The 2024-2025 Spring NPAE Contest has concluded. The 2025-2026 Fall NPAE Contest registration is now open!

  • UNLEASH POTENTIAL

    Top universities seek students who can think independently, not just memorize formulas. NPAE gives competitors a world-class accomplishment that showcases both intellect and initiative.

  • OUR PROCESS

    We are trailblazers in education, going against outdated models of rote memorization and instead challenging students to think critically, apply knowledge creatively, and solve real-world problems.

"With acceptance rates of top universities reaching new lows every year, there has never been a greater need to differentiate yourself"

Win Incredible Prizes for a High School Competition

  • Academic Scholarships

    Top-placing finalists may be eligible for academic scholarships of up to $100.

    Additional prizes may be awarded as deemed by our panel of judges.

  • Exclusive Internship Opportunities

    Top finalists will have special access to be considered for internship opportunities with our partner organizations in STEM education and research.

  • Exclusive Access to NPAE Alumni Network

    Finalists gain lifetime access to the NPAE alumni network — a private community of high-achieving peers.

All Finalists

All participating finalists will receive free subscriptions to top-tier STEM learning platforms, such as: Brilliant.org, Wolfram Alpha Pro, Magoosh Test Prep, Chegg Study Pack, Skillshare Premium, etc.

All Students

All students will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Students who qualify for round 2 (semifinalists) and round 3 (finalists) will receive additional certificates accordingly.

Students in the top 20% of each round will receive a Certificate of Recognition.

Top-placing students at each round will receive medals.

Innovative Competition Structure

Round 1 consists of a 20-question multiple choice exam needing rigorous problem-solving ability. Round 2 consists of a mix of free-response and multiple choice questions.

Round 3 is a special real-world case study where participants will need to apply physics principles to the real world.

Register Now

No Barriers to Entry

We keep registration costs as low as possible. Rounds 1, 2, and 3 of examination are totally virtual, with AI-online proctoring for all rounds. All rounds are designed in such a way that only true problem-solvers advance — so there’s no advantage to cutting corners.

Register Now

Participation Stats:

  • 500+ Schools

  • 1000+ Students

  • 46 States

Past Participants Say:

  • David L. - Finalist

    "The application-style problems in the finals were incredible. It felt like solving real engineering challenges, and I actually mentioned it in my college application essays."

  • Rajesh K. - Semifinalist

    "I didn’t think I would make it past the first round, but the way the contest was structured gave me confidence. Even preparing for it helped me understand physics in a deeper way."

  • Michael T. - Parent

    "As a parent, I was impressed by how professional the competition was. It gave my son a chance to showcase his critical thinking skills in a way that regular classes simply don’t allow."

  • Dr. Melissa Y. - Researcher & Parent

    "Competitions like this are invaluable. They encourage students not only to study harder, but to apply concepts creatively—exactly the kind of thinking universities and future employers look for."

  • Jennifer H. - Parent

    "My son loved how NPAE rewarded smart guessing and problem-solving instead of rote memorization. He says it taught him how to take risks in a structured way."

  • Marcus D. - Participant

    "This was the first time I competed in a national-level contest. Even though I didn’t reach the finals, I learned so much while preparing."

  • Yuan-Qu Z. - Semifinalist

    "I’ve done other contests before, but the NPAE stood out because of how creative the problems were. They weren’t recycled textbook questions—they were unique."

  • Julian W. - Finalist

    "The case study in the finals was unlike anything I’ve ever done in school. Instead of just solving equations, I had to design a practical solution using physics concepts—it felt like being an engineer for a day."

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