Advising Guide

The chemistry major provides strong preparation for medical school, which typically requires two semesters (eight credits) of introductory chemistry with lab to show proficiency in general and inorganic chemistry. There are three ways to demonstrate this proficiency for medical school admission:

• Complete CHEM 2070+CHEM 2071 and CHEM 2080+CHEM 2081.
• Earn a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or a 6 or 7 on the IB Chemistry exam to receive 4 credits in general chemistry, and then complete CHEM 2080 + 2081 or CHEM 2150.*
• With permission of instructor, enroll in CHEM 2150 and receive 4 credits after completing honors general chemistry. Only 4 credits will appear on the transcript; however the Chemistry Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) can furnish a letter verifying a student's proficiency in general chemistry, which may fulfill admission requirements for graduate school or medical school.*

*Not all medical or health graduate programs accept Chemistry AP credit. Students with AP credit may need to consider additional Chemistry coursework to meet specific school requirements.

Note: Each introductory course requires co-enrollment in a laboratory component. Enrollment in our laboratory sections is limited, so students may wish to build their schedule around their chemistry laboratory section.

One-semester vs. Two-semester options

For students majoring in programs that require a single semester of introductory chemistry with laboratory: 

• Engineering General Chemistry (CHEM 2090 and 2091, 4cr): All EN students are required to take this course. Check with your program of study to determine if one or two semesters of introductory chemistry are required.
• Introduction to General Chemistry (CHEM 1560 and 1561, 4cr). This course features a broader range of topics than CHEM 2070 and 2071, and should not be taken by students on the pre-medical or pre-veterinary track.

For students majoring in programs that require two semesters of introductory chemistry with laboratory, including those on pre-medical and pre-veterinary tracks:

• AP Credit + CHEM 2150*
• CHEM 2070 and 2071 + CHEM 2080 and 2081
• CHEM 2090 and 2091 + CHEM 2080 and 2081

*Pre-medical and pre-veterinary students should carefully consider if AP credit + CHEM 2150 is the best option for their long-term goals.

Selection should be based on a student's preparation in chemistry and their home college.

CEEB AP Credit: Students with a 5 on the CEEB AP exam receive a combined four credits for CHEM 2070 (3cr) and 2071 (1cr).  Students retain their AP credit if they enroll in CHEM 2150; however, they forfeit their credit if instead they choose to take CHEM 1560+1561, CHEM 2070+2071 or CHEM 2090+2091.  

Students who earn an AP score of 5 in chemistry usually choose from three options:

1. If one semester of Introductory Chemistry is needed, the requirement is complete.
2. Accepts the credit for CHEM 2070+2071 and takes CHEM 2080+2081.
3. Accepts the credit for CHEM 2070+2071 takes CHEM 2150.

Cornell University advises medical schools that completion of CHEM 2150 together with AP credit is equivalent to eight (8) credits of Introductory Chemistry; however, students are strongly urged to confirm in advance if their school(s) of choice will accept AP chemistry credit.

Advice based on preparation

Strong preparation: Students who achieve a score of 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or have comparable preparation may enroll in CHEM 2150, an honors General Chemistry course that requires calculus or concurrent enrollment in a calculus course. CHEM 2150 is tailored for students with a specific interest in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering. Those who successfully complete CHEM 2150 in the Fall may then advance to CHEM 3590 in the Spring, the first semester of the honors Organic Chemistry sequence. The progression of CHEM 2150, followed by CHEM 3590 and CHEM 3600, allows well-prepared students to complete the General and Organic Chemistry sequences in three semesters.

Solid preparation: Students who have completed only one year of high school chemistry or those with an AP score below 5 are advised to enroll in CHEM 2070 and CHEM 2071 and CHEM 2080 and CHEM 2081 (Fall and Spring), which cover General Chemistry. These courses fulfill the Introductory Chemistry requirement for most medical and veterinary programs. Students planning to major in Chemistry may choose to take either the CHEM 2070+2071 and CHEM 2080+2081 sequence or CHEM 2150. Engineers requiring a two-semester sequence should enroll in CHEM 2090+2091 and CHEM 2080+2081.

Minimal or insufficient preparation: Students who have not previously completed a chemistry course or possess a limited background in the subject may consider taking CHEM 1560+1561 and CHEM 2080+2081 as an introductory chemistry sequence. However, CHEM 2070+2071 remains a more suitable option for those planning to progress to CHEM 2080+2081. CHEM 1560+1561 is not recommended for premedical or pre-veterinary students, or students who have earned AP credit in chemistry.