Since getting into NU for chemistry, I’ve been doing some research on placement exams and came across an “initial chemistry assessment” requirement. Could someone comment on this requirement and/or the assessment’s coverage? I got a 5 of the AP so I’m not sure if there’s any similarity between the AP exam and the placement (though I understand there are no exemptions from the assessment). Thanks!
I got around 50% on the placement test with a 5 on AP chem and had no issues placing into orgo. I think the highest my year was a ~45/60 and average was around 20/60.
A 5 on AP chem should give you enough of a background to score well. The exam will have stuff you won’t recognize–don’t worry about it, material beyond what you’ll see in intro chem is on the assessment. If you do really poorly then you’ll still have the option of taking orgo, but might be better served taking 171 instead.
@imgoingnowhere The initial chemistry assessment, I contend, isn’t even a chemistry test. It is more of a basic mathematical (algebra) reasoning test with some chemistry in it. You will most likely get questions about molarity, conversion of units, speed to acceleration,etc. The assessment is required for all NU students, I believe so it isn’t difficult. With a 5 on the AP test, the test won’t even have a effect on your placement. As for the Chemistry Placement Test, which @1d51jklad1 is talking about, the test is optional for people who thought they had a better understanding of AP chemistry material thantheir AP score (or lack of) reflected. The test is very difficult and covers a lot of the optional stuff that most AP chem teachers don’t teach cuz its not on the AP exam. I personally believe a 5 on the AP test is much easier than the placement test, and since you already have a 5, you will most likely be placed in orgo first quarter, unless you would like to retake basic inorganic chemistry.