College of Arts & Sciences

Chem 1211 Preregistration Test FAQ

Sign up for the Chem 1211 Preregistration

Chem 1211K is the prerequisite for all Chemistry and Biology courses at GSU. Below are answers to some frequently asked qusetions.

Who needs to take a chemistry placement test?

Any student wishing to register for Chemistry 1211K. Usually these students are science majors or anyone wishing to go to medical, dental or pharmacy school. (FYI – the “K” designation for a course just means that the lecture and lab are all together under one number and you will get one final grade for both the lecture and lab component of the course).

I tried to register chemistry 1211K, but received an error message. What’s up?

Registration for chemistry 1211K requires an appropriate placement test score or completion of another college chemistry class or an AP score of 2. Students who qualify for an exemption should contact the department at (404)-413-5565.

What’s the chemistry placement test like?

The test questions are multiple choice and are high school level questions. You can view some sample questions in this PDF document.

How long will the test take?

The test generally takes one hour (15 min for instructions and paperwork and 45 min for the exam.) Students who are late will not be given extra time on the exam.

How soon will I get my results?

Usually within 2 days.

Should I bring a calculator?  How about pencil and paper?

You may use a non-graphing calculator. You need a number 2 pencil. Scratch paper will be provided.

How do I prepare for the test?

There is no need to prepare.  Looking over a textbook for high school chemistry might calm your nerves but is not necessary.

I got a low score. Should I be worried?

No.  This is NOT a test of your abilities.  It is a test that evaluates what material you covered in high school.  Your score will NOT determine your grade in a university level chemistry class.   Diligence, attendance, study groups and knowing when to seek help are better predictors of your performance in a university chemistry course. The Chemistry Department only uses your Chem 1211 Preregistration test results for placement.

I took the AP Chemistry exam.  Do I need to take the placement test?

It depends.

If you earned a 5 on the AP exam, you will exempt both 1211K and 1212K (and their labs) and start in 2400 (lecture) and 3100 (the laboratory associated with 2400).

If you earned a 4 on the AP exam and pass the American Chemical Society (ACS) exam, you will exempt both 1211K and 1212K (and their labs) and start in 2400 (lecture) and 3100 (the laboratory associated with 2400). To arrange to take the ACS exam, call 404-413-5565. If you are going to take the ACS exam, you should study for it. If you do not pass the ACS exam, you will exempti 1211K (and its lab) and start in 1212K.

If you earned a 3 on the AP exam, you will exempt 1211K (and its lab) and start in 1212K.

If you earned a 2 on the AP exam, you do not need to take the placement test, but please call 404-413-5565 so that we can verify this score. You will be placed in 1211K.

If you earned a 1 on the AP exam, you need to take the placement test.

I have taken a college chemistry course (joint enrollment or summer school).  Do I need to take the placement test?

No contact the department at 404-413-5565.

When and where can I take the test?

If you want to register for the following semester, register for the test at http://chemistry.gsu.edu/Chem1211_Regtest.php Print your confirmation as it will include the time/date/location. When you come to take the test, be sure to bring photo-bearing identification.

I received a low score on the placement test, but I need Chemistry for my major. What do I do?

You should register for Chemistry 1050. After successful completion of chemistry 1050 you will be allowed to register for 1211K.

What will my results look like?

You will get an e-mail from the Department only if you did not obtain an appropriate score on the placement test to register for Chemistry 1211K. If you do not get an email within two days, you may enroll in 1211K.

I took the placement test and passed but did not register the same semester do I need to take the test again?

No. However, you should contact the Chemistry Department at 404-413-5565 so that we may make the appropriate updates in your record.

Sign up for the Chem 1211 Preregistration