Physics Advanced Placement Information

Credit: Caltech Strategic Communications

The Physics 1a Advanced Placement Exam will be available in the summer before freshman year through Canvas. Placement out of Physics 1a is only available by successfully completing this test in the summer. We do not accept grades in courses at other institutions. No additional opportunities to write these tests will be available. No student is required to complete any of these exams. Based on the results of your Physics 1a Advanced Placement Exam and your background in physics, you may be invited to take the Physics 1b Advanced Placement Exam. Some students who have placed out of Physics 1b will be invited to take the Physics 1c Advanced Placement Exam. The Physics 1b and 1c Advanced Placement Exams are written in person once you have arrived at Caltech.

The Physics 1a Advanced Placement testing window opens on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 12:00pm PDT, and closes on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 12:00pm PDT. This test will be available through Canvas and instructions for accessing the placement web page will be emailed. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].