• Physics 98, Compass’ problem solving physics course, will help you develop your own “box of tools”: concepts, idea and methods for solving previously unseen problems.

    Physics 98, Compass’ problem solving physics course, will help you develop your own “box of tools”: concepts, idea and methods for solving previously unseen problems.

  • Graduate students involved in Compass are passionate about teaching and helping undergrads ease into the world of academia.

    Graduate students involved in Compass are passionate about teaching and helping undergrads ease into the world of academia.

  • Compass hosts many social events: game nights and movie nights, picnics and trips — things to help you relax, have fun, and show off your nerdy side.

    Compass hosts many social events: game nights and movie nights, picnics and trips — things to help you relax, have fun, and show off your nerdy side.

  • In Compass, students are encouraged to collaborate and work in teams. These collaborations grow into strong friendships.

    In Compass, students are encouraged to collaborate and work in teams. These collaborations grow into strong friendships.

  • Compass is not about rote memorization and lectures: it’s about working together, learning how to be a real scientist, and having lots of fun doing so.

    Compass is not about rote memorization and lectures: it’s about working together, learning how to be a real scientist, and having lots of fun doing so.

  • As part of Compass, you will visit and explore some of the coolest scientific landmarks, like the Lick Observatory and state-of-the-art research labs.

    As part of Compass, you will visit and explore some of the coolest scientific landmarks, like the Lick Observatory and state-of-the-art research labs.

  • Creating models is an essential component of scientific research: in Compass, we will learn how to model the real world in order to understand it.

    Creating models is an essential component of scientific research: in Compass, we will learn how to model the real world in order to understand it.

  • As part of the Compass Summer Program, we will go on hikes and trips that will help us build friendships and feel like a true community of scientists.

    As part of the Compass Summer Program, we will go on hikes and trips that will help us build friendships and feel like a true community of scientists.

  • Compass is all about doing real science and having lots of fun; and what can be more fun than a game of ultimate frisbee during the break between classes?

    Compass is all about doing real science and having lots of fun; and what can be more fun than a game of ultimate frisbee during the break between classes?

About Compass

Compass is an immersive and exciting program for students interested in physics, astronomy, and earth and planetary sciences. Its many components are designed to help its students transition to college life, meet great people (before classes even start!), learn skills that will help them with their classes, and provide a feeling of family in a large university.

My fellow Compass students are some of the best friends that I have on campus; I even feel closer to some of them than I feel to my own roommates.

—Harjit Singh,
Compass '09

The Compass classes and lab tours have given me a real view of the world of physical scientists... Compass has made me feel like I am already part of a strong community.

—Charles Mourad,
Compass '09

What We Do

Compass, which was founded in 2006, is made of many parts. Read our mission statement, and then read on to learn about:

If you are a grad student, you might also be interested to know how participating in Compass will benefit you.

Compass is also made of many great people. Find out more about the undergrads and grad students involved with Compass.

I was attracted to Compass because I wanted a way to meet other people who were as passionate as I was about physics... Compass has taught me that collaboration is key to surviving physics... We needed each others' insight and ideas to solve the really difficult problems.

—Gina Quan,
Compass '08

Testimonials

Hear students explain why compass is awesome!



Donate

With the help of our amazing donors, we have reached our 2011 fundraising goal!

Donations are still welcome through the Give to Cal secure website which you can access using the button below, or by check





From our Twitter feed