The Chemistry placement test is a 30-minute, 25-question multiple-choice exam to assess students' readiness for a college-level course in general chemistry. The test covers selected basic concepts found in a standard high school chemistry course, as well as mathematical and problem-solving skills that are important for introductory chemistry. The test is designed to identify students who would be at risk for the introductory course, CHEM 105a, General Chemistry. Such students may be directed to co-register in CHEM 050, General Chemistry Tutorial, as a required supplement to their registration in CHEM 105a.

Students scoring 10 or above are cleared for Chem 105a. Students scoring below 10 are strongly encouraged to review basic chemical principles and the math skills before the course begins, focusing on such topics as balancing equations and stoichiometry, electron configurations, Lewis dot structures, and gas laws, as well as basic algebra, powers of ten, logarithms, exponentials and graphing.

The chemistry topics listed above are usually covered in the first few chapters of any college level, general chemistry textbook. You do not need to completely read the pertinent chapters. Scanning the chapter outlines, reading the chapter summaries, and understanding the diagrams and new terms should help you to work out a few of the chapter problems.

It is not necessary to purchase a textbook nor do you need to borrow one. They are available in college libraries and some regular libraries. Even if you cannot check one out, you may take some time to look through it while you are there.

The chemical principles and some of the mathematical skills can be found in the prep book Beginning Chemistry by David E. Goldberg in the Schaum's Outline series. The USC bookstore carries this prep book. Study focused on chapters 4,7-11 in the Goldberg book should prepare students well for Chem 105a.

Review books (Barron's, etc.) may be equally helpful. Other sources of the needed math skills are books that review math at the level of algebra II or precalculus. The math subjects are covered in other books from the Schaum's Outline series, Barron's, etc. These books are generally found in college and university bookstores, and in some other major bookstores. Feel free to check any college bookstore near you.

Some students may wish to strengthen their study skills. Many books are available on this topic. Memos have been written by professors ("How to Learn") and students ("Suggestions from Students," "Dear Gen Chem Students," and "Dear Freshman Premed")

These suggestions for review are intended for students who have had a high school chemistry course. For those who have not had high school chemistry, we suggest a stronger review of basic math skills listed above, in addition to a discussion as soon as possible with Dr. E. Erickson (213-740-7027, eerickso@chem1.usc.edu, in SGM 223) about your particular situation. After the semester begins, a tutor list may be requested from Dr. Erickson. This is an information service only. The Chemistry department cannot guarantee success based on the use of tutors from this list.