Chemistry & Mathematics Placement
Placement helps determine which Chemistry and Mathematics courses are the right starting point for you at UH Mānoa.
Not all UH Mānoa students need mathematics or chemistry placement. Placement is typically required only for students whose intended majors include mathematics and/or chemistry coursework, which is common in many STEM and Health Sciences programs.
For those who need it, students may qualify for placement through multiple options, including: (1) high school mathematics review, (2) AP credit, (3) dual-enrollment coursework, (4) transfer credit, or (5) a UH Mānoa placement exam.
Exploratory Pathway students pursuing STEM or Health Sciences majors should complete placement requirements before the start of their first semester, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Placement for Incoming First Time Freshmen
High School Mathematics Experience Review
- Beginning Fall 2026, incoming first-time freshmen may submit their high school mathematics experience for evaluation for both Mathematics and Chemistry placement instead of completing the Mathematics and/or Chemistry Placement Exams.
- Placement is based on the highest mathematics course completed within the past two academic years.
- After submitting your high school mathematics experience, watch your hawaii.edu email account for information on your final placement.
- Students who wish to place higher may still complete the Mathematics Placement Exam.
Chemistry Placement Using BMAT Scores
Starting with Fall 2026 incoming students, the Mathematics Placement Exam Score (BMAT Score) can be used to determine Chemistry placement.
| BMAT Score | CHEM Placement |
|---|---|
| 0 | CHEM 131 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | CHEM 161 |
If you already have college credit for MATH 134, MATH 140X, MATH 215, or higher, email chemreg@hawaii.edu for an override to enroll directly in CHEM 161.
Other Ways to Confirm Your Placement
Before taking a placement exam, check whether course prerequisites, AP credit, or transfer credit already help determine where you should start.
Check Course Prerequisites
Review the UH Mānoa Catalog to see whether the course you want to take requires Chemistry or Mathematics placement.
View CatalogReview AP Scores
AP credit may qualify you for course credit or a higher starting placement.
Check AP EquivalenciesCheck Transfer Credit
Use the transfer database to see how courses from another institution may apply at UH Mānoa.
Search Transfer DatabasePlacement Exam Information
Chemistry Placement
Review Chemistry placement information, including placement through BMAT scores.
View Chemistry Placement OptionsMathematics Placement
Review Mathematics placement instructions and exam information.
View Mathematics Placement Options