The Chemistry Placement Exam has a maximum score of 20. Each question has one ‘correct’ answer, though fractions of a point are awarded in some cases for answers that are partially correct or suggest that most of a calculation was done correctly.
Students with scores of 9.0 or above should enter the department’s curriculum with CHEM 116. Students with scores above 15.0 may wish to speak to a member of the department about advanced placement options, though that normally involves taking an additional (longer) placement exam.
Students with scores in the range 9.0 – 15.0 should also start with CHEM 116, though they may discuss their options with a department member if they found the exam particularly difficult. For those entering CHEM 116 directly, we suggest enrolling in the Fall Term offering if possible. They are certainly welcome in the Spring Term, but may have to contend with a large number of peers who just had a one-term refresher course!
Students with scores below 9.0 will probably be better served by starting with CHEM 115 and doing both 115 and 116 if they intend to take additional chemistry or if their major or minor requires the completion of 116. Students near that borderline may, of course, discuss their background and performance with a member of the department if they wish to do so.
| Score | Action |
| 0 – 9 | Student should enroll in CHEM115, possibly after taking remedial math |
| 9 – 15 | Student may enroll in CHEM115 or CHEM116; 12 and above are usually ready for CHEM 116 |
| 15 – 20 | Student should probably begin in CHEM116 or might skip the introductory sequence after consulting with chemistry faculty. |
Approval to Register for Introductory Courses
Students planning to take CHEM 115 or 116 at any time during the 2010-2011 academic year should email the instructor listed for the relevant course or Professor Roca, chair of the
