Chemistry Advanced Placement Policy and Placement Exam

Policy
There are two means by which you can be granted Advanced Placement credit in Chemistry:
  1. strong performance on a standardized exam taken before arrival at Penn (AP test, International Baccalaureate exam, etc.) and/or
  2. satisfactory performance on the Penn Chemistry Placement Exams. Separate exams are given for Chem101 and Chem102 placement.
Standardized exams taken before arrival at Penn and credit awarded
AP exam score of 5: credit will be awarded for 1 c.u. of Chem091, generic "introductory chemistry".

AP exam score of 4 or less: no credit will be awarded.

International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 6 or 7 - will be considered equivalent to an AP exam score of 5 (i.e. Chem091, see above.) No credit will be awarded for a score of 5 or lower on the IB exam.

A-Levels grade of A - will be considered equivalent to an AP exam score of 5 (i.e. Chem091, see above.) No credit will be awarded for a grade of B or lower on the A-Level exam.

Other exams or special programs: (German Abitur, French Baccalaureate, etc.) Credit will be determined on the basis of the Chemistry Department Placement exam.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chemistry Advanced Placement
"What is Chem 091? It's not listed in the course catalog!"
Chem091 is used to indicate the equivalent of 1 c.u. (1 semester) of introductory chemistry based solely on standardized exam performance (high school AP exam, etc.) Chem 091 does not correspond exactly to either Chem101 or 102. HOWEVER, credit for Chem091 can be converted into either Chem101 or 102 by taking the Chemistry Department Placement exam (and doing well).

"What is the Penn Chemistry Placement Exam?"
These two-hour placement exams will cover subject material from Chem101 and Chem102 at the level of sophistication expected in these classes at Penn! In other words, the exams will look very much like a final exam from Chem101 or 102. The questions will be representative of the general material and avoid subjects that might vary from professor to professor. "Satisfactory Performance" will correspond to a grade of "C" or better (based on the grading standards employed in normal Chem101/102 classes.) More details on the exam and how to prepare for it can be found below.

"Should I take the Penn Chemistry Placement Exam?"

"I got a "3" on the AP exam in high school (or I didn't take the AP exam at all) - can I still take the Penn Chemistry Placement Exam?"

YES! The placement exam is open to all freshmen and transfer students, regardless of their AP score, etc. You can be awarded Chem101 and/or Chem102 credit for satisfactory performance on our exam.

Some examples:

Example 1: A student was automatically awarded 1.0 c.u. for Chem091 based on her score of "5" on the high school AP. However, she needs to complete one year (2 semesters) of chemistry for her major. She takes the placement exams, and does well on the Chem102 exam, but poorly on the Chem101 exam. Thus her generic Chem091 credit would be converted to Chem102 on her transcript, and she would take Chem101 to complete the 2 semester sequence.

Example 2: A student received no credit for his AP score of "3", but believes he really does understand the material very well. He also needs 2 semesters of general chemistry for his major. He takes the Chemistry Placement exams and does great on both parts. He would then receive credit for both Chem101 and Chem102 on his transcript, and would be permitted to take more advanced courses.

Example 3: A student with Chem091 credit (AP = 5) does poorly on both placement exams. He keeps the Chem091 credit, but would have to take both Chem101 and Chem102 (if required for his major or program.)

Placement Exam Schedules and Online Registration

CHEM 101: Thursday, January 14, 2009, 4-6 PM

CHEM 102: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 4-6 PM

Note: Registration will begin in November

Note: These dates have been updated November 11, 2009

For information please email: chemugrd@sas.upenn.edu
Preparing for the Chemistry Placement Exam
These exams will cover material from Chem101 and 102 at the same level of difficulty as presented at Penn.

The exam questions will range from concept-oriented to problems requiring a specific numerical solution. Although there may be some "multiple choice" questions, many problems will not be multiple choice and will require all work to be written on the exam.

To prepare for the exams you should review material from the following text:

Text: Oxtoby-Principles of Modern Chemistry , 6th Edition.

Approximate coverage:

A limited number of extra exams will be available for walk-ups. If you plan to be a walk-up please remember that you may only bring a *NON-GRAPHING* calculator and that relevant reference materials (formulas, et. al) will be provided to you at the exam.

Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam Registration Form

Last Name:
First Name:
Enter your PENN email address. No hotmail or yahoo addresses, please!
email:
Penn ID:
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Chem 101 Exam - Jan 14. 2010 4PM-6PM - Chem Bldg Room 102

Chem 102 Exam - Jan 13, 2010 4PM-6PM - Chem Bldg Room 102

*You may bring a NON-GRAPHING calculator to the exam. Graphing calculators are NOT permitted.

For exam registration inquiries, please contact Billy Werner in the undergraduate office. 215-898-8311 or chemugrd@sas.upenn.edu