About the Course

Fast-Paced High School Physics

This course covers material typically included in a year-long, algebra-based introductory course in high school physics, a usual prerequisite for advanced physics courses like AP® Physics 1, or IB Physics. The course is divided into two parts: mechanics; and electricity and magnetism. You and your classmates will explore elements of mechanics including kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Then you’ll move on to electricity and magnetism topics including electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. In labs, you’ll measure and analyze error; determine gravitational acceleration; and experiment with simple circuit analysis and the magnetic deflection of electrons. Lab time constitutes at least 20 hours.

Typical Class Size: 18-20
 

Course Overview

Summer Dates & Locations

Registration deadline:

Session One

Dickinson College
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
-
Residential cost: $6,599
Commuter cost: $5,799
Additional fees: $145
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, California
-
Residential cost: $6,819
Commuter cost: $5,999
Additional fees: $145

Session Two

Dickinson College
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
-
Residential cost: $6,599
Commuter cost: $5,799
Additional fees: $145
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, California
-
Residential cost: $6,819
Commuter cost: $5,999
Additional fees: $145

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level Advanced CTY-Level Not required
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

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Course Prerequisites

Fast-Paced High School Physics requires:

1 prerequisite

Algebra 2 (trigonometry recommended)

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $50 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $250 (outside US only)

Financial Aid

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for 2024 On-Campus Programs. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.

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Course Materials

Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
 

Course Extras (Lab fee info, etc): Lab fee: $145

Sample Reading

These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.

  • Physics: Principles and Problems, Paul N. Zitzewitz

Technical Requirements

Students must bring a laptop computer with at least Windows 10 or a recent version of Mac OS for use during the session. Students may be asked to install simulation software once onsite; detailed instructions will be provided.

About Science and Engineering at CTY

Explore space and our planet

In our Introduction to Astronomy course, we’ll visit a nearby observatory or planetarium, see what the cosmos looks like through various spectra, and immerse ourselves in the science and technology that bring the universe closer to home. In Marine Ecology, we’ll visit local wetlands and tidepools, observe flora and fauna, collect water samples and analyze them for clues about their health and humans’ impact. And in The Global Environment, we will explore the human impact on our environment and generate proposals for addressing climate change.

Bond over chemistry

Our chemistry courses help you see the world differently, starting at the atomic level. The Edible World gives budding chefs and science lovers a glimpse into the chemical reactions that happen when we make food, and the chemical makeup of meals and treats we eat every day. In our Crystals and Polymers course, we’ll synthesize slime, grow rock candy, and isolate strawberry DNA to learn about the molecular structure of naturally occurring gems and human-produced plastics. In Chemistry in Society, we'll consider how the chemicals in products can both enhance and degrade the world around us; produce biodiesel in a lab to understand alternative fuels; and prepare aspirin to learn about the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals.

Meet our instructors and staff