Unlike previous years, we are organizing three rounds of proctored exams this year (with multiple choice and free response questions) to select the US team for the upcoming IOAA. These exams are held in February, April, and June respectively. We conduct free online training (lasting several months) with the selected students. USAAAO does not support any organizations that claim to prepare students for our exams in exchange for payment.
First Round
The First Round exam will be a ~75 minute long, ~30 multiple choice exam conducted over Gradescope and covering all parts of the IOAA Syllabus. Proctoring is conducted in-person during a specified time interval. Students are allowed a scientific calculator, as well as the provided table of constants. Additionally, there is a $30 registration fee, though we offer financial aid on a case by case basis. Depending on the scores of the First Round, students who place above a cutoff score (TBD) will be invited to take the National Astronomy Competition.
National Astronomy Competition
The NAC will be a ~2.5 hour long free response exam covering all parts of the IOAA Syllabus. Proctoring is conducted in-person during a specified time interval. Students are allowed a scientific calculator, as well as the provided table of constants. The top 15 students with US citizenship or permanent residency are invited to the online training program and take the Third Round Exam. Additionally, based on performance, solutions, and a variety of other factors, additional students may be invited to be a part of the online training program.
Online Training
After the selection is made, USAAAO organizes free weekly online training sessions. Through readings, assignments, homework, and discussions; the goal of the training is to prepare students for the IOAA. The coaching team consists of the past IOAA participants and professional astronomers and astrophysicists. All of our coaches are volunteers.
Third Round
The Third Round exam will be ~3 hour long free response exam conducted over Gradescope and covering all parts of the IOAA Syllabus. It will be held after ~4 weeks into the online training program and is intended to assess the consistent performance of the top students. Proctoring will be online during a specified time interval. Students are allowed a scientific calculator, as well as the provided table of constants. Final rankings will be determined using a weighted score composed of 40% of their NAC score and 60% of their Third Round exam score. The top 5 students will be invited to represent USA in the upcoming IOAA.
USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Team**
USAAAO will send 10 students whenever the IOAA host country permits, otherwise we will send 5 students. Since 2020, the transportation cost and the registration fees for IOAA have been funded by the generous donation of “The Masson Family Fund.”
Eligibility***
Note that you must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident to qualify for the team; however, you may still take exams if you are not eligible to be on the team.
USAAAO 