U.S. Chemistry Olympiad Competition Process
The Chemistry Olympiad consists of four stages:
- Local Competitions
The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad begins in the spring when ACS Local Sections administer local exams and choose nominees for the national competition. Local competitions are open to all high school students. - National Competition
Approximately 1,000 students sit for the 3-part national exam. No more than two students from any given school can compete in the national competition. The 20 top-scoring students are chosen to attend a study camp where they will try to win a spot on the U.S. team competing in the International Chemistry Olympiad. You must be a U.S. citizen to participate in the National Chemistry Olympiad competition. - Study Camp
The selected 20 students spend two weeks at study camp to demonstrate their ability. Based on performance, four students are chosen to represent the United States at the International Chemistry Olympiad. - International Chemistry Olympiad
About 60 nations around the world send a team of four students to test their chemistry knowledge and skills for the annual International Chemistry Olympiad competition.
For more information contact event coordinator Dr. Tom Gill at College of Southern Nevada, thomas.gill@csn.edu.
Local competitions occur in the spring. These competitions select the best two students from each participating area high school. All first stage winners are invited to the local section awards meeting in May. The first stage is quickly followed by the national competition, last held at College of Southern Nevada. This second local competition includes written and laboratory exams.
