10 IvyMax Students Named 2025 USAPhO Qualifiers After Excelling in F=ma Exam
Table of Contents
From F=ma to USAPhO: Breaking into the Top 500
We are proud to announce that 10 IvyMax students have advanced to the 2025 United States Physics Olympiad (USAPhO)—placing them among the top 400 physics students nationwide. These students earned top scores on the F=ma Exam, a rigorous national competition administered by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).
What Is the F=ma Exam?
The F=ma Exam serves as the qualifying round for the USAPhO and ultimately the U.S. Physics Team. It consists of 25 multiple-choice questions focused on classical mechanics, assessing students’ conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and ability to apply physics principles to real-world situations.
Top 500 scorers on the F=ma exam are invited to take the USAPhO, which selects members for the U.S. Physics Team to represent the country in international competition.
2025 F=ma National Statistics
The following data is based on the official 2025 F=ma results published by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Participants (Scored) | 5848 |
| USAPhO Cutoff Score | 15 |
| Number of USAPhO Qualifiers | 518 |
| Median Score | 7 |
| Mean Score | 8.21 |
| Standard Deviation | 4.07 |
IvyMax 2025 Performance Overview
This year, IvyMax students once again exceeded national benchmarks in one of the most competitive physics contests for high schoolers in the U.S. Out of 25 participants coached by IvyMax, 10 qualified for USAPhO—achieving a 40% advancement rate, which is more than 4.5 times higher than the national average of 8.9%.
These results highlight the impact of strategic, high-level STEM training combined with our students’ passion, preparation, and persistence.
| IvyMax Students | National Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified for USAPhO | 10 | 518 |
| Total Participants | 25 | 5,848 |
| Advancement Rate | 40% | 8.9% |
Congratulations to Our 2025 USAPhO Qualifiers
We proudly recognize the achievements of the following IvyMax students who scored 15 or higher on the F=ma exam and qualified for the 2025 USAPhO. Their scores place them in the top percentiles nationally, and reflect not only their academic talent, but also their relentless commitment to mastering physics at a deep level.
| Initials | Score | Approx. National Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| E.H. | 18 | Top 3% |
| G.C. | 16 | Top 5% |
| K.L. | 18 | Top 3% |
| A.L. | 15 | Top 6% |
| N.Q. | 20 | Top 2% |
| H.Y. | 23 | Top 1% |
| TL.Z. | 20 | Top 2% |
| TV.Z. | 20 | Top 2% |
| M.W. | 17 | Top 4% |
| Z.C. | 15 | Top 6% |
Thinking About the F=ma Exam?
Performing well on the F=ma Exam and qualifying for the USAPhO takes more than just raw talent—it requires a solid academic foundation, particularly in math and physics. The best way to prepare for these high-level competitions is by first mastering key Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
✅ AP Courses Recommended for Physics Competitons:
AP Physics 1 – For introductory conceptual understanding
AP Physics C: Mechanics – Required for deeper classical mechanics
AP Calculus AB or BC – Essential for solving calculus-based problems
AP Chemistry – Supports interdisciplinary STEM thinking
AP Computer Science A – Strengthens logic, modeling, and algorithm skills
These courses not only build the skills needed to succeed in competitions like F=ma, but they also demonstrate academic rigor on college applications—especially for students aiming to enter STEM majors at top universities.
📅 Planning ahead? Check out IvyMax’s AP Course Summer Schedule:
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: IvyMax. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Interested in our program?
Complete the form below and we’ll quickly respond with detailed information, and answers to all your questions!
