<p>How hard is the chemistry placement test? Should I really study and memorize for this exam? Is there a formula sheet? Are we allowed to bring a sheet of notes (I know some tests allow this)?</p>
<p>When I took the chem placement test last year, I hadn't taken chemistry in two years (since I was a junior in hs), though I did pretty well in it (5 on AP test, 800 on SAT II chem). I know I got many of the questions wrong because I just forgot the material as time passed and didn't think I did very well at all, but I ended up placing into the highest level course offered to freshmen (intensive organic). However, I decided not to take it because I was in other accelerated-level classes that semester. My advice is "don't sweat it." I don't believe there's any preparation involved, it's kind of just a walk-in, walk-out, forget-it-ever-happened deal.</p>
<p>How long was the test? Was it all multiple-choice?</p>
<p>I don't quite remember how long the test was, but it wasn't unusually long or short, so maybe an hour? The first part was multiple choice which determines whether you should take intensive general chem or just regular general chem. The second optional part is supposed to place you into intensive organic if you qualify for intensive general -- this wasn't very long, just a few short answre questions. I'll reiterate when I say it honestly is nothing to worry about. Even if you don't place into the class, you can take it anyway and just work a little harder (or even not) and still earn better grades than the kids who actually did get in. The placement tests for the sciences are really just guidelines... only the foreign language exams strictly adhere to test results.</p>
<p>I'm very sure (got the exact answer from 2 First-Year Sophomore Advisors) that the Chemistry Departments adheres strictly to your exam performance. It's the physics exam that is only a guide for you to determine which placement is right for you.</p>
<p>blah1111, was the exam computer-based like the foreign language exams?</p>
<p>Also, is a calculator required/allowed on the exam?</p>
<p>Calculators were allowed, but I didn't know that so I didn't bring mine (which is one of the reasons I got so many wrong). The test was paper and scantron.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the response blah.</p>
<p>does anyone know exactly how many MC are there?</p>
<p>would knowledge of the AP chem material be sufficient to place one out of general chem and into intensive general chem? </p>
<p>what's the best way to prepare for the exam</p>
<p>would anyone else who passed the exam mind sharing their previous chemistry knowledge?</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>I took the exam in 1999, so take this with a grain of salt. But, I doubt things have changed much.</p>
<p>I remember the MC being 1 hr and 45-50 questions. A passing score was something absurdly low..somewhere between 25 and 30 I think. </p>
<p>Mostly everyone taking the exam will have had AP Chem and nothing more, so the playing field is pretty level. They're not trying to weed people out by any means. I took AP Chem as a Jr. and bought one of those little study guides (a Cliffs notes type book) to review the general concepts that I was fuzzy on. I passed by a very comfortable margin.</p>
<p>The second exam was all problems. It tested very basic stuff (like bondings, electrons, etc.) that you would need to know on Day 1 of organic. I actually thought it was easier than the MC test. And, I'm not sure if anyone actually fails this exam. I think they probably just look at it to make sure you have some clue.</p>
<p>Definitely take intensive organic if you can. It is much easier and has a more generous curve than the regular organic course. You get it out of the way, too. And, the class is nice and small. If Nick Turro is still teaching the first semester, you'll have a blast. He is absolutely amazing. However, the guy who taught the 2nd semester my year was pathetic.</p>
<p>Thank you so much</p>