Chemistry Placement Test

You should take the chemistry placement test if you plan to study chemistry, biology, or a related field at Cornell, and you did not earn a score of 4 or 5 on the chemistry AP exam. The chemistry department will use the results of the placement test to determine which of the following courses are the best starting point for you:

• CHE 121-122: Chemical Principles I and II
• CHE 161: Accelerated General Chemistry)

Placement for AP students

If you scored a 5 on the chemistry AP test, you do not need to take the chemistry placement test; you will receive credit for CHE 161. If you scored a 4, plan to enroll in CHE 161 without taking the placement test. If you scored a 3 or lower (or did not take the chemistry AP test), take the placement exam.

Placement for general science courses

If you are considering taking only a single chemistry course as part of your general education, plan to take CHE 111 (Chemistry in the Natural World) or CHE 108 (Topics in Chemistry). You do not need to take the placement exam.

Exam dates and details

You will be invited to take the Chemistry Placement Exam via email from the Admissions department and will see this item on your New Student Checklist. 

• You should complete the chemistry placement test by August 14
• You will need a calculator with scientific notation; a graphing calculator may be used but is not necessary
• Most students will find it helpful to have a pencil and scratch paper handy

Questions about the exam or AP tests?

Please share your questions with your admission counselor and they will help you or connect you with the faculty chair for the chemistry department who can answer detailed questions.