USNCO Competition Chemistry
The national olympiad rewards a very specific kind of thinking — fast, precise, and built from first principles. Most prep courses teach the test. This one teaches the chemistry.
About this course
USNCO is a different beast than AP Chemistry. The questions are harder, the time pressure is real, and the students who make it to Nationals have spent hundreds of hours developing the kind of chemical intuition that can't be crammed.
This course is built for systematic preparation — not shortcuts, but a structured approach to mastering the content areas and developing the problem-solving instincts that distinguish local qualifiers from national finalists.
What you'll cover
- 1Thermodynamics & kinetics at exam depth
- 2Electrochemistry, equilibrium, and acid-base systems
- 3Organic mechanisms and synthesis
- 4Lab practical skills and unknown identification
- 5Full-length local and national exam walkthroughs
Who this is for
Audience
High school students aiming for Nationals or IChO selection
Prerequisites
AP Chemistry or equivalent. Strong math background helpful.
Your instructor
Kevin Braza
PhD Candidate, UC Davis · CBRN AI Safety Scientist
Chemical engineering PhD candidate, Quantic MBA, former boarding school faculty, and CBRN AI safety scientist at Reinforce Labs. Previously UCSB B.S. Chemistry, Harvard/Amgen, and IB + AP classroom instructor. Teaches at the intersection of chemistry, AI, and systems thinking.
Frequently asked
When does the next cohort start?
Cohorts align with the USNCO exam cycle. Join the waitlist and I'll reach out when enrollment opens.
What if I'm aiming for Local Exam only?
The course is designed for Nationals, but Local Exam students are welcome — the foundation modules alone are worth it.
Is this 1-on-1 or group?
Small group cohort (≤12 students). Personal enough for real Q&A, structured enough to move fast.
$997
One-time · Lifetime access
Includes
- 5 core modules + exam archives
- Live weekly sessions
- Async video recordings
- Direct Q&A with Kevin
- Certificate of completion