USA Physics Olympiad: A Complete Guide

The USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) serves as the gateway for American students to qualify for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). Each year, the top performers in the USAPhO are selected for further training and, ultimately, a chance to represent the United States on the global stage at the IPhO.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about one of the best high school physics competitions: from what it is and how it works, to the awards, the selection process, and strategies to win. You’ll also learn about past winners and how they’ve leveraged their success in this competition to achieve remarkable academic and professional accomplishments.

• What Is the USA Physics Olympiad?
• USA Physics Olympiad Awards & Prizes
• How to Qualify for the USA Physics Olympiad
• How to Get into the USA Physics Olympiad
• How to Win the USA Physics Olympiad
• USA Physics Olympiad Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the USA Physics Olympiad?

The USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) is the premier physics competition for high school students in the United States.

Organized annually by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), it identifies and trains the country’s most talented young physicists. Students who excel at USAPhO earn the chance to compete internationally at the International Physics Olympiad, where they go head-to-head with peers from more than 80 countries.

The competition is designed to test your knowledge of physics and your ability to apply concepts to challenging problems. You’ll encounter advanced material, often beyond the typical high school curriculum, and solve problems in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

To prepare, many students review USA Physics Olympiad past papers and practice with USA Physics Olympiad questions to understand the format and level of difficulty.

USA Physics Olympiad Awards & Prizes

Competing in the USAPhO brings recognition at multiple levels, reflecting both individual achievement and potential for international competition. Awards highlight not only the top scorers but also the effort of all participants who qualify.

Distinction for Commendable Performance

Students who advance to the USAPhO exam but do not place in the top medal categories may still receive a Distinction for Commendable Performance. This award recognizes problem-solving efforts and dedication that stand out, even if they fall short of medal-level.

It highlights persistence, analytical thinking, and a strong grasp of physics concepts—all qualities that colleges and academic programs value. For many students, this distinction becomes an important milestone in their STEM journey and a motivator for future competitions.

Bronze, silver, and gold medals

High-performing students on the USAPhO exam are awarded medals based on their scores. Bronze, silver, and gold medals distinguish levels of mastery, with gold being the highest honor. Earning a medal places you among the top physics students in the nation.

These awards carry prestige similar to recognition in math Olympiads and signal to universities—especially Ivy League and top engineering schools—that you have excelled in one of the country’s toughest academic competitions.

Training camp invitations

From the medalists, about 20 of the top-scoring students are invited to the U.S. Physics Team training camp, typically held at the University of Maryland. At camp, students undergo intensive training in both theoretical and experimental physics exams.

The program is led by professors, Olympiad alumni, and AAPT mentors who prepare participants for the International Physics Olympiad. Beyond academics, camp offers a collaborative community where students build friendships with peers who share their passion for science.

U.S. Physics Team

The culmination of the awards process is selection for the U.S. Physics Team. The top five students from the training camp are chosen to represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad, where they compete against students from different countries.

Team members consistently perform at a world-class level, often bringing home gold and silver medals from the international stage. This achievement not only brings personal recognition but also positions students as future leaders in STEM fields, with many alumni pursuing careers in academia, research, and technology innovation.

How to Qualify for the USA Physics Olympiad

Qualifying for the USAPhO is a multi-stage process, starting with the F=ma exam and culminating in the USAPhO exam. To succeed, you need to understand the requirements, prepare the right documents, and meet all deadlines. Here’s what you should know.

Eligibility

To qualify, students must meet certain requirements at each stage:

• F=ma Exam. Open to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or students enrolled in a U.S. school. Starting in 2025, all participants must also be physically located within the United States on exam day.
• USAPhO Exam. Advancement is limited to U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents, and the exam must be taken while inside the United States.
• U.S. Physics Team Training Camp. Students must meet International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) standards: be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents, under age 20 by June 30 of the competition year, and eligible to represent the U.S. abroad. Camp participants must also commit to attending the full 10-day program.

Required documents

To register, students usually need to provide basic academic and personal information through their school or the AAPT online portal. Schools may require proof of enrollment, grade level, and sometimes teacher recommendations to verify eligibility.

For those advancing to the training camp, additional documents such as transcripts, standardized test scores, or proof of citizenship/residency may be requested. Ensuring your paperwork is accurate and complete is critical, as missing documents can disqualify you from advancing.

Contest fees

For the qualifying round (F=ma), your school pays a registration fee of $75 ($37.50 for AAPT member schools) per school, plus $15 per student. You don’t need to list student names at registration—just the total number of test-takers. AAPT prefers that one person registers all students from your school to streamline processing.

After registration, the F=ma exam and a printable answer sheet are emailed to the designated teacher/proctor as PDFs. The proctor must be able to print the exam and answer sheets, administer the test, then scan and email the completed answer sheets to AAPT for scoring.

Registration deadline

Deadlines for registration usually fall in the late fall or early winter, with the F=ma exam scheduled for January. Schools are encouraged to finalize registrations at least a month before the exam date, though exact deadlines vary slightly from year to year.

For reference, the 2025 cycle followed the schedule below:

Missing the registration window means waiting until the following year, so students interested in competing should check the official AAPT Physics Team page early in the academic year. Planning ahead ensures you have time to coordinate with your teacher, prepare required documents, and pay any applicable fees.

How to Get into the USA Physics Olympiad

You need strong preparation and dedication. Unlike some high school competitions, this one tests advanced concepts that go beyond AP Physics. You’ll need to build a foundation in classical physics while also exploring advanced topics like relativity and quantum mechanics.

The journey begins with registration for the F=ma exam, the first qualifying test. This exam is administered by the AAPT, and high school students across the country can register through their schools or online. The F=ma test focuses mainly on mechanics and problem-solving skills.

• Registration usually opens in the fall through the AAPT website.
• Teachers or school administrators often help facilitate registration, but individual students can also participate if their schools don’t host the test.
• The exam is typically offered in January.

Selection process

After the F=ma exam, the top scorers (usually around 400 students) are invited to sit for the USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) exam. This is a free-response test, much more challenging than F=ma, and requires deep reasoning and step-by-step solutions.

From this stage, roughly 20 students are selected for the U.S. Physics Team training camp. At camp, students complete rigorous theoretical and experimental training before the final five members are chosen to compete internationally at the International Physics Olympiad.

How to Win the USA Physics Olympiad

Winning the USA Physics Olympiad demands strategy, consistency, and resilience. Students who excel often dedicate years to sharpening their skills, beginning their preparation well before high school.

Success comes from mastering content, practicing extensively, and building the mental toughness to perform under pressure. Below are strategies broken down into practical steps:

1. Master proof-writing and explanations.

The USAPhO exam rewards detailed, well-structured solutions. You’ll need to demonstrate not just the what but the why behind your reasoning. Writing clear proofs and step-by-step derivations shows that you understand the underlying concepts.

For example, when solving a mechanics problem, simply giving the final velocity isn’t enough; you should explain how you applied Newton’s laws, conservation principles, or vector decomposition. Practicing this skill by working through USA Physics Olympiad past papers helps you develop habits of clarity and precision.

2. Simulate exam conditions.

The Olympiad exams are lengthy and demanding, often requiring hours of focused problem-solving. To prepare, replicate those conditions at home: set aside uninterrupted 3–4 hour sessions to attempt USA Physics Olympiad questions under strict timing.

This builds stamina, reduces anxiety, and helps you manage time across different problem types. The goal isn’t just to get the right answer but to learn how to pace yourself across multiple difficult problems while staying calm and focused.

3. Join physics camps or math circles.

Many successful competitors credit their growth to specialized camps and communities. Programs like MIT PRIMES or physics-focused summer sessions offer rigorous training.

Math circles and regional Olympiad prep groups provide additional opportunities to collaborate with peers and mentors. Being part of these environments exposes you to diverse problem-solving methods, helps you receive feedback on your reasoning, and keeps you motivated by surrounding you with equally passionate students.

3. Balance depth and breadth.

Physics Olympiads cover a wide range of topics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, waves, optics, and modern physics. A strong competitor must study each area thoroughly.

At the same time, go deeper into the hardest sections where Olympiad examiners typically push boundaries, such as electromagnetism or thermodynamics. By combining breadth with selective depth, you’ll avoid being caught off guard by unfamiliar concepts while also having the confidence to tackle the toughest problems.

4. Build resilience.

Even the best students rarely solve every Olympiad problem perfectly. Resilience is crucial when facing setbacks. Instead of panicking, learn to maximize partial credit by showing clear reasoning, outlining attempted approaches, and stating any useful equations or principles.

Developing a growth mindset—viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than failures—helps you bounce back during the test and in long-term preparation. Practicing regularly with feedback from teachers or peers strengthens this skill.

USA Physics Olympiad Previous Winners

The USA Physics Olympiad has produced many notable alumni who went on to succeed in STEM fields. Let’s highlight a few examples of previous winners who inspire current participants.

1. Feodor Yevtushenko

Feodor Yevtushenko is one of the standout U.S. performers at the International Physics Olympiad. He secured Gold medals in both 2023 and 2025, reflecting exceptional consistency and mastery of advanced physics at the global level.

In 2025, he was part of the U.S. team that earned five Gold medals—a historic sweep at the IPhO in Paris. His achievements exemplify the elite problem-solving, depth of understanding, and resilience cultivated through rigorous Olympiad preparation.

2. Evan Erickson

Evan Erickson stands out as a rare two-time IPhO Gold medalist, having achieved this distinction during his high school years. He excelled academically while being homeschooled in Minnesota and went on to coach as the Junior Coach for the U.S. Physics Team in 2025.

His journey from competitor to mentor illustrates both personal expertise and the capacity to support others—qualities that epitomize leadership in the physics community.

3. Calvin Lin Huang

Calvin Lin Huang earned two IPhO Gold medals in consecutive years—2013 and 2014—a rare and notable feat. His back-to-back success demonstrates exceptional breadth and endurance in solving challenging theoretical and experimental problems. His legacy underscores what persistent practice and deep conceptual understanding can yield in high-level physics competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many students compete in the USA Physics Olympiad each year?

Each year, over 4,000 students take the F=ma exam, with about 400 advancing to the USAPhO stage.

2. Is the USA Physics Olympiad harder than AP Physics exams?

Yes. The Olympiad involves much more advanced problem-solving, requiring a deep understanding of concepts often not covered in AP Physics.

3. Do colleges value participation in the USA Physics Olympiad?

Absolutely. Being a participant or medalist demonstrates exceptional academic ability, persistence, and intellectual curiosity.

Takeaways

• The USA Physics Olympiad is the premier physics competition for high school students in the U.S.
• Awards range from certificates to international representation, offering recognition and opportunities.
• Qualifying involves the F=ma exam, the USAPhO, and possible selection for the U.S. Physics Team.
• Preparation requires mastery of advanced physics, consistent practice, and problem-solving resilience.
• Interested in boosting your chances of excelling in STEM competitions? Explore our Science Research Program, designed to help high school students like you enhance academic and research profiles.