Today was the test day for the 2025 National Astronomy Competition (NAC), the second round of the USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad. This marks the fourth time I’ve made it to the second round since 8th grade, and each year still feels like a milestone.
In the past few years—ever since the COVID-19 pandemic—the first and second rounds were administered online and proctored via video. But the rules changed this year: the NAC exam in 2025 required an in-person proctor, certified to oversee the test. That meant I had to drive to the K.W. Barrett Branch Library in Alexandria, VA, where a librarian served as the official proctor. Sitting in a quiet corner of the library, the experience felt more formal and perhaps more serious than in previous years.
As for the test itself, it was definitely a little tougher than I expected. Some of the problems really pushed me to think deeply and apply concepts in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Still, I gave it my best effort. Hopefully, I’ll perform better this year and take another step forward in this journey.
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