USNCO

Teacher

NEEC New England International Education Consulting

Introduction to the USNCO Chemistry Competition

The USNCO (United States Chemistry Olympiad) is a top-tier chemistry competition organized by the American Chemical Society (ACS). It is the sole selection pathway for the US national team in the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), boasting unparalleled academic prestige and authority globally. The competition consists of three stages: the first stage is a written exam focusing on the comprehensive application of chemical knowledge, covering all fields including inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry; the second and third stages include experimental procedures and in-depth academic presentations, comprehensively assessing research capabilities. The competition is open to high school students worldwide (students outside the United States only participate in the first stage). Results are recognized by top universities such as Harvard and Stanford, serving as a core academic endorsement for STEM fields and helping students adapt to university-level chemistry research thinking in advance.

Competition value

The USNCO Chemistry Competition is considered the "Golden Certification" in the field of chemistry, serving as a strong endorsement for gaining admission to top universities. Organized by the globally authoritative American Chemical Society (ACS), it is the sole selection channel for the IChO US national team, and its academic rigor and recognition are globally recognized.
The competition's difficulty level is comparable to lower-level university courses, covering the four core areas of chemistry. Only the top 10%students in the China region receive a gold medal , highlighting the scarcity of these awards. Ivy League schools like MIT and Stanford highly value these awards; 73%students admitted to MIT's Chemistry department hold this award, and gold medalists are often given priority in admissions. Even if international students only participate in the preliminary round, winning an award remains a significant advantage for applying to top UK and US universities' STEM programs, while simultaneously strengthening their AP Chemistry foundation, serving as dual proof of academic ability and passion for the subject.

Rules of Academic Activities

Examination content

Basic Principles of Chemistry:

Atomic structure and chemical bonding;
the states and properties of matter;
Chemometrics;

Organic Chemistry Section:

Basics of Organic Compounds
Organic reaction type

Inorganic Chemistry Section:

Periodic Table and Element Chemistry
Inorganic compound reactions

Chemical kinetics and chemical thermodynamics:

Chemical kinetics
Chemical Thermodynamics

Chemical Experiments and Analysis Section:

Basics of Chemical Experiments
Chemical analysis methods

Planning level

March:

High school students can participate in the local Chemistry Olympiad by registering with ACS.

April:

The National Chemistry Olympiad is a national examination typically administered by the local chapter of the ACS (Association of Chemistry and Chemistry Professionals) of the local university or college.

June:

Based on their performance at the training camp, four students were selected to represent the United States in the International Chemistry Olympiad.

July:

In the International Chemistry Olympiad, each of the four international participants was accompanied by a tutor.

Award Description

Students must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to take the national exam.
High school (grades 9-12) students who graduate no earlier than May 1 of the year they participate in the competition are eligible.
Students must be under 20 years old on July 1st of the year of the competition.
Each high school and each local department may nominate more than two students to take the national examination. For magnet courses, split admissions, or online students, the student's school is defined as the high school from which the student will receive the diploma.
Students who have previously participated in the study camp and are qualified are automatically eligible to take the national exam, and are not counted in the local department's or school's limit on the number of qualified students.
International Chemistry Olympiad gold medalists are not eligible to participate in subsequent national examinations, training camps, or the International Chemistry Olympiad.
Students who have taken the university prerequisite course in chemistry are eligible.
Students can only participate in the competition for the region where their high school is located. For online students, regardless of the location of their online school, students should participate in the local region where their geographical location is located. Online schools can nominate a maximum of two students.
Students who participate in the Physics Olympiad, Mathematics Olympiad, or Biology Olympiad are not eligible to participate in the Chemistry Olympiad during the same summer.
If used, a non-programmable calculator may only be used in national exams and ACS regional exams. Using a programmable calculator, mobile phone, or any other device that can access the internet, or for photocopying or photographing during the exam is grounds for disqualification.