How to Apply to Physics at Knox College: A Three-Term Calendar and Small Classes, BA or BS, an Astronomy Minor and 3-2 Engineering Programs, for Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

Knox College (Galesburg, Illinois) is a small liberal arts college on a three-term calendar. Undergraduate physics is offered by the Department of Physics, and you apply to the College as a whole. Here is what you need to know, based on the College’s website, organised for US domestic applicants, international applicants and applicants from China, followed by transfer students. Mathematics, chemistry, computer science and other majors are not covered here beyond a passing mention where they overlap with physics.

1. Degrees and directions in physics

• Degrees and minors: the physics page lists a B.A., a B.S. and a minor in physics, plus a minor in astronomy. The website says the BS gives a more comprehensive undergraduate experience in physics. Every physics major also pursues a second area of specialization, either as a minor or a double major; common pairings are astronomy, chemistry, computer science and mathematics, and also business, creative writing, dance, environmental science or German.
• The BA (11 credits): core courses PHYS 110 (Mechanics), PHYS 130 or 130A (Electricity and Magnetism), PHYS 205 (Modern Physics) and PHYS 241 (Introduction to Research) or 245 (Observational Astronomy); two advanced physics electives (from PHYS 310, 312, 313 and 314); three further physics electives numbered above 200 (PHYS 248 and 348 do not count); MATH 205 (Calculus III); and one mathematics elective (MATH 185, 215, 230 or PHYS 300). With the chair’s permission, up to 2 credits of related study outside the department may count toward electives.
• The BS: all BA requirements plus the 4 additional credits the page mentions. The BS list on the requirements page shows five physics electives rather than three, one additional science elective (from BIOL 110, 120 or 130; CHEM 100A or 102A; ENVS 125 or 241) and one additional approved credit in mathematics or computer science (CS 141 or 142, any MATH course above 200, or another course with the chair’s permission).
• Minor (5 credits): PHYS 110, PHYS 130 or 130A, PHYS 205 and two further physics credits, at least one at the 300 level or above (PHYS 248 and 348 do not count).
• Astronomy minor (5 credits): PHYS 110 or 120; PHYS 205 or CHEM 102A; PHYS 161 (The Search for Extraterrestrial Life) or 167 (Astronomy); PHYS 245 (Observational Astronomy); and one of PHYS 316 (Stellar Astrophysics) or 317 (Extragalactic Astrophysics). The physics page says there is an observatory on the roof of the Umbeck Science and Mathematics Center, centred on a 17-inch PlaneWave CDK telescope.
• 3-2 engineering programs: the physics page says students can complete a bachelor’s degree (of arts or sciences) along with engineering degrees in five years. The engineering page says students spend three years at Knox and then go to a cooperating school; it lists Washington University in St. Louis (3-2 or 3-3), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (3-2), Columbia University (3-2) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (3-2), and says students may also choose virtually any other accredited engineering programme. The requirements page says PHYS 110, 120 and 130 are the minimum for the 3-2 programme, with PHYS 205 also recommended. The partner schools’ own admission conditions were not read; check the website and the partner schools. Knox itself does not offer an engineering major.
• Suggested courses for graduate study or a physics career (requirements page): PHYS 110, 120, 130, 205 and 241 or 245; PHYS 310, 312, 313, 314 and at least two seminar courses (345, 346, 347); MATH 205, 210 and 230; CS 141 (or 147) and 142; CHEM 100A and 102A. The physics page adds that students heading to graduate programmes in physics may take up to three Senior Seminars, year-long discussion-style classes on analytical mechanics, electrodynamics and quantum mechanics.
• Equipment: the physics page lists, in the Aladine Cummings Longden Physics Wing, a laser laboratory, a Mössbauer spectrometer, a SQUID susceptometer, an NQDR spectrometer (Quantum Design 5.5T MPMS) and an NMR spectrometer.

2. Admission route: apply to the College, choose a major after entry

• When applying: the pages read do not say whether you must name physics on the application or whether it is reviewed by major, and there is no separate admission line for physics. The Apply page says you will never be just a class rank, GPA or test score. This is not published in those pages; please confirm with the Office of Admissions (admissions@knox.edu).
• Declaring the major: the pages read do not say when to declare physics or what grade or capacity conditions apply; ask the Registrar (registrar@knox.edu) or the department.
• Moving in from another major: no separate condition is published in the pages read.
• Which school: the pages read do not say which school physics belongs to and publish no school-level admission line; Knox is a liberal arts college and you apply to the College as a whole.

3. Prerequisites and credit

• High school coursework: the Apply page says successful applicants will have completed at least 4 years of English, 3-4 of mathematics, 3-4 of science, 3-4 of social studies and 2-4 of a foreign language, and encourages honors, AP and IB courses where available. The physics pages read state no specific high school physics or calculus prerequisite and describe no physics or mathematics placement test; this is not published there, so check the catalogue or ask the department.
• Introductory physics (courses page): the introductory sequence is three terms covering mechanics (PHYS 110), heat, waves and light (PHYS 120) and electricity and magnetism (PHYS 130). The courses page says PHYS 110 and 120 are intended for both science and non-science majors, that calculus concepts and techniques are introduced and taught as needed, that no prior knowledge of calculus is necessary but proficiency with algebra and trigonometry is expected; PHYS 130 uses calculus; PHYS 130A is an algebra-based version without calculus, intended for students not planning to pursue physics, chemistry or related fields (the requirements page’s core lists “PHYS 130 or 130A”). Supplement courses PHYS 110S, 120S and 130S are reserved for students enrolled in the corresponding main course.
• Mathematics: majors take MATH 205 (Calculus III), and both degrees need one further mathematics course. The pages read do not state how MATH 145/146 relate to the physics courses as prerequisites, and describe no mathematics placement test.
• AP, IB and college courses: the Apply page says such credit is not required for admission but may be submitted for advanced course standing and/or credit on enrolment, with the rules in the course catalogue. The website only links PDF catalogues, which were not read, so the credit given for AP Physics (1, 2, C) or IB physics towards PHYS 110/120/130 is not stated in the pages read.
• Laboratories and research: PHYS 110, 120 and 130 each have one laboratory meeting a week; PHYS 241 is an introduction to research, and the physics page says students meet self-designed experiments in their sophomore research lab. The requirements page does not state a thesis requirement; it encourages graduate-school-bound students to take part in a research project.
• Honors: the experiences page says outstanding students may undertake College Honors in the senior year, an advanced research project presented and defended to a faculty committee that includes an outside examiner; the pages read do not give the conditions for entering it.
• Competitions: the website does not say how physics competitions (such as USAPhO) are viewed in admission.

4. Rounds, materials and testing

• Rounds (Apply page; no year shown, so check that the dates apply to fall 2027 entry): Early Action 1 apply by 1 November, decision by 15 December; Early Action 2 apply by 1 December, decision by 15 January; Regular Decision apply by 15 January, decision by 15 March; after 15 January applications are considered on a rolling basis as space allows; the enrolment reply date is 1 May for every round.
• How to apply and fee: the Knox College Application, the Common Application or the Coalition Application; the Apply page says that however you apply there is no application fee.
• First-year materials: the School Report and transcript from your counsellor; one teacher evaluation from an academic subject (English, mathematics, social studies, science or language; the page does not require a science teacher); a Mid Year Report with fall grades. Optional: test scores, arts portfolios and an interview with an admission counsellor (strongly recommended).
• Testing: ACT or SAT scores are optional for most applicants; home-schooled students and students from schools that do not give grades must submit them. Knox superscores. SAT code 1372, ACT code 1052.
• What the review looks at: course difficulty and type (with a preference for honors, AP and IB), consistently high grades, the quality of extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest as one factor among many. There is no minimum GPA; the middle 50% of admitted students have a high school GPA of 3.5-3.7, and the middle 50% of those who submit scores range 22-32 on the ACT and 1195-1368 on the SAT.

5. US domestic applicants: costs and aid

• Costs (2026-27): the cost page lists tuition of $61,998, room and board of $11,862 and fees of $897, a total of $74,757 for full-time undergraduates; the estimated cost of attendance, including books ($1,200), transportation, personal expenses and other items, is $78,217 for on-campus students, $74,668 off campus and $65,773 for commuters. The page shows one tuition rate, with no in-state and out-of-state difference. The rates for 2027-28 are not published in the pages read; check when released. Bills are sent three times a year.
• Academic scholarships: admitted first-year students are automatically considered with no separate application, and the website gives several figures: the Scholarships page says $46,000-$52,000 a year; the Apply page says up to $50,000 a year; and the cost page says up to $52K a year. Talent scholarships (creative writing, dance, music, theatre, visual arts; up to $4,000 a year) are awarded on auditions or portfolios; students from Colorado can apply for the $3,000-a-year Colorado Alumni Scholarship (based on the application and an interview with the Colorado Knox Club). The Scholarships page lists no scholarship specific to physics.
• Need-based aid: US citizens file the FAFSA (opens 1 October; 1 December is the priority date, 1 March the preferred date for offers before 1 May; offers begin on 1 February). The College says 100% of students receive aid. In the junior or senior year, students receive a $2,000 Power of Experience Grant for internships, study abroad, service, creative work or research.
• Illinois residents: Prairie Promise: for admitted first-year or transfer students from families with income of $100,000 or less who are Illinois residents (or members of a Native nation with historical ties to Illinois), 100% of tuition is covered by gift aid. There is also a MAP Grant page for Illinois students (not read).
• Home-state priority or guaranteed admission: not mentioned in the pages read.

6. International applicants

• Who applies as an international student: applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents and will need a visa. The website says more than 27% of students come from outside the United States, representing 56 countries. Apply with the Common Application, the Coalition Application or the Knox College Application; there is no application fee.
• English: the international applicants page says Knox has no ESL programme and lists as the only accepted tests, any one of: IELTS 6.5 overall; TOEFL iBT 80 overall (4.5 for tests taken after January 2026); Duolingo 115; scores are valid for two years. The test-scores page also lists the Global Test of English Communication (GTEC) at 1200. The two pages differ, so confirm with admissions.
• Exemptions: two consecutive years of full-time high school or university study in the US or a country where English is the only official language (from official transcripts); four years of secondary school at an American-accredited institution abroad with English as the medium; AP English Language and Composition 4 or higher; IB English Language and Literature 5 or higher; A/AS Level English C or above (predicted scores not accepted). The medium of instruction at a previous school does not by itself waive the requirement.
• Materials: an official secondary school transcript (self-reported transcripts are not accepted; the counsellor requests it through the Common Application or emails admission@knox.edu); one teacher evaluation from an academic subject; English proof; GCE, IGCSE or other national or external exam results; transcripts from any college attended; and financial documents: Knox is need-aware, so all applicants complete the Knox Affidavit of Support (the page links Winter 2027 and Fall 2027 versions) and submit a bank statement, issued within the last three months, from every party helping to sponsor the education. Some applicants may be asked for an international admissions interview; interviews are strongly recommended and virtual interviews from InitialView and Xtraview are accepted.
• International costs (2026-27): the international costs page estimates tuition $61,998, standard fees $897, books and supplies $1,200, on-campus living $11,862, transportation $500, extra housing during breaks $280, additional food $200, an international pre-orientation fee $200, an optional intensive English programme $1,800 and international insurance $750, a total the page prints as $79,687; additional fees to consider (English test, DS-160 $300, SEVIS $350, deposit $300, airfare $500-$2,000) are printed as $1,939-$3,585. The College suggests planning for annual increases of 4% to 6% and currency fluctuations. Financial aid is not reevaluated each year, so you apply only once.
• International scholarships: the transfer page says international students also get a $4,000 Campus Employment Award if eligible and if they work on campus. The pages read do not separately describe how first-year international applicants are considered for academic scholarships; see the collapsed “Financial Aid & Visa Information” section of the international page or ask admissions.

7. Applicants from China

• Gaokao: the pages read do not say whether the Gaokao is considered; this is not published there, so contact the admissions office (admission@knox.edu).
• Transcripts and school-leaving materials: no China-specific requirements are published in the pages read; the general international requirements are in section 6 (official transcripts, no self-reported transcripts, national or external exam results, affidavit of support and bank statements).
• English: applicants from China can use any of the options in section 6.
• Preparing for the physics courses: the website gives no note on how Chinese high school physics or mathematics courses correspond to Knox’s; ask admissions and the department.

8. Costs, scholarships and outcomes

• Costs: see sections 5 and 6.
• Department scholarships and research: the website lists no scholarship specific to physics. The experiences page says more than 90% of Knox students complete an independent research or creative project before graduating, that all physics faculty have ongoing research, and that students carry out independent investigations, design software and apparatus, acquire and interpret data, present results and even co-author peer-reviewed journal articles. Funding sources include the $2,000 Power of Experience grant available to every student, the Richter Memorial Scholars, Ford Foundation Research Fellows and Ronald E. McNair Fellows programmes, the Robert Mariner Research Award, the Donald Benedict Student Research Fund Award and departmentally supported independent studies. Off-campus programmes named for physics students include Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
• Outcomes: the physics page lists individual alumni (for example at the Universities Space Research Association, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the US Geological Survey, Boeing and Epic Systems, or in graduate study in physics and mathematics), grouped as advanced study, physics plus another field, and education, finance and medicine. The page prints no College-specific employment or graduate-school rate.

9. Transfer students

• Who counts: applicants who have graduated from high school and have completed at least a semester of coursework at a two-year or four-year college.
• How to apply and materials: the Common Application, the Coalition Application or the Knox College Application, with no application fee; transcripts from each college attended, sent directly; an optional college instructor evaluation (English, mathematics, social studies, science or language); a secondary school transcript for those with fewer than 15 college credits; an interview is strongly recommended. International transfer applicants also need English proof, the Affidavit of Support and bank statements. The pages read give dates only for the transfer scholarship: apply by 1 April for fall entry or 1 November for winter entry.
• Credit transfer: the transfer page says Knox courses are typically one credit each because of the 3-3 calendar; credits generally transfer at 0.3 credits per semester hour and 0.2 per quarter hour; 36 credits are needed to graduate; the maximum from a community college is 18 credits, and from other institutions no more than 19 credits overall; the Registrar reviews each record individually (see the transfer credit policy). The pages read do not give physics-specific transfer requirements (GPA, calculus or physics sequence).
• Transfer scholarships: academic transfer scholarships of $46,000-$50,000 a year (the transfer scholarships page says up to $50,000), based on academic achievement in liberal arts courses; Phi Theta Kappa members receive an additional $5,000 a year; transfer students can also apply for talent scholarships and receive federal work study. Illinois transfer students qualify for the Prairie Promise: the transfer page describes it as meeting 100% of demonstrated need for qualified Illinois families, while the Prairie Promise page says 100% of tuition is covered by gift aid. The wording differs, so confirm with admissions.

Checklist

US domestic applicants:

• EA1 1 November; EA2 1 December; Regular 15 January; no application fee; one academic-subject teacher recommendation; testing optional; reply date 1 May
• FAFSA (1 December priority); PHYS 110 does not assume prior calculus, and majors take MATH 205

International applicants (including China):

• TOEFL 80 (4.5 on the new scale), IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 115 (or an exemption); official transcript; one recommendation
• Affidavit of Support with bank statements from the last three months; whether the Gaokao is considered is not published

After entry:

• BA 11 credits with core PHYS 110, 130, 205 and 241 or 245; MATH 205; BS adds credits; a 3-2 engineering programme is an option

Transfer students:

• At least one semester of college work; 36 credits to graduate; at most 18 credits from a community college; transfer scholarship dates 1 April (fall) and 1 November (winter)

Sources: Knox College, Physics; Physics: requirements; Physics: courses; Physics: experiences and opportunities; Engineering and the 3-2 programs; Apply and dates; First-year applicants; International applicants; Transfer applicants; Test scores and English; Cost and financial aid; Costs for international students; Prairie Promise; Scholarships; Transfer scholarships. The dates on the Apply page show no year, so check that they apply to fall 2027 entry; see the College’s website for the latest.