Understanding the UCLA Chemistry Diagnostic Test

For incoming first-year students planning to enroll in certain chemistry courses at UCLA, the Chemistry Diagnostic Test is a crucial step. This article provides an overview of the test, its purpose, the courses it affects, and other relevant information to help students navigate this requirement.

Purpose of the Chemistry Diagnostic Test

The Chemistry Diagnostic Test is designed to assess a student's readiness for specific introductory chemistry courses at UCLA. The results of this test help determine the appropriate placement for students, ensuring they are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged by the course material.

Who Needs to Take the Test?

If you plan to enroll in any of the following courses, you are required to take the Chemistry Diagnostic Exam prior to enrollment:

Chemistry 14A
Chemistry 14AE
Chemistry 17
Chemistry 20A
Chemistry 20AH

Test Availability and Deadline

The Chemistry Diagnostic Exam is available online starting May 1. To ensure your placement recommendation is available when you register for classes during New Student Orientation, the test must be completed before July 1.

Preparing for the Test

The course description for Chemistry 20A provides insight into the assumed background knowledge. This course requires preparation in the form of high school chemistry (or equivalent) and three and a half years of high school mathematics. The course also introduces fundamental principles, including:

Physical and general chemistry principles
Atomic structure based on quantum mechanics
Atomic properties
Trends in the periodic table
Chemical bonding (Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, hybridization, and molecular orbital theory)
Coordination compounds
Properties of inorganic and organic acids, bases, buffers

Overlap with Other Courses

Note that Chemistry 20A is not open to students with credit for course 20A.

Overlap with Other Placement Tests

Students may also need to take the Math Placement Test (MPT) if they plan to enroll in certain math courses. Completion of the Chemistry Diagnostic Test is enforced by a corequisite of Life Sciences 30A or Mathematics 3A or 31A or a score of 48 or better on the Mathematics Diagnostic Test.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is mandatory for all new undergraduate students. During orientation, students will become acclimated to both the academic and social life at UCLA, connect with other new students, learn about the campus and available services, meet with academic advisors, and enroll in their first college classes.

Important Dates and Deadlines for First-Year Students

Transitioning from high school to college requires attention to important dates and deadlines. Checking spam/junk folders for responses from the university is crucial.

Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

All incoming first-year students must demonstrate proficiency in critical reading and analytical writing in English by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). Several standardized tests satisfy this requirement:

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

30 or better on ACT English Language Arts.
63 or better on ACT English + Reading.
680 or higher on the College Board SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in English Language, English Literature, or Advance Placement Seminar examination, or the Advanced Placement Research Examination.
5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English (Language A or A1 only).
6 or higher on the International Standard Level Examination in English (Language A or A1 only).
Complete a UC transferable college course in English composition with a grade of C or better before enrolling at UCLA.

Admitted students who have not satisfied ELWR by June 1 are required to complete the Informed Placement Process (IPP) at UCLA. The IPP was previously known as the Analytical Writing Placement Exam.

During Summer 2025, the IPP test dates are June 20, June 27, July 18, August 8, and August 22.

Mathematics Placement Test (MPT)

Students should determine if they need to take the online Math Placement Test (MPT) if they plan to enroll in one of the following classes:

Math 1 Pre-Calculus
Math 3A Calculus (for Life Science Students)
Math 31A Differential and Integral Calculus (for Physical Sciences Students)
Math 31AL Differential and Integral Calculus Laboratory (for Physical Sciences Students)

Students should take the MDT by July 1 if any of these are true:

They do not have AP credit for Math 31A.
They do not have transferred course credit from a community college or 4-year institution for Math 1, Math 3A, Math 31A, or Math 31AL. High school course credit cannot be used to waive these courses.
They are waiting for results from 2025 AP Calculus AB or BC exam.

Additional Information for New Students

MyUCLA: Regularly log in to MyUCLA for updates and important information.
Bruin to Bruin Sessions: Participate in Bruin to Bruin sessions to connect with UCLA as a newly admitted Bruin.
Degree Progress/Audit Report: Check your Degree Progress/Audit Report on MyUCLA to confirm credit for AP test results or transferred courses. It must be completed by July 1 so that your placement is available when you register for classes during New Student Session.
Transcripts: If you have taken UCLA-transferable college courses in high school, submit your official transcripts as soon as possible.
UC Immunization Policy: Review the University of California’s immunization requirement before submitting your Statement of Intent to Register. You must complete this requirement or an academic hold will be placed on your account.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

tags: #ucla #chemistry #diagnostic #test #content