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USA Physics Olympiads
USA Physics Olympiads
Round 1: F=ma Examination
Round 1: F=ma Examination
Available to all high school students
Duration of 75 minutes, consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions on mechanics
The exam has two variants: F=ma A and F=ma B
Approximately 400 of the highest scorers (about the top 10%) progress to Round 2
Round 2: USAPhO Examination
Round 2: USAPhO Examination
Approximately 400 candidates from the F=ma exam participate in the USAPhO exam
Consists entirely of free-response questions requiring justification of answers
The 3-hour test is divided into two 90-minute segments
The top 10-12% of scorers are awarded gold medals, followed by silver for the next 14-16%, bronze for the next 19-21%, and honorable mentions for the next 24%-26%
20 students will progress to Round 3 based on their combined scores from the F=ma and USAPhO
Round 3: US Physics Team Training Camp
Round 3: US Physics Team Training Camp
Based on their combined performance in the F=ma and USAPhO exams, 20 students qualify for the Training Camp.
This ten-day camp is hosted at the University of Maryland.
It takes place towards the end of May.
From this group, five students will be chosen to represent Team USA at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).
These selected students will reconvene for an additional three-day session to prepare for the IPhO.
Round 4: IPhO
Round 4: IPhO
A nine-day international competition featuring teams from across the globe.
Team USA will journey to the host country for the contest.
The event includes a five-hour theoretical exam and a five-hour practical exam.
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