Chemical Positioning or Placement in Chemistry
Oberlin College Announces Placement Requirements for Chemistry Courses
Interested students at Oberlin College who wish to enroll in the introductory general chemistry courses, CHEM 101 or CHEM 102, must take a 60-minute General Chemistry Entrance Survey available on Blackboard before registration.
For students with strong preparation, it is recommended to consider beginning with CHEM 102. Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit is granted automatically based on the appropriate exam score. However, students who have AP or IB credit for Chemistry 101 and choose to take the course again at Oberlin must relinquish their previous credit.
Standardized test scores play a significant role in placement into these courses. For AP Chemistry, a score of 4 or 5 typically allows placement out of introductory courses like CHEM 101. Similarly, for IB Chemistry HL (Higher Level), a score of 5 or above on the final exam often grants credit or advanced placement. For A-level Chemistry, achieving grades A or B in relevant exams can offer placement out of entry-level courses.
It's important to note that the college's catalog fully outlines the details regarding AP and IB credit. For specific requirements and processes for placement in CHEM 101 and CHEM 102, including AP, IB, or A-level equivalencies, students should consult Oberlin’s Chemistry Department or undergraduate catalog directly.
Placement in CHEM 102 is based either on the General Chemistry Entrance Survey or on AP, IB, or A-level scores. A-level scores of A*, A, B allow students to begin with CHEM 102, but no credit is awarded. Entering students with scores of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry examination or 6 or 7 on the higher-level IB Chemistry Exam can receive transfer credit equivalent to Chemistry 101 (one full course).
Most students begin their study of chemistry with CHEM 101. However, students with exceptional high school preparation in mathematics and chemistry, and either an AP score of 4 or 5, or an IB higher-level chemistry exam score of 6 or 7, may petition the department chair to enroll in CHEM 205, Organic Chemistry.
For more detailed information about Oberlin College's placement requirements, students are encouraged to visit the Chemistry Department's website or contact the department directly.
Science plays a crucial role in the education-and-self-development of students at Oberlin College, with courses like CHEM 101 and CHEM 102 being key parts of the chemistry curriculum. Students can demonstrate their learning and prepare for these courses through the General Chemistry Entrance Survey or by earning AP, IB, or A-level equivalencies.
