F=ma Exam prep
This intensive boot camp will prepare students to excel on the F=ma Exam. There will be short summary on important topics, but the class will center on hands-on problem solving, both as individuals and as a group. All students should have already learned the basics of Mechanics.
2025 Fall/Winter F=ma Exam Prep
Winter Camp Discount:
- 10% discount if paid by Dec 5
- If you bring a friend (for the same class), both students will receive a 10% additional discount (Email us after both students register and we will manually add the additional discount)
F=ma Exam Prep
Instructor: Bedir, Ph.D.
Time: 7PM- 9PM CST
Saturday & Tuesday*
Dates: Dec 20 – Jan 20
No class date: Jan 13
Saturday Jan 24 to Feb 7
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1
Fee: $949
F=ma Exam Prep
Instructor: Kuchina, Ph.D.
Sunday 4PM – 6PM CST
Dates: Sept 7 to Nov 30
No class Date: Nov 23
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1
Fee: $949
*Dates: Dec 20, 23, 27, 30, Jan 3, 6, 10, 17, 20, 24, 31, Feb 7 (Total 12 classes)
Weekly homework will be assigned. 12 classes (total 24 hours).
Dr. Bedir
Bedir, Ph.D.
Dr. Bedir holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, and his passion for Physics knows no bounds. He has dedicated his life to exploring the mysteries of the universe and pushing the boundaries of our understanding.
From winning multiple gold medals in National Physics Olympiads to winning an IPHO (International Physics Olympiad) award, Dr. Bedir’s love for this fascinating field has driven him to excel in every aspect of it. Currently as a Physics teacher at the Governor’s School for Science and Technology, Dr. Bedir is proud to have inspired and mentored many talented students.
Dr. Bedir uses engaging and interactive teaching methods in making the class interesting and enjoyable. He explains physics concepts in such a clear and concise manner to make complex topics easier for students to grasp. Many of his students got a 5 on their AP physics tests and some even won Gold Medals in IPHO (International Physics Olympiad), a testament to their hard work and dedication, and to Dr. Bedir’s commitment to providing the best possible education to his students. In addition to Physics, Dr. Bedir has been teaching Python to high school students in the last 10 years.
Dr. Kuchina
All instructional materials from the camp, including recorded sessions, will remain accessible for an additional three months following the conclusion of the camp. Zoom and Canvas platforms will be utilized for delivery and access to these resources.
Dr. Kuchina
Dr. Kuchina holds two Ph.D. degrees: one in Physical and Mathematical Science from Kazakh State University and another in Physics from Old Dominion University.
With a wealth of experience working at research facilities worldwide, Dr. Kuchina has been teaching for two decades. Currently, she leads the Physics Department at a local college and mentors gifted students at the Governor’s School for Science and Technology in advanced math, physics, and computer science. She has many years of experience teaching AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C, as well as coaching students for physics competitions such as the F=ma exam and the Physics Bowl.
Dr. Kuchina is passionate about teaching and inspiring students. She encourages them to become lifelong learners and creates opportunities for them to participate in competitions and scientific research projects. Many of her students have gone on to pursue physics majors at prestigious universities and work at renowned institutions like NASA and the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.
Recommended Books:
Primary Textbook: Physics, Volume 1 David, Resnick, Krane | ISBN:0471320579
Secondary Textbook: University Physics by Young 15th Edition | ISBN: 0135159555
Supplementary Book: Intro to Classical Mechanics by David Morin | ISBN: 0521185025
Additional books:
Problems and Solutions in Introductory Mechanics
ISBN-10: 1482086921
Physics: Principles with Applications
ISBN-10: 0136073026
Topics
| Class 1 | General Discussion, Motion in one Dimension |
| Class 2 | Motion in Two and Three Dimensions |
| Class 3 | Forces and Newton’s Laws |
| Class 4 | Rotational Kinematics |
| Class 5 | Rotational Dynamics |
| Class 6 | Equilibrium |
| Class 7 | Momentum |
| Class 8 | Work and Energy |
| Class 9 | Gravitation & Orbital Mechanics |
| Class 10 | Fluids |
| Class 11 | Oscillations |
| Class 12 | Data Analysis & Final Remarks |
Each year, about 6,000 students take the F=ma exam. Students are allowed 75 minutes to answer the exam’s 25 questions, which focus on algebra-based mechanics. Among them, roughly 400 will be invited to take the USA Physics Olympiad exam.
The USA Physics Team Exam is used as the basis for selection of the 20 members of the U.S. Physics Team. These students, from schools all over the United States, travel to the University of Maryland-College Park at the end of May for the annual U.S. Physics Team Training Camp. There they engage in ten days of intense studying, testing and problem solving.
At the end of that training camp, five students will be selected for the “Traveling Team.” The Traveling Team will return for three additional days of intense laboratory work before they are ready for the International Event.
F=ma EXAM INFORMATION
- TEST DATES: February 12, 2026
- Students must be either U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents of the United States (green card holders), or currently attending a U.S. school to participate in the F=ma exam.
- Students must be either U.S. citizens, or legal permanent residents of the United States (green card holders), to take the USAPhO exam.
USAPhO qualification scores
| Year | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 15.5 |
| 2013 | 12.25 |
| 2014 | 12.5 (Scantron) 11.25 (Webassign) |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 14 (A), 15 (B) |
| 2019 | 16 (A), 17 (B) |
| 2020 | 16 (A), 16 (B) |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 15 |