NY Regents Exams – What's the deal?

So, I'm a high school junior in NY and I know I have some Regents exams coming up, but honestly, I'm a little lost about the whole process. Can anyone explain what they are and what I should be expecting?

Regents Examinations, simply known as Regents, are a set of mandatory tests in New York state that students must pass in order to graduate high school. The exams cover high school-level subjects like algebra, geometry, chemistry, biology, U.S. History, Global History, and English Language Arts, just to name a few.

These exams are administered throughout the school year, but most students take them in January, June, and August. The purpose of the tests is to ensure that students have a solid grasp of the core competencies associated with each subject.

As for what you can expect during the exam, each Regents test is approximately 3 hours long, and the type of questions varies depending on the subject. For example, you may find multiple choice and open ended questions requiring written responses, as well as problems or tasks requiring the use of graphs and diagrams.

Preparation for these exams is usually integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year, so regular review of class materials will be very helpful. Your teachers may also provide study guides or hold review sessions before the exams. Practice tests are a common form of preparation as well.

Remember, passing these exams is currently a requirement for graduation in New York state. The exact number of exams you need to pass and the required scores might vary depending on your school's requirements and diploma type. Make sure to check with your counselor or advisor as they can provide you with the most accurate and specific requirements.

Good luck with your preparations!