Regents Exams Info

So, I've heard a bit about this thing called the 'Regents exam'. I'm not exactly sure what it is or if I should be concerned about it. Can someone help me out? What is the Regents exam and is it necessary for everyone?

The Regents Examinations, often referred to as just "Regents", are standardized tests that high school students in New York State have to take in order to earn a Regents diploma. The tests cover various subjects such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, and they are primarily used to assess whether students have mastered the skills and information outlined in New York State Learning Standards.

A passing score on required Regents exams is one of the graduation requirements for obtaining a high school diploma in New York State. There are two types of diplomas: a regular high school diploma and a Regents diploma. To get a Regents diploma, you have to pass five Regents exams with a score of 65 or higher.

There's also an "Advanced Designation" Regents diploma for students who pass additional Regents exams. The criteria for this higher designation include passing eight Regents exams, which must include two Science exams, a foreign language exam, and at least one Math exam at the CCLS Algebra II level or higher.

If you plan on attending college in the future, it's important to know that in-state colleges may put some emphasis on your Regents exams scores in their admission considerations. This is especially true for more selective institutions that want to see rigorous coursework, which the Regents exams can indicate.

However, if you’re not a New York State student, you won’t have to worry about Regents exams, as they’re specific to this state. While other states may have their own standardized tests, it’s best to check with your school counselor to understand what your state's requirements are for graduation. So, while the Regents exam might be a vital part of some students' academic journey, it's not necessary for everyone.