I scored below the 75th percentile on the ACS, what now? Can I still transfer to UCB CoC?

Transfer Students
1

So I scored one point (question) below what would have been the cut off to the 75th percentile on the ACS, putting me in the low 70s.

On the UCB website I just read that you are required to send in your score no matter what… but it doesn’t state what happens if you didn’t score 75th or above, and its clearly states as a requirement. Also, there really is no way of them knowing whether you took it or not, I believe, since the professor can only disclose the score at your request.

I could re-take the exam at my CC with another ochem class at the end of this semester, but I finished the series over a year ago and truthfully I don’t have the time to intensely review all my ochem within the next month, before finals.

I also know they offer an exam somewhere around mid August for incoming students. This would be ideal. Can I just sign up for this and not report my previous failure? I’m guessing they will ask for the score after admissions decisions, since none of my friends have sent in their scores yet either…

And then my admission would be dependent on scoring high enough? It’s only a little bit scary because by that point i will have had to turn down all the other schools, but im honestly not too worried about it. I kind of messed up the day of the exam, and i know im capable of somewhat easily scoring above that if I try.

Anyone been in this same situation?

For ref I am transferring as Chem E.

Thanks :slight_smile:

2

http://chemistry.berkeley.edu/ugrad/transfer-students/organic-chemistry says that scoring 75th or higher percentile on the ACS organic chemistry exam after taking organic chemistry at a community college means that you are considered to have completed Chemistry 112A and 112B (which have been renumbered to 12A and 12B).

http://chemistry.berkeley.edu/ugrad/degrees/cheme/transfer-program indicates that chemical engineering requires Chemistry 12A. Note also that it may take 5 semesters after transfer, but if you have enough courses covered by transfer credit (Chemistry 12A, Biology 1A, Engineering 45/45L, Engineering 7, and a science elective like Chemistry 12B, Physics 7C, or Biology 1B are possible ones that can be fulfilled before transfer), you may be able to finish in 4 semesters after transfer.

Contact the department if you are still concerned about the status of your admission with respect to the ACS organic chemistry exam.