Frequently Asked Questions

Tang Academy offers five core programs: AP Physics 1; AP Calculus BC; F=ma preparation / AP Physics C: Mechanics; AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism; and USAPhO Second-Round Preparation. Visit Our Classes for current offerings and schedules.

Most students begin Tang Academy's AP Physics 1 program in 8th or 9th grade, although some start in 7th grade. The most important consideration is academic readiness, particularly completion of Geometry and Algebra II, rather than grade level alone.

No prior physics course is required. Many Tang Academy students begin with no formal physics background beyond the physical science topics introduced in middle-school science classes. Students do need a solid foundation in Geometry and Algebra II.

Absolutely. Tang Academy welcomes students who want a strong physics education, whether or not they plan to compete. Dr. Tang emphasizes analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving—skills that also support success in other academic subjects. Students often return to their school physics courses with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of the material.

Tang Academy focuses on deep conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, clear written solutions, and independent problem-solving. These habits begin in AP Physics 1 and are developed further in advanced courses. The goal is lasting mastery, not simply memorizing formulas or preparing for a single examination.

No. Tang Academy offers structured group programs rather than individual private tutoring.

Students must have completed Geometry and Algebra II. Prior physics coursework is not required. Motivated students with this preparation are encouraged to apply, even if they are younger than the typical high-school AP student.

A common pathway is AP Physics 1 → AP Calculus BC → F=ma preparation / AP Physics C: Mechanics → AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism → USAPhO Second-Round Preparation. This is a recommended progression for students pursuing advanced physics and Olympiad training, not a requirement for students whose goals are limited to individual AP courses.

Students who pursue all five programs typically spend about two to three years developing their physics and mathematics foundation. This is one reason 8th or 9th grade can be a good starting point for students interested in advanced competition preparation. Individual timelines vary.

Students qualify by either completing Precalculus or completing Algebra II plus AP Physics 1 at Tang Academy.

Dr. Tang’s AP Calculus AB/BC course covers the AP Calculus AB and BC curricula while going beyond standard AP-level instruction. Important mathematical theorems are proved, formulas and procedures are derived, and fundamental concepts are explained in depth so students understand why methods work, rather than simply memorizing formulas and procedures.

Based on our teaching experience, students who learn calculus exclusively through school courses, independent study, or other online programs may develop gaps in their mathematical understanding and practical applications. These gaps can become particularly apparent when students encounter more advanced applications such as those in Physics.

Students normally need AP Physics 1 at Tang Academy plus AP Calculus BC. Students who did not take calculus with Tang Academy may qualify by passing its calculus assessment. Contact Tang Academy to discuss readiness and admission.

In most cases, Dr. Tang recommends taking Tang Academy's AP Physics 1 first, even if a student previously completed AP Physics 1 elsewhere. Tang Academy's algebra-based AP Physics 1 covers mechanics in considerable depth and establishes the methods of reasoning, problem-solving, free-response writing, and diagramming used throughout the advanced program. Prior coursework is considered individually, but skipping this foundation is generally not recommended.

Tang Academy's AP Physics 1 builds a rigorous foundation in mechanics using algebra-based methods. Students then add calculus and move into the F=ma preparation / AP Physics C: Mechanics program, which extends that foundation to more advanced mechanics and competition-level problem-solving.

Students should have completed either AP Physics 1 plus AP Calculus BC or AP Physics C: Mechanics.

There are two main written examination stages: the first-round F=ma exam and the second-round USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) exam. Students who perform exceptionally well may then be selected for the U.S. Physics Team training camp, where a smaller team is chosen to represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad. The exams and selection process are organized by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

The F=ma exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes and focuses on mechanics: kinematics, statics, Newton’s laws, momentum and energy, rotational dynamics, oscillations, orbital mechanics, fluids, dimensional analysis, and elementary data analysis. Problems can be solved without calculus, although calculus may sometimes offer a shorter solution.

The USAPhO exam is a three-hour, written free-response examination, typically administered in two 90-minute parts. It covers introductory physics broadly, including mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, relativity, nuclear, atomic and particle physics, waves, optics, and data analysis. Students must explain and justify their solutions, and calculus may be required.

Students qualify through their performance on the first-round F=ma exam. AAPT typically invites approximately 400 high-scoring students to take the USAPhO. Competition eligibility and registration requirements are determined by AAPT and can differ between the two examinations. Families should check the official AAPT student information for current rules.

There is no fixed qualifying score. The F=ma exam has 25 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 75 minutes. Each year, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) determines the cutoff based on exam results. A student qualifies for USAPhO by meeting or exceeding that year's cutoff.

For reference, here are the historical F=ma qualifying scores from 2012 through 2026:

Important: These are historical cutoffs, not guaranteed scores for future years. Some years had two exam versions (A and B). In 2014, Scantron and WebAssign had different published cutoffs due to a scoring issue. Fractional scores reflect earlier scoring rules.

Sources: AAPT 2026 results · AAPT 2025 results · AAPT 2014 cutoff explanation. For current competition requirements, consult the official AAPT student information.

Tang Academy offers two dedicated competition preparation programs: (1) F=ma preparation / AP Physics C: Mechanics for the first-round exam, and (2) USAPhO Second-Round Preparation for the broader second-round examination. Both build upon the physics and mathematics foundation developed in the earlier Tang Academy courses.

Students are normally expected to complete Tang Academy's AP Physics 1 and AP Calculus BC before enrolling. Students with calculus coursework from elsewhere may be considered after passing Tang Academy's calculus assessment. This course also serves as Tang Academy's preparation for AP Physics C: Mechanics, so a strong foundation in both mechanics and calculus is important.

For the full USAPhO second-round preparation program, the standard recommended preparation includes AP Calculus BC, F=ma preparation / AP Physics C: Mechanics, and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism. Students with Tang Academy's AP Physics 1 plus AP Calculus BC may be considered for selected sessions on topics such as thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics, subject to approval. Please contact Tang Academy to confirm the appropriate placement.

Complete the online application form, which is used for all programs. Tang Academy reviews each student's academic background and contacts the family with eligibility information and next steps.

Possibly, depending on the course, remaining sessions, and the student's preparation. Please contact Tang Academy to ask about current openings or future offerings.

Families are responsible for arranging official registration for AP examinations and physics competitions through the appropriate school, testing center, or organizer. Tang Academy provides preparation, but enrollment in a course does not automatically register a student for an official examination.