGL 2 with ENGL 2X
149-150, EDT=5	ENGL 2 must pass with C- or better in first or second semester
151 & above, EDT=5	ENGL 2

 

Entry Level Math Exam Scores and Courses
Elm Score	Required Course
34 or below	LS 7A followed by LS 7B
36-42	LS 10A
44-48	LS 10A Elementary Algebra with Geometry OR Math 9 with LS 10X Essentials of Algebra and Trigonometry, with accompanying tutorial; recommended for all science majors and engineering majors, as well as Business Administration, Liberal Studies, and Child Development Major B
50 & above	Appropriate GE math course (Consult advisor)

Am I restricted to certain courses until I complete my preparatory English courses?

You should really try to avoid taking courses that require comprehensive writing assignments or essay exams until you have improved your writing in the required preparatory course(s). It is highly recommended that you take only courses from the lists below:

Courses Recommended for Students Placed in LS 15 or LS 86 (EPT=120-141)
Course	Title	GE Area
CHDV 30	Human Development	E
CRJ 1	Intro to Criminal Justice and Society	D2
CSC 1 CSC 10	Intro to Computer Science Intro to Programming Logic	B5 Not GE
ENGR 1	Intro to Engineering	Not GE
ETHN 11	Intro to Ethnic Studies	D1a
FACS 11 FACS 31	Principles of Food Preparation Textiles	Not GE Not GE
HLSC 50	Healthy Lifestyles	E
KINS 1-99	Lower division activity classes	E
MUSC 8	Basic Music	C2
PHYS 1	Physical Reasoning & Calculation	Not GE
SOC 1 SOC 3	Principles of Sociology Social Problems	D1a D2
THEA 9 THEA 30	Appreciation of Acting Oral Expression of Literature	C2 A1

 

Courses Recommended for Students Placed in ENGL 1 or LS 87 (EPT=142-146) In addition to the courses listed above
Course	Title	GE Area
ANTH 2 ANTH 13	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Magic, Witchcraft & Religion	D1a C3
ART 20A ART 21 ART 24 ART 40E ART 50 ART 74	Beginning Drawing Beginning Painting Beginning Watercolor Basic Printmaking: Silkscreen Beginning Ceramics Beginning Jewelry Design	C2 C4 C4 Not GE Not GE C4
COMS 4 COMS 5	Introduction to Public Speaking The Communication Experience	A1 A1
COMS 21	Freshman Seminar	E
EDS 21	Freshman Seminar	E
ETHN 21 ETHN 50	Freshman Seminar Native American Religion  and Philosophy	E Not GE
FACS 52	The Child in  the Family	E
GNST 21	Freshman Seminar	E
HHS 21	Freshman Seminar	E
HIST 3	U.S. History for International Students	D3
HRS 10 HRS 11 HRS 21	Arts and Ideas of the West I Arts and Ideas of the West II Freshman Seminar	C3 C3 E
INTD 20	Design	C2
MUSC 18	Music  Appreciation	C2
NURS 10	Health Care: Issues and Delivery Systems	D2
PSYC 1 PSYC 5 PSYC 49	Intro Psychology: Basic Processes Intro Psychology: Individual and Social Proc. Scientific Thinking  in  Psychology	D1a D1a A3
SOC 10	Issues Crime  and Social Control	D2
THEA 1	Introduction  to Theatre	C2

 

Do I have to stay enrolled in my LS class?

Even though you may feel that you have already learned the material in high school, you must attend the class and do the work. If you fail to attend and ignore the warnings from your teacher, you will not be allowed to continue taking classes at Sacramento State.

What if I don't pass one of my required preparatory classes?

Failure to pass all your required preparatory courses within the first year will result in disqualification from Sac State. You will not bea able to return to Sac State until you pass the required GE math and/or English courses at the community college.

Can I continue at Sac State if I fail a preparatory course in my first semester?

If you fail the first course of a required two-course sequence you can attend the next semester and repeat the course you failed. However, you must pass the first course in the sequence and then petition to continue for one more semester to complete the second course. As long as you pass the first course, and you are not academically disqualified after your second semester, you will be given one additional semester to pass the second course in the sequence. You must pass the second course to continue at Sac State.

Are there any exceptions to the "must-finish-in-one-year" rule?

If you meet these criteria, you can try filing a Hardship Petition in Sacramento Hall 259:

• In good academic standing, e.g., not disqualified
• Attended preparatory courses and completed assignments
• Passed all required first-level preparatory courses