General Chemistry Requirements

For students interested in enrolling into Chem 1A or Chem 1E, CARA is CLOSED for Summer/Spring 2023. Fall 2023 CARA will reopen in October.

CARA is an online program that assesses an individual student's understanding of the topics needed to be successful in Chem 1A or Chem 1E. The topics cover areas of math, problem solving, units, graphing, basic physics, and basic chemistry. The time required to complete the ALEKS program can vary significantly depending on the knowledge level an individual student possesses entering the ALEKS program. Most students will complete within 40 hours. Students entering with a strong math and chemistry background will complete the program in significatly less time. Students must have access to a computer with internet.

CHEM 4 Requirements

CHEM 4 is designed for students who have not taken previous chemistry or who feel their chemistry background is insufficient for Chem 1A/ Chem 1E.

An ALEKS score of 61 or higher is required. Concurrent enrollment in MATH 12 allowed with an ALEKS score below 61 (or no ALEKS score).

Chem 1A Requirements

All students who want to register for chem 1A must normally:

• Must be math qualified for Math 26A or Math 29 (An ALEKS score of 61 or higher is one way to qualify)

AND one of the following:

• AP Chemistry score of 2 or higher
• Received a C or higher in a Chem 4 equivalent class at another university
• Attempted a Chem 1A equivalent class at another university and received a D- to a C-
• Completed CARA content with 85% or more.

CHEM 1E Requirements

All students who want to register for chem 1E must normally:

• An ALEKS score of 76 or higher is required
• Passed Math class of level Math 29 or higher with a C- or better

AND one of the following:

• AP Chemistry score of 2 or higher
• Received a C or higher in a Chem 4 equivalent class at another university
• Attempted a Chem 1A or 1E equivalent class at another university and received a D- to C-
• Completed CARA content with 85% or more