Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College deadline.
In-person Program
May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages
A physics summer course built around forces, simple mathematical models and conceptual problem solving, with applications from projectile motion to atomic structure.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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May The Force Be at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; basic high school algebra
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$5,786; $4,482
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Space & physicsMathematics
Language: English
Accommodation: Single, double or triple residence hall rooms
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Instructor: Santanu Banerjee
Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. ET
Independent work: At least 2-3 hours daily
May The Force Be summary
Brown's introductory course treats force as the organizing idea behind physics, helping students connect topics that can otherwise seem unrelated.
Students move from equilibrium and projectile motion to oscillations and inverse-square forces, using simple mathematical models and conceptual reasoning.
It suits learners who want to understand why physics models work and build foundations for more demanding study.
What is May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages?
May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages is a Brown University Pre-College course that introduces Newtonian physics through the properties of forces. Its central idea is that a small set of force models can explain seemingly different physical phenomena.
Students study on Brown's campus through Summer@Brown, combining instructor-led learning with independent work and campus activities. The academic emphasis is on conceptual formulation, simple mathematical modeling and recognizing patterns, with a brief historical perspective from Aristotle to Newton.
Why Succeed highlights May The Force Be
A single organizing idea connects mechanics, oscillations and inverse-square interactions, giving the curriculum a clear intellectual progression.
The emphasis on conceptual reasoning helps students move beyond memorizing equations.
Simple mathematical models provide foundations students can reuse in more advanced physics courses.
Successful completion brings a digital certificate and an instructor-written Course Performance Report.
Who is May The Force Be for?
Best for
Curious students who enjoy asking why physical models work and want to connect mathematical patterns across different applications.
Not ideal if
You mainly want advanced calculation practice or college credit, or would prefer a tightly supervised daily routine.
Is May The Force Be worth it?
The strongest reason to choose this course is its coherent approach to understanding physics: students learn how a few force models explain many applications. It offers useful foundations for later study while giving students practice managing college-style academic work.
Its value depends on whether conceptual exploration and the campus experience justify the family's total spending. The course is introductory and non-credit, and Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$5,786; $4,482; includes Residential fees include the course, housing and three meals daily., Commuter fees include the course and one campus meal daily., Both options include fitness, athletic and aquatics facilities., Program activities and excursions are included., Successful completion earns a digital certificate., The two-week course includes a Course Performance Report..
Accommodation
Single, double or triple residence hall rooms
Meals
Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does May The Force Be need?
Effort level
Substantial daily commitment.
Best started
Begin application preparation four to six weeks before a future admissions deadline, and allow several months before the session for international visa planning.
Main challenge
Managing independent study alongside the freedom of campus life.
Typical preparation
Refresh basic algebra and practice explaining how an equation represents a physical relationship.
Gather current and previous academic-year grades and draft the 250-500-word application essay.
Discuss housing, travel, health forms and a family communication plan before arrival.
Useful if
You want conceptual foundations for more demanding physics study.
What do students do on May The Force Be?
You build an understanding of physics by progressing through increasingly complex force models. Each model connects mathematical patterns to physical applications, with conceptual reasoning guiding the problem-solving approach.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Develop a conceptual foundation of force and Newtonian physics.
- 2
Use the no-force model to understand equilibrium.
- 3
Study constant force through kinematics, free fall and projectile motion.
- 4
Explore linear restoring forces through springs, pendulums and molecular vibrations.
- 5
Connect inverse-square forces with gravity, electricity, magnetism and atomic structure.
- 6
Consider why these models are useful and how physics developed historically.
May The Force Be dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
29 June-10 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College admissions.
Course enrollment
20 January 2026
Separate enrollment follows admission and the deposit.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
Decisions are communicated through the student portal.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 29 June-10 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Course enrollment | 20 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students completing grades 9-12.
Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026.
Basic high school algebra is required.
Prior physics study is unnecessary.
Strong English proficiency is required.
Applicable international applicants must submit TOEFL iBT or Duolingo results.
Participants must meet Brown's in-person immunization requirements.
How much does May The Force Be cost?
Residential program fee
$5,786 — One two-week course with housing and meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $4,482 — One two-week course with one daily meal.
- Course supplement: $150 — Additional charge for this physics course.
- Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Nonrefundable deposit required before course enrollment.
- Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and uninsured U.S. students.
- Sibley Scholarship: Need-based assistance — Eligible admitted students apply separately; awards support one course.
What's included
Residential fees include the course, housing and three meals daily., Commuter fees include the course and one campus meal daily., Both options include fitness, athletic and aquatics facilities., Program activities and excursions are included., Successful completion earns a digital certificate., The two-week course includes a Course Performance Report.
How to apply to May The Force Be
- 1
Create one applicant account through Brown's official admissions page and student portal.
- 2
Complete the application form and write an original 250-500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English and any required language-test results.
- 4
Pay the $80 application fee or request an eligible fee waiver.
- 5
Monitor the portal and respond to requests for additional materials.
- 6
After admission, review the course before paying the $500 nonrefundable deposit.
- 7
Enroll separately in the course through the student portal and complete the required health and enrollment forms.
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What does May The Force Be cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Equilibrium
Use the simplest model, no force, to understand equilibrium.
Constant force and motion
Connect constant force with kinematics, free fall and projectile motion.
Restoring forces
Explore linear restoring forces through springs, pendulums and molecular vibrations.
Inverse-square forces
Study connections with gravity, electricity, magnetism and atomic structure.
Models and historical perspectives
Consider why simple models work and trace physics from Aristotle to Newton.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on May The Force Be?
A typical day during the program.
Physics class
Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. ET, for each scheduled class.
Independent study
Complete at least two to three hours of homework at times you manage.
Residential check in
Check in face to face at 10 p.m. ET and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on May The Force Be?
Santanu Banerjee is the listed instructor for the physics section. Summer@Brown students can use instructor office hours to discuss course content, ask questions and seek help with assignments.
Where do students stay on May The Force Be?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms include furniture, wireless internet and air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in all-you-care-to-eat campus dining halls.
- Residential support: Trained staff and Resident Assistants provide support, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
- Campus facilities and activities: Fees include program activities, excursions and fitness, athletic and aquatics facilities.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter study spaces: Commuters can use libraries, campus public spaces, activities and fitness facilities without overnight housing.
- One daily meal: One dining-hall meal per day is included, and additional meals can be purchased.
- Local commuter transport: A Brown ID provides free RIPTA transportation during the course.
Roommate requests are not honored; residential students should bring their own bedding and towels.
What happens after May The Force Be?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Build foundations for more advanced physics courses.
Develop reusable mathematical modeling and conceptual problem-solving methods.
Receive a digital CeCertificate of Completion after successful completion.
Receive an instructor-written Course Performance Report.
Practice independent study and time management for college-style learning.
The course carries no college credit, and Brown Pre-College is not an undergraduate admissions prospecting program.
Where does May The Force Be take place?
The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Families coordinate travel to and from campus; program check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green on the Sunday before classes, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET.
May The Force Be FAQs
No. Basic high school algebra is required, but prior physics study is unnecessary. Any simple geometry needed is introduced during the course.
The course connects equilibrium, projectile motion, springs, pendulums, molecular vibrations, gravity, electricity, magnetism and atomic structure through simple force models. It also briefly considers physics history from Aristotle to Newton.
No. Summer@Brown emphasizes college-level learning without formal grades or college credit.
Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion. This two-week course also qualifies for an instructor-written Course Performance Report.
Yes. The commuter option includes one campus meal per day, campus activities and fitness facilities. Commuters receive no overnight housing and can use RIPTA transportation with their Brown ID.
Roommate requests are not honored. Students are assigned single, double or triple rooms; roommates are usually within one year of age.
Summer@Brown students are expected to complete at least two to three hours of homework daily, alongside weekday classes. Students manage when to complete that work around campus activities.
Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions. Completing the course can demonstrate subject interest, but participation should be evaluated for its learning value.
Alternatives to May The Force Be
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Alternatives to May The Force Be
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Best for
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Sibley Scholarships | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Visa and Immigration Related Procedures: Frequently Asked Questions
- 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
- May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages - Pre-College Course Catalog"
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Official course page checked
Prerequisites and eligibility reviewed
Residential and commuter fees checked
Class timing and workload reviewed
Completion credentials checked
Admissions dates cross-checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages
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