<p>It was my first time taking the SAT in December, I didn't do too well on the math part; only got a 530. So now the ELM test will determine what classes I need to take in college??
I'm in Precalculus at the moment, and I never got lower than an A in any math class. I hope I don't have to worry about this because i really want to take calculus and not algebra again....</p>
<p>That 530 tells you something about your math ability, and your school’s grade inflation. I’m going out on a limb by saying you are not going to major in something math related.</p>
<p>Try the ACT. The math is more straightforward.</p>
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Yes, the ELM test will determine what math class you can take. Many colleges require placement tests to determine the appropriate level of math.</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad: From the look at my math grades and a pompous letter of recommendation from a math teacher, can the colleges I applied to see that the SAT test does not accurately reflect my math ability?</p>
<p>I am not Erin’s Dad but just do well on the ELM I suppose and you will have nothing to worry about. What you suggested above would be the equivalent of someone getting a 1 on the AP Calc BC exam, and their teacher writing a recommendation for taking Multivariable Calc.</p>
<p>lakeawead: Only reason I’m in just precalc is because in 7th grade I was put in Pre Algebra instead of Intro, prealgebra is not even offered anymore for middle school students anymore, i know i was lazy, could’ve took math over the summer, but i got my stuff together and spent lots of time studying during the school years. No, my schools grading system is not inflated, MANY people in my other classes are getting a D or lower in math. I got those As cause I worked hard and always did even more than what the HW asked for. One standardized test doesn’t prove anything, atleast for me, it was my first time and I was nervous, rushed, and I didn’t even know that if you leave the answer blank, it is better than getting it wrong.</p>
<p>What I’m trying to say is that I made a mistake taking the SAT only once, anyways its too late now. But as for that ELM, i should still be exempt from it because I worked too hard in math during my high school years. Hate too brag and all, but i always did more than the bare minimum on hw, even on vacations and breaks.</p>
<p>Your SAT DOES NOT MATTER. The CSUs use the ELM to decide what classes to take.</p>
<p>You could have gotten an 800 and you would still be taking the ELM so what’s with the rant.</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad and lakeawead: If you get a 550 you are exempt from taking the ELM, (atleast here in California)</p>
<p>I see that now (different web site):
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<p>Did you take the ACT? How about the EAP? Looks like you probably have had other opportunities.</p>
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<p>Actually, it is not too late if you want to retake the SAT or take the ACT. Yes, the score will be too late for the purposes of college admissions, but a higher score can be used for course placement later.</p>
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<p>Sorry, but the California college system disagrees. You can place out by a nationally recognized test (SAT/ACT/AP/IB) or take the college’s placement test. Regardless of whether we agree with the policy, or cutoff (why 550 and not lower?), those are the stated published policies and those are your only two options. If you had a bad day, which happens to all of us, retake. Prove the college wrong.</p>
<p>Those policies are designed to protect you. </p>
<p>btw: quite frankly, I really can’t see a 500 SAT-M person doing very well in College Calc, which will include premeds who have already taken the AP course but are repeating at the college level for the “easy” A.</p>
<p>bluebayou: I have to just take ELM I guess, I hope I atleast pass that… Is it harder than the math on the SAT? Is it just elementary algebra/geometry, or does it include trigonometry, etc…</p>
<p>A 550 should be attainable for someone who is adequate at HS level math. Even with no SAT prep, anyone who deserves an A and really understands algebra and geometry should pull at least a 600+. There is SAT specific prep beyond that, and you are free to retake if you think it was a bad day, but the reason standardized tests are used are for cases like yours. Hell, I got a 1920 in 7th grade, and my math score was 600 something, and my middle school didn’t even have multiple levels of math courses.</p>
<p>sry, reyrey, but I don’t know anything about ELM. But UC/Cal State do have some math practice tests available, and UC Davis even indicates the scores that they prefer to see for their college math placement.</p>
<p>[UC</a> Davis Math: Math Placement](<a href=“http://www.math.ucdavis.edu/undergrad/math_placement]UC”>Math Placement :: math.ucdavis.edu)</p>
<p>[CSU/UC</a> MDTP](<a href=“http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/OnLineTests.shtml]CSU/UC”>http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/OnLineTests.shtml)</p>
<p>If a 550 allowed us to be exempt… why did my school force everyone to take it???
And As in all math classes? That is some serious grade inflation… SAT only tests up to Algebra 2!!!</p>
<p>You can take the ELM as many times as you wish. The EPT on the other hand can only be taken once. To be honest the test was really easy. The only thing is you may want to review algebra 1 and 2 skills. I know people who were in cal who failed the elm but they came really close to passing so the cal states offer a one week or summer course that allowed them to go right into pre cal or what ever math class they wanted. You of course have to pass the summer course/ one week course. I know that with a certain AP or SAT score you can be exempt from taking the ELM. Good luck and do not freak out</p>
<p>800 in math twice. Envy?</p>
<p>Just joking. I think caution is the most important element in doing math of SAT level. With no difficulty in comprehending the questions and with adequate caution, it’s hard to imagine a score of lower than 650 in SAT math.</p>