How hard are the placement tests?

heyyou · 06-26-2008, 12:35 PM

So...I want to take Chem 125 (Freshman Orgo) and I understand that, although I made a 5 on the AP Chem last year, I'll still need to take the placement test. Will I need to study hardcore for this? I haven't had chemistry in a year so I'm a little rusty on some stuff.

I guess this question can be generalized to other placement exams, like the ones for the languages. In general, are they things you need to study for before you leave for CC or FOOT? Are they like mini-AP exams?

rd31 · 06-26-2008, 02:04 PM

If you want to place really high, it probably is worth it to review. The placement test is much like the SAT II subject test in Chemistry.

drummerdude_07 · 06-29-2008, 10:37 AM

I took the Spanish placement test last year, after 4 years of Spanish in high school. I was pretty much the first one finished, which meant that I failed epically. I placed into L1! 4 years down the tube!

Although, if other people's results served as any indication, this was only because my high school foreign language department is utterly worthless. Most people who had done 4 years placed into L3 or higher, with only a few being put into L2. In general, then, I don't think that the language tests are that terrible.

heyyou · 07-02-2008, 03:39 AM

thanks guys! the SAT II in chem was super easy, so that's kind of comforting...do I have to get a really good score to place into Chem125?

GaimanFan08 · 07-02-2008, 06:03 AM

Don't worry, they're SUPER EASY. Really.

kwijiborjt · 07-02-2008, 01:29 PM

I think i answered about 5 questions (/60 or so) on the chem placement test.

BUT I SUCK AT CHEMISTRY.

Someone who placed into 125 would be able to give you a better idea.

it's all multiple choice, so i wouldn't call it a mini AP exam... but it's probably similar kinds of questions.
I don't remember it that well, but i believe it's designed to allow you to place into anything from 118 to pchem, so it's probably a pretty wide variety of topics, including gen chem and orgo. You'd only be expected to know what you want to place out of.

Also, they give your personal preference some weight. If you're slightly below where they'd like for orgo, but you express a strong desire, they'll probably let you in. They let me place into 118 without having taken AP chem.

Be aware, you should really want to do frosh orgo. A lot of people drop, and the lab is very difficult.