About our competition
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Format
Tests are provided to club proctors, who administer the one-day exam within a two-week testing window. The test includes three ten-minute rounds, each featuring two free-response problems, arranged by difficulty (from Regents-level to AP and beyond). Each test includes approximately four mechanics problems and two non-mechanics problems, typically topics from AP Physics 2.
Timeline
Our regular competition is held once a month from October through February. In March, we host a team round for all schools participating. The top-scoring individuals are invited to the finals round in April. The competition is open to all high school students, and there is no limit to the number of students who can participate from each school.
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Prizes
The top 10 New York competitors and the top 10 non-New York competitors will be invited to compete in an online finals round. In the New York resident bracket, the top three finishers will receive cash prizes of $75, $50, and $25. In the general bracket, the top three will earn prizes of $50 for first place and $25 for second and third place. Additionally, New York school teams will compete for a trophy, awarded to the top-performing team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries regarding the NYSPL competition. If your question isn’t covered, feel free to reach out to us directly at info@nyspl.org.
How much does registration cost?
Registration is totally free! As long as your waivers are signed and you have found a suitable proctor, anyone can compete.
Can I compete individually, or with a few friends? I don’t have a dedicated club at my school.
Yes, you may compete individually or without a team (though the team round will be especially hard)! As long as a student has a suitable proctor or competes with an online NYSPL proctor, you may compete.
Who can proctor NYSPL exams?
Any school official, such as a teacher, administrator, or staff member, can serve as a proctor for NYSPL competitions. NYSPL also offers the option of online proctoring. Please contact us at info@nyspl.org for more information.
What information is taken by NYSPL?
The only three pieces of information ever collected by the NYSPL team will be: the student’s full name, the school at which the student is attending, and their individual scores from all NYSPL rounds. Your personal data never be forwarded to any other third parties other than those directly involved in the logistics of NYSPL, for the purpose of running the event.
I’m not in high school yet. Am I able to compete?
Of course! NYSPL welcomes everyone to compete in the exams.
I don’t live in New York. Am I able to compete?
Every primary and secondary school student can compete in NYSPL. There is, however, a seperate prize pool for New York and non-New York residents.
I want to compete in the NYSPL, but I don’t want my name published on the leaderboard. What can I do?
That is perfectly fine. Make sure to email info@nyspl.org with your request, and we will publish your scores under an anonymous pseudonym. We assure you that your identity will remain private.
I want to join, but I missed a competition date (or two). What should I do?
Calculated scores for finals qualifications are only based on a student’s top four scores, so missing one competition is okay. However, if two competitions are missed, you may email info@nyspl.org to request a makeup exam. Makeup exams are a new set of questions that have the same topics as the missed test, but may be a bit more difficult.
I want to compete, but none of my teachers are willing to proctor. How do I compete?
We understand that it is often difficult to find available teachers to proctor exams. Online proctoring via Zoom from one of the NYSPL staff also works. To request online proctoring, email us at info@nyspl.org.