What is the purpose of the proficiency exams (placement exams)?
The purpose of the entrance examinations is to establish the proficiency level of new students in the areas of Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Because the results of these examinations will provide the basis upon which the Departmental Graduate Committee will advise the student with regard to initial graduate course work, each student is required to take all five placement examinations upon matriculation. The only exception is that a student may choose not to take an exam in any area in which he/she has not had a formal course above the freshman level. Furthermore, students in the Analytical and Physical Divisions are required to pass the proficiency exams in their area by the end of their second semester (not including summers) at OU, as detailed in the Divisional requirements (Pg 3. I. of the preface; PhD Program Requirements).
