Frequently Asked Questions

Event Information

1. What is the Stevens Physics Olympiad?

The Stevens Physics Olympiad is a free physics competition for high school students that entails solving problems on an assortment of topics.

The goals of the Physics Olympiad are:

  • To promote and nurture passion for physics

  • To provide exposure to different areas of physics to students

2. When is the Stevens Physics Olympiad?

The inaugural Stevens Physics Olympiad took place on Saturday, June 15th, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Tech Flex Center at the University Center Complex on the campus of Stevens Institute of Technology campus in Hoboken, NJ.

3. How do I register?

Registration for the Stevens Physics Olympiad has reached capacity and is now closed. Please indicate your interest in the Stevens Physics Olympiad via this form.

4. What does registration include? 

Registration consists of completing the Physics Olympiad registration form, which includes signing the required consent release form. A separate registration form is required for each participant. 

The registration form is an online form through DocuSign. Registrants should have an active internet connection and enter contact information (email, mobile phone number) so that the Physics Olympiad planning committee can communicate event updates. 

All participants are required to register for the Physics Olympiad in advance of the event. Day of registration will not be accepted.  

 


Test Information

1. How is the test administered?

Registered participants are assigned a classroom and complete the exam on the Stevens campus in Hoboken, NJ.

2. When does testing begin and end?

Testing begins at 10:30 a.m. for participants. Participants have until 12:30 p.m. to complete the test; however, the amount of time it takes a participant to finish the test will vary.

3. What is the format of the test?

The exam will be closed book. Necessary equations will be provided with the problems. Calculators are allowed.

4. What types of questions are on the test?

The Physics Olympiad exam features between 10 and 20 problems. Possible topics include mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum, optics/wave, and astronomy. 

Additional preparation resources are available on our How to Prepare page.

5. Can I ask for help during the test?

Students are encouraged to work as independently as possible. Volunteers are available to guide the students' critical thinking and clarify challenging concepts. Volunteers cannot help a student solve a problem or provide a student an answer.

6. When and how will I receive my test results?

Results will be emailed to participants in a week or two following the event date.

Students, family members, teachers or administrators should not be overly concerned with what may appear, at first glance, to be a low score. Physics Olympiad problems are intended to be challenging. Solving even a handful of problems is a result to be proud of.