If you plan to take General Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1110 or CHEM 1130) at Saint Louis University, you will need to take the SLU Chemistry Aptitude Test. The Chemistry Aptitude Test is a 60-minute, 30-question test that assesses your aptitude in quantitative reasoning, measurement, physics and matter.
About the Chemistry Aptitude Test
The Chemistry Aptitude Test is a tool to help you choose the introductory chemistry
course that is right for you to maximize your opportunity for success at SLU. In general,
students who do not already possess strong quantitative and chemical foundations do
not perform well in their first semester in General Chemistry 1.
The Chemistry Aptitude Test can be used proactively to help determine whether you are truly prepared for General Chemistry 1 or whether you should enroll in Basic Chemistry (CHEM 1050) instead. Basic Chemistry (CHEM 1050) is specifically designed to lay the quantitative and chemical foundations necessary for future success in General Chemistry 1 at SLU.
Chemistry Aptitude Test Instructions
The SLU Chemistry Aptitude Test - Student Instructions will take you through how to register for ALEKS, how to take the Chemistry Aptitude Test, and how to choose the chemistry course that is right for you. Each student may have two attempts on the aptitude test. Between attempts, students will have the opportunity to complete skill building exercises that will bolster and reinforce the quantitative and chemical foundations necessary for success in General Chemistry 1.
View SLU Chemistry Aptitude Test - Student Instructions (PDF)
Even if your SLU Chemistry Aptitude Test score demonstrates that you are prepared for General Chemistry 1, you are still encouraged to complete the skill builders for your benefit before the fall semester begins.
We highly recommend that you complete this 60-minute aptitude test before you meet with your advisor for SLU 101. (Most students finish in less than 45 minutes.) If you have already met with your advisor, complete the aptitude test by July 30, 2022, and make any desired changes to your fall course registration in Banner.
Students should make this choice based on their math placement score and Chemistry Aptitude Test score. Our faculty who teach General Chemistry 1 have created guidelines below to help you enroll in the course that best suits your current skill sets to maximize your chances of success during your first semester at SLU.
Chemistry Faculty Course Recommendations
| Student Math Placement | Student Chemistry Aptitude Test Score | Chemistry Course Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Calculus I (MATH 1510) or above | 50—100% | General Chemistry 1 |
| Pre-calculus (MATH 1400) | 75—100% | General Chemistry 1 |
| Pre-calculus (MATH 1400) | 50—75% | Students with ALEKS math scores 61-64 and Chemistry Aptitude Test scores below 60% are encouraged to take Basic Chemistry. Other students are generally recommended to take General Chemistry 1. |
| Pre-calculus (MATH 1400) | <50% | Basic Chemistry |
| College Algebra (MATH 1200) | N/A | Basic Chemistry |
Chemistry Aptitude Test FAQ
The Chemistry Aptitude Test is a 60-minute, 30-question test created by SLU faculty who teach General Chemistry - it is designed to assess students' quantitative and chemical foundations to help guide students to an appropriate introductory chemistry course (either General Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1110 or CHEM 1130) or Basic Chemistry (CHEM 1050)). The Chemistry Aptitude Test results are combined with your math placement to help you enroll in the introductory chemistry course that is right for you.
All students interested in taking General Chemistry 1 in Fall 2022 or already registered for General Chemistry 1 should take the Chemistry Aptitude Test. Students who will take Chemistry and the Environment (CHEM 1000), Basic Chemistry (CHEM 1050), or Principles of Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1080) do not need to take the Chemistry Aptitude Test.
You should take the test as soon as possible. Ideally, you would have your results before you meet with your advisor for SLU 101. If you have recently learned about the SLU Chemistry Aptitude Test and have already met with your advisor, we strongly recommend taking this as soon as possible (no later than July 30, 2022) so that you can make any necessary adjustments to your fall course schedule should you wish to enroll in a different chemistry course based on your results.
You will take the Chemistry Aptitude Test using the ALEKS platform at http://www.aleks.com.
Full instructions can be found in the document above.
You will receive your score immediately upon completing the test.
We want you to succeed! The first semester of college can be overwhelming with the many changes students experience from their high school learning environments. Academic demands are also more rigorous. Faculty have found that many students come to SLU thinking they are ready for General Chemistry 1, but they struggle if they don't have the foundations necessary for success.
In addition to General Chemistry 1, SLU also offers the option to take Basic Chemistry, a course designed to prepare students for future success in General Chemistry 1. The Chemistry Aptitude Test is the tool we use to help guide you to the course that is right for you - the course where you are most likely to be successful in your first semester at SLU.
No. The math placement test is required of all students entering SLU. The Chemistry Aptitude Test is only for students who need General Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1110 or CHEM 1130) as part of their major or program requirements.
The Chemistry Aptitude Test consists of 30 questions and has a time limit of 60 minutes. Most students finish within 45 minutes. If you plan to apply for extended-time accommodations here at SLU and wish to use them on this aptitude test, please contact Dr. Asmira Alagic or Dr. Paul Jelliss .
The Chemistry Aptitude Test is free for all potential General Chemistry students.
The Chemistry Aptitude Test is designed to be taken with only a calculator, scratch paper, and pen/pencil on hand. The ALEKS platform also has a scientific calculator built into the website, and it is available during the test. To best assess which course is best for you, you should not look up any equations or do an internet search for how to solve these problems. It is to your advantage to take this as you would a regular test at the University level (without notes) to assess your aptitude accurately.
Contact Dr. Asmira Alagic (asmira.alagic@slu.edu) or Dr. Paul Jelliss (paul.jelliss@slu.edu) in the Department of Chemistry.
Dr. Alagic is the department's undergraduate program director and Dr. Jelliss is the department's 1818 program coordinator. These chemistry faculty members can assist you should you have any questions.