What are Regents exams?

I came across the term 'Regents exams'. Can anyone explain what they are, who usually takes them, and how important they are on a college application? I'm from out of state and I never heard about them before.

Regents Examinations are a set of standardized tests that high school students in New York State are required to take in order to graduate. These exams cover a variety of subjects, including but not limited to Algebra, Geometry, US History, World History, Living Environment (Biology), Chemistry, and Physics.

Typically, students begin taking these exams in 9th grade and continue throughout their high school career. The goal is for students to pass exams in certain core subjects by the time they graduate. As a student, you can earn a "Regents diploma" by passing a set number of these exams with a certain score, which is seen as more advanced compared to the standard high school diploma.

As for their importance in college applications, they don't usually play a major role, especially for out-of-state colleges. This is because Regents Exams are unique to New York and out-of-state colleges may not be as familiar with them. That said, great scores can demonstrate mastery in the tested subjects, so if you did well, it wouldn't hurt to include your scores in your application, particularly if you're applying within New York State.

Also, it's worth noting that in lieu of AP courses, some students use these exams to demonstrate subject proficiency. However, keep in mind that when compared against Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses—recognized by colleges nationwide—Regents Exams might carry a little less weight. This doesn't mean they're not valuable, but you’ll want to supplement them with other rigorous coursework if you're applying to highly selective colleges, especially those outside of New York.