Regarding LE Regents: What's It All About?

So I keep hearing about these 'LE Regents' exams from my friends in other states. Could someone please explain what they are? Are they something I'd need to take as a high school student?

The term "LE Regents" likely refers to the Regents Examinations administered within New York State. These are subject-specific standardized tests taken during high school, required by the New York State Department of Education. The "LE" prefix stands for Living Environment, one of the subjects for which a Regents exam exists.

Students in New York state typically take these exams upon completion of a standard high school course in the subject area. For instance, someone might take the Living Environment Regents after finishing a biology course. The exams assess the student's understanding and knowledge of the material.

The set of mandatory Regents exams to graduate high school varies depending on the type of diploma a student is pursuing (Regents diploma vs. Advanced Regents diploma). For the standard Regents diploma, students must pass at least five Regents exams: one in English, one in math, one in science, and two in social studies. For the Advanced Regents diploma, students need to pass eight or nine exams, depending on the languages they're studying.

Living Environment (LE) Regents exam falls in the science category and primarily covers topics in biology, such as genetics, evolution, and ecology.

However, if you are not studying in New York, you most likely would not need to take these exams. Other states have their own sets of requirements for graduation, and college-bound students outside New York State should not need Regents exams. You should check in with your guidance counselor to clarify your state or school's graduation requirements. Rest assured though, the majority of colleges look at your overall academic profile, including your GPA, course rigor, standardized test scores (if required), among others, not just state-based exams.