Chemistry Placement
All students interested in taking CHEM 101 or CHEM 102 in Fall 2023 must take a 60-minute General Chemistry Entrance Survey on Blackboard.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit is granted automatically based on the appropriate exam score. These details are fully outlined in the college’s catalog.
Most students begin their study of chemistry with CHEM 101. Students with strong preparation should consider beginning CHEM 102. Placement in CHEM 102 is based either on the General Chemistry Entrance Survey available online before registration or on AP, IB, or A-level scores.
Entering students who have scores of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry Advanced Placement examination of the Educational Testing Service, or 6 or 7 on the higher-level International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry Exam, can receive transfer credit equivalent to Chemistry 101 (one full course) and begin college chemistry with CHEM 102. Students will have to relinquish AP or IB credit if the corresponding coursework is repeated at Oberlin.
Students with A-levels scores of A*, A, B can begin with CHEM 102, but no credit is awarded.
Students with exceptional high school preparation in mathematics and chemistry, and either an AP score of 4 or 5, or an IB higher-level chemistry exam score of 6 or 7, may petition the department chair to enroll in CHEM 205, Organic Chemistry.
Upon successful completion (C- or better) of CHEM 205, the student would also receive credit for CHEM 102.
Beginning with CHEM 102 is suggested for students with excellent pre-college preparation. This course is suited for students who already have a solid understanding of introductory topics such as the mole concept, balancing reactions, and calculating solution concentrations. Topics included in the course are reaction types, equilibrium, thermodynamics, reaction rates and mechanisms, and bonding.
Students who don’t have a qualifying AP, IB, or A-level score may be admitted to CHEM 102 through the General Chemistry Entrance Survey. (Log in to Blackboard using your Oberlin credentials when prompted.)
Must I take a placement exam to bypass CHEM 101 and take CHEM 102?
Yes. All students interested in taking CHEM 102 in Fall 2023 must take a 60-minute General Chemistry Entrance Survey on Blackboard. Suppose you have extensive preparation but did not take an AP/IB/A-levels course or did not earn a qualifying score for 101-credit but still believe you are qualified to take CHEM 102. In that case, you should treat the Entrance Survey as an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge. You must still take the General Chemistry Entrance Survey if you have qualifying AP, IB, or A-level scores. SAT II scores or high school grades can’t be used for placement.
Is there is a placement exam that will allow me to skip general chemistry and go directly into CHEM 205 (Organic Chemistry)?
There is no placement exam that allows you to enter CHEM 205. However, if you had exceptional high school preparation in mathematics and chemistry, and earned an AP score of 4 or 5, or an IB higher-level chemistry exam score of 6 or 7, you may talk with the department chair about the possibility of enrolling in CHEM 205 (Organic Chemistry).
If I received a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam, do I need to take the General Chemistry Entrance Survey?
Yes. Even if you have AP/IB/transfer credit, you must take the General Chemistry Entrance Survey. This will give us an idea about your chemistry and math background and preparation. Your confirmed AP/IB credit will permit your consent for the course.
I got a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam. I’m not sure if I should take CHEM 102 or petition to enter CHEM 205. What should I do?
Most students who have earned 4 or 5 on the AP exam (or 6 or 7 on the higher-level IB exam) will enroll in CHEM 102. Success in CHEM 205 requires exceptional preparation in both the classroom and the laboratory as well as confidence in asking for help when it is needed. Whether your background qualifies you for CHEM 205 is a good topic to discuss with your academic advisor when you meet before registration. If you are interested in going into CHEM 205, you should also contact the department chair before registration.
Is placement into CHEM 102 via the General Chemistry Entrance Survey open to returning students?
Yes, returning students may use the General Chemistry Entrance Survey to place into CHEM 102. Please let us know that you are interested in taking the survey by sending an email to chemistry@oberlin.edu.