FAQs for New Freshmen
If you have received a 4 or higher on the AP Chemistry exam, you do not have to take the placement exam.
You should take the Chemistry placement exam if:
- You have NOT received a 4 or higher on the AP Chemistry exam or have not taken any general chemistry at a community college, and
- You are required to take Chemistry for your major or GE requirements.
The results will place you into one of the following courses: CHEM 4, CHEM 6A, or CHEM 6AH. The placement exam serves as a guide, and you are not required to follow the recommended placement.
The sooner you take the placement exam, the sooner your College can recommend a chemistry class for you to take in the Fall.
Most generic four-year plans state that you should be taking CHEM 6A in your first quarter. However, if you are placed into CHEM 4, you may have in sufficient preparation to start CHEM 6A and should consider starting off with basic chemistry. There are ways to "catch up" so that you stay on track for graduation, such as taking CHEM 6C during Summer Session after your first year.
If you do not find the answers to your questions here, please feel free to contact us at 858-534-4856 or chemadvising@ucsd.edu. If your questions are regarding the New Student Site, please contact your College.