New York State Regents - What to know?

Hi! I'm a junior from NY and I'll be taking the NYS Regents examinations pretty soon. Could anyone here shed some light on them - how hard they are, how to study, and the overall importance of the scores?

The New York State Regents Examinations or simply "the Regents" are a series of standardized tests that students in New York must pass to earn a Regents Diploma, a variant of a high school diploma. The exams cover a range of subjects from English and mathematics to science and social studies.

The difficulty of these tests largely depends on your proficiency in the subject area, the preparation you've done, and your test-taking skills. However, they are usually considered manageable with proper study techniques. Many students find that the material covered in the Regents aligns closely with what has been taught in class throughout the year. So, attending classes regularly, taking diligent notes, and staying on top of homework assignments is often a good foundation for preparing.

For studying, it may help to first review the exam materials available on the NYSED Regents website, which include past exam papers and answer keys. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the test format and question styles. Doing timed practice tests can also be instrumental in improving your speed and efficiency.

Apart from regular class-content review, focusing on your weak areas and doing targeted practice can be beneficial too. Consider getting a tutor or attending review classes if you're struggling with certain topics. Forming a study group with classmates might be another effective strategy to clarify doubts and share study resources.

Regarding the importance of Regents scores, they play a key role in high school graduation requirements in New York. To earn a Regents Diploma, you must achieve a grade of 65 or above in at least five Regents exams. These must include comprehensive English, any mathematics, global history, U.S. history, and any science. For an Advanced Regents Diploma, more exams are required.

While Regents scores are pivotal for high school graduation, they generally don't carry much weight in the college admission process, especially for selective institutions outside of New York. Colleges are more concerned with your overall high school GPA, the rigor of your coursework, standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT (unless applying to test-optional institutions), your essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvements. However, strong performance on Regents exams can indirectly indicate your readiness for college-level work and can contribute to a strong academic profile. Good luck on your exams!