<p>Okay so i have to take two placement exams before fall (i'll be a freshman). I took the math one (i took calculus in my senior year so I was fine) but I have to take Chemistry and i took that about 3 years ago :/ I am so confused. Should I buy a textbook for just a placement test or just wing it?</p>
<p>Depends. I was in the same boat as you expect I had the option of starting off with basic Chem Prep 100 or taking a placement test. Even if you passed the placement test you had to take it again first day of General Chem the professor could kick you out if you didn’t score high enough. They asked for proof such has a previous placement score, or grade of C or better from Chem 100 in order to stay in the course. </p>
<p>If you feel like all you need is to brush up on your skills buy a used copy of the most basic Chem course textbook they have. My physics professor recommended buying a high school book, or something like Physics for dummies. In your case it would be Chem for dummies. My sister actually bought a similar book that a professor recommended. If you feel like you either way you rather be in a basic course before advancing just wing it. </p>
<p>My thought process was I rather be taking a prep course where I know I will gain a foundation then find myself trying to stay a float in a weed out course playing catch up. I loved my Chem teacher in high school, and I am glad a saved my notes even though my professor had a different teaching style.</p>
<p>that’s part of my entire issue. I don’t want to have to study, and then do really well, and forget all about it by the time classes come around. I don’t want to screw myself over but then again I don’t want to look so bad by doing badly on Chem. I literally cannot even remember how to add up elements</p>
<p>Just take it and get what you get. A placement test is supposed to be a way for you to figure out where you best fit. No need to prep.</p>
<p>If you place low you place low, no big deal.
I got a 6 out of like, 40 on my chemistry placement test. I was never going to take chem, but I know other people scored that low who started at the beginning.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t study. If you had chemistry 3 years ago, you’ll probably be placed into first year general chemistry, which is the starting point for most students who haven’t mastered the equivalent of AP chemistry. </p>
<p>My college administers a chemistry placement exam with 3 possible outcomes:
- chemistry fundamentals, a half-semester class for students who never studied chemistry or don’t remember the very basics (atoms, molecules, chemical reactions 101)
- general chemistry (most students start here)
- organic chemistry (maybe a dozen freshmen, mostly science majors, place straight into organic chem)</p>