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 and CHEM 2080.
• Earn a 5 on AP Chemistry or a 6 or 7 on IB Chemistry to receive 4 Cornell credits in general and inorganic chemistry. Complete the remaining 4 credits by taking either CHEM 2150 or CHEM 2080.*
• Enroll in CHEM 2150 through permission of the instructor. Completion of CHEM 2150 will result in only 4 credits of general chemistry on a student's transcript; However, when applying to medical school, the DUS can supply a letter certifying a student's proficiency in general chemistry, fulfilling graduate school or medical school admission requirements.*

*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.*

The list below describes recommendations and requirements for your initial chemistry course selection.

Important Note: Each introductory course includes 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 courses

Students who require only a single semester of introductory chemistry should enroll in one of the following options. Credit for two semesters of Introductory Chemistry is required for a premedical or pre-veterinary course of study.

Engineers: ALL engineers must take CHEM 2090, Engineering General Chemistry. Students majoring in C&BE, however, are required to take two semesters of Introductory Chemistry (see below).

Other students: Students needing only one semester of Chemistry (except engineers) should take CHEM 1560, Introduction to General Chemistry, which includes a broader range of topics than CHEM 2070.

Two-semester courses (including premedical and pre-veterinary)

Students requiring two semesters of Introductory Chemistry typically choose from three primary options:

1. CHEM 2150 (Fall) + AP credit
2. CHEM 2070 + CHEM 2080 (Fall + Spring)
3. CHEM 2090 + CHEM 2080 (Fall + Spring).

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 will receive four credits for CHEM 2070.  This credit is retained if a student enrolls in CHEM 2150; however, it is forfeited if a student completes CHEM 1560, CHEM 2070 or CHEM 2090.  Students who have earned an AP score of 5 in chemistry typically choose from three options:

1. If one semester of General Chemistry is needed, the requirement has been met.
2. Students accepts the credit for CHEM 2070 takes CHEM 2080 in spring.
3. Students accepts the credit for CHEM 2070 takes CHEM 2150 in fall.

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 2080 (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 and CHEM 2080 sequence or CHEM 2150. Engineers requiring a two-semester sequence should enroll in CHEM 2090 and CHEM 2080.

Minimal or insufficient preparation: Students who have not previously completed a chemistry course or possess a limited background in the subject may consider enrolling in CHEM 1560 and CHEM 2080. However, CHEM 2070 remains a suitable option for those planning to progress to CHEM 2080. It is important to note that CHEM 1560 is not recommended for premedical or pre-veterinary students, and students who have earned AP credit in chemistry should refrain from enrolling in CHEM 1560.