Chemistry Olympiad Award
Challenging and recognizing outstanding high school chemistry students through local and national competition.
Award Frequency:
Annual
Nomination Deadline:
March
About The Award
The selection process for the United States National Chemistry Olympiad begins at the local level. Each year, chemistry teachers throughout Central Ohio are invited to send interested students to participate in a local qualifying exam held in March.
The 60-question, 110-minute multiple-choice exam is provided by the national program and covers topics typically found in a college general chemistry course. Participation varies from year to year, historically averaging approximately 15 schools and 75 students.
Award Criteria
- Students must participate in the local qualifying exam to be considered for advancement.
- The highest-scoring students are invited to advance to the national Chemistry Olympiad exam.
- No more than two students per school may advance.
- National exam participants must be U.S. citizens.
- The number of students who may advance is based on the size of the Columbus Section.
- Scores are separated between first-year and second-year chemistry students.
History
More than 1,000 students participate in the national Chemistry Olympiad exam. From these students, 20 are selected to attend an intensive two-week study camp in June at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
The top four performing students from the camp go on to represent the United States at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), held each July at various locations around the world.
Nomination Information
Participation & Advancement
Local Participation
Each year, chemistry teachers throughout Central Ohio are invited to send interested students to participate in the local qualifying exam, which is held in March.
Advancing to the National Exam
The local exam is graded by the local coordinator, and the top eleven students are invited to participate in the national Chemistry Olympiad exam. No more than two students from each school may advance, and students participating in the national exam must be U.S. citizens.
Submission
Past Recipients
Top Scorer:
Ayden He, Dumblin Jerome HS
2nd Place Scorers:
Aurick Guo, Dublin Jerome HS
Harshvardhan Bhangale, Olentangy Berlin HS
Pranay Boddeda, Olentangy Berlin HS
Landen Liu, Columbus Academy
Arnav Mahajan, Olentangy Liberty HS
Lexington Perdue, Columbus Academy
Ben Whitehead, Olentangy Orange HS
Thomas Wu, Olentangy Liberty HS
