The whole program, in 3 minutes
Levels, modules, a typical week and how to start, for students and parents alike.
Transcript
Every word of the narration, by chapter.
0:00Welcome
In 2026, three of the four students on the U.S. team at the International Chemistry Olympiad were my students. All three won medals: two gold and one silver. I'm Dr. Chen, and I coach students for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad, from their first Local Exam to the international team. Whether you're a student or a parent, here's how my program works, and where to start.
0:24The USNCO path
The olympiad starts with the Local Exam each spring. Top scorers move on to the National Exam, where the best earn Honors and High Honors. The very best are invited to Study Camp, and four of them represent the United States at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
0:41Three levels
My program has three levels, and you choose by where you are now, not by your grade. Level 2 is for students with a year of solid chemistry, from a class or self-study. It builds a rock-solid foundation, aimed squarely at the Local Exam. Level 3 is for students who have finished AP with distinction. It goes well beyond AP, aiming for Honors on the National Exam. Level 4 is for students with a strong Local foundation, or a strong National Part I score. It works at National Part II depth and beyond, aiming for High Honors and Study Camp.
1:16The school year
Every level runs as three modules across the school year. Module 1, Structures and Properties, in the fall. Module 2, Chemical Principles, into the winter. Module 3 covers organic, lab and descriptive chemistry in the new year, and finishes with full mock exams right before the Local Exam. Each module is eight weeks long, and Modules 1 and 2 close with an exam my team and I write ourselves.
1:43Around the school year
Before the school year starts, a summer Orgo Intensive prepares Level 3 and 4 students for Module 3, and a one-week problem-solving intensive sharpens your understanding. And after Module 3, the National Exam Bootcamp carries you from the Local Exam to the National.
2:00A typical week
Inside each module, every week brings a live class with me on Zoom. A problem set on our own platform: that's where most of your learning happens. And a problem-solving session with my teaching staff, led by a 2026 IChO gold medalist, to work through what you got stuck on. Between classes, you also sit full mock exams on the same platform, with detailed analytics and explanations, so you always know exactly where you stand. And parents can follow attendance, homework and test scores in the parent dashboard.
2:34Live or recordings
You can join live, or learn from the recordings at your own pace and schedule, for less, but with the same full set of study materials. And if you miss a class or start partway through a module, you catch up from the recordings.
2:48Getting started
To get started, take the Find Your Level wizard and placement test at dcho.us for your own personalized study plan: your level, your modules, your exam milestones. For questions and office hours, message me by email, WeChat or Discord. I reply to every one. Every student on Team USA started with a Local Exam. Let's work together, and find out how far you can go.