Frequently Asked Questions for Chemistry Placement Exam

Source: https://chem.yale.edu/academics/undergraduate-chemistry-at-yale/placement/frequently-asked-questions-for-chemistry Parent: https://chem.yale.edu/academics/undergraduate-chemistry-at-yale/placement

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Frequently Asked Questions for Chemistry Placement Exam

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How do I enroll?

Use the self-enroll link to directly access the exam before or through July 1, 2025.

Only Yale College students are able to view Canvas sites.

When are placement exam results posted?

They are posted in Post Em’, which is on the left-hand navigation bar of the Chemistry Placement exam site.

Results will also be sent via email from the Chemistry DUS (chemistry.dus@yale.edu) no later than 8/13/2025.

What if I do “poorly” on the placement exam?

The questions that you will encounter during the placement exam reflect the level at which we teach. Do not be discouraged! If you find yourself struggling to answer a question, we encourage you to just skip that question.

Your score on the placement exam is not a grade that will follow you on your transcripts. So, check out the placement exams without fear of any negative consequences.

What if I need specific accommodations for the Placement?

The Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Office works with students with documented ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties, sensory or motor disabilities, mental health concerns, temporary disabilities like concussions and serious injuries, and more. To learn more, email sas@yale.edu.

Can I still enroll in Organic Chemistry although I was placed in to General Chemistry?

No, your original permission is what the registration system will allow you to enroll in to.

Who in the Department grants permission in to a course?

For any introductory courses, the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) of Chemistry.

What if I am transferring to Yale and this is my first term?

Incoming transfer students and Eli Whitney students should contact the Chemistry DUS for more information and discuss placement options, as most are holistically evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Can I take General Chemistry after completing Organic Chemistry to complete my pre-medical requirements?

Students who place into CHEM 1740 or CHEM 2200 will not be able to take General Chemistry at Yale for credit, since they have already mastered this material.

Now that I have results, how do I register for them?

1. Login to Yale Course Search.
2. Follow these instructions: Registering for a Discussion or Lab Section | Registration Resources
3. First register for the lecture, then select a corresponding discussion section.
4. Next register for the lab, then select a corresponding lab section.
5. Each course listing will indicate associated discussion or lab sections. Registering for the lab first may produce an error code; this is due to the lab being a co-req of the lecture.

What is a discussion or lab section, and do I need permission to enroll in them too?

Discussion sections (90 minutes) are designed to complement lectures by providing an opportunity for students to engage in dialogue about the material covered in class. 

Lab sections (4 hours) are integral for courses that require hands-on experience, particularly in fields like biology, chemistry, and physics. These sessions often involve experiments or practical applications of theoretical knowledge learned in lectures.

Although permission is required to enroll in the upper-level chemistry sequences, permission is not needed for your section selection(s). During the registration period, students must select discussion/lab sections simultaneously with their corresponding lectures. Each section may have limited capacity, so it’s important to register early to secure a spot.