General Math Studies : Frequently Asked Questions

I've lost the letter given me in my GMS class - I need it to complete developmental work by end of summer
I was given a registration letter concerning summer school in my GMS classes. I need the letter to complete my developmental work by the end of the summer. I can't find it - how can I get another copy? COPY OF LETTER
What math requirements does a GMS 91/99C class satisfy?
Receiving a credit in GMS 91/99C satisfies the ELM requirement, the Placement, Part C / competency / math transfer assessment requirement, and the Math Placement, Part IA (Intermediate Algebra) requirement.
Is the final exam in any GMS class the ELM?
No. The final in GMS 91/99C is the Math Placement Exam, Part IA (Intermediate Algebra); in 90B/99B it is the MTA exam (Math Transfer Assessment). These are twenty-five question tests; you must get fifteen or more questions correct to pass. GMS 90A/99A has a departmental final of 30 questions (you need a score of 20 or better to pass).
Should I take the ELM through the Test Office?
GMS 91/99C students should not reattempt the ELM unless they have never taken the ELM at all. GMS 90A/99A students may wish to take the ELM at the end of the semester if they need to satisfy the ELM requirement.
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 and the Math Placement, Part C (Competency/Math Transfer Assessment) requirement. If you are in a 90A class when you pass this exam, you are exempt from the final but not from any other course requirements if you need the units (i.e.-want to get a credit in the class, perhaps for financial aid). NOTE: students passing 90A/99A but not satisfying the ELM go to 91/99C, NOT to 90B.
I am in GMS 91/99C. What if I take and pass the ELM?
While passing the ELM does satrisfy the ELM requirement and the SDSU Math Placement, Part C/Math Transfer Assessment requirement, it does not exempt the student from our GMS 91 final, nor does it satisfy the Placement, Part IA requirement, which is a prerequisite for many entry level mathematics classes. Basically, passing the ELM has no impact on your course grade in GMS 91/99C.
What happens if I pass the IA Exam through the Test Office but stop going to class or drop the Class?
Your ELM requirement will NOT be cleared. If you stop going to class, you will receive a "No Credit", this means that you have not satisfied the ELM requirement, though you have satisfied the SDSU Math Transfer Assessment and Math Placement, Part IA requirements. Also, you will not be given credit for the units assigned to your GMS 91 class (financial aid will be affected). Withdrawing from the class will have the same outcome except that you will have a "W" on you record rather that "NC".
How can I satisfy the ELM requirement? What are my options?
Basically, there are two ways to do this -- (1) Take and pass GMS 91/99C. (2) Take and pass the ELM (this method does not satisfy the Part IA requirement).
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 two-semester limit need to be ware that this time element makes it extremely dangerous to try that option. Also, timing and choice of an appropriate course are critical. You should check with Admissions and Records (specifically, articulations) to be sure you have chosen an appropriate course. In addition, remember that satisfying the ELM this way has not satisfied the Placement, Part C or Placement, Part IA requirements.
What if I am on a T-hold? Will that be lifted for next semester?
If you are enrolled in a GMS class during the fall, the T-hold will be lifted before REGLINE if you are making satisfactory progress in the course. In the spring, you must receive a credit in order to have the T-hold lifted for the fall.
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 courses for social scientists), Psychology 210 (statistics for psychology majors), Math 118 (math for non-math related fields), or Math 140 (college algebra 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.