Understanding the Regents Exam

Hey, guys! I've just been introduced to the term Regents Exam in a conversation about college. Might be a silly question... but, what is the Regents Exam exactly? And how important is it for college admissions?

The Regents Exam, formally referred to as the New York State Regents Examinations, is a set of standardized tests that high school students in New York State are required to pass for graduation. These exams cover various subjects such as algebra, living environment, U.S. history, etc., all of which align with the New York State high school curriculum.

Now, regarding college admissions, remember that admissions teams often review applications in the context of the opportunities available to a student. For example, a student who has done well on all of his/her Regents Examinations and has pushed themselves academically within the realm of their school/district's resources could be seen in a favorable light by admissions officers.

Yet, it's crucial to note that the exams themselves, while required for high school graduation in New York, are rarely a direct factor in college admissions decisions. Most colleges and universities, especially those outside of New York, won't specifically look for Regents Exam scores in your application. They put more weight on national standardized tests, like the SAT or ACT, your GPA, your college essays, letters of recommendation, and your extracurricular activities.

So, while doing well on your Regents Exams is essential for graduation in New York and demonstrates mastery of the material taught in your classes, it's equally important to consider other areas of your application that college admissions officers will be looking at closely.